The Benefits of Employing a Governess
A governess, as we’ve mentioned before, is someone employed within a private household to teach the family’s children. The role is not to be confused with that of a nanny – a governess focusses on education, rather than caring for the development of young children. The male equivalent is known as a governor.
Many who have hired a governess speak of it as being one of the best decisions they have made for their family, particularly amongst UHNW (Ultra-High Net Worth) individuals with their diverse, often global, responsibilities.
As with many household roles, there are many duties a governess (or governor) will perform which tend to vary from family to family. The benefits of employing such a member of household staff will likewise depend upon the individual role, but there are a number of common advantages. These include:
Bespoke, individualised care
All children are different, and their individual needs in terms of academic educational, emotional and physical development can be catered for by a governess focussed solely on their care. Should your child require extra attention in a certain area of learning, or take an exceptional interest in art or music, for example, this can be taken into account.
Tailored education
A governess will be properly certified to teach children, will likely have classroom and/or private tutoring experience and skills. As well as teaching the children, a governess forms an excellent bridge between you, the children’s schoolteachers and the children themselves. A properly tailored education plan can greatly reinforce and enhance the child’s learning.
As well as providing a classroom-style structure at home, a governess can lead the children into a wider breadth of education, in the community and at places of special interest. For example they might organise trips to libraries, museums, educational and recreational centres, parks or nature reserves.
Etiquette
Children in this modern world are exposed to a vast deluge of digital information, not all of it suitable for their tender growing minds. Technology, and social media in particular, can affect the moral standing of a young child and ought to be carefully monitored. Not only can a governess help with this, but can encourage them in adopting the proper etiquette for your culture, country and social group.
Learning politeness, respect and the proper way to address and respond to adults and other children from all walks of life is priceless. A governess can help to shape your children’s character, nurturing their development and ensuring they grow into well-rounded individuals.
Safety & discretion
Entrusting an employee with a good deal of your children’s care and education is, of course, a serious concern. By employing a professional governess you can be assured of safety, confidentiality, discretion and trust.
Choosing the right governess
Getting exactly the right governess or governor for your children is obviously extremely important. You’ll naturally look for relevant experience and qualifications in education, as well as in any particular interests or areas of excellence, or those that require extra attention or special care.
You might ask a prospective governess how they have handled difficult or sensitive situations in the past, how they go about setting boundaries and discipline, and how they best care for and nurture children under their care. Assess how they will fit in with your family’s lifestyle (for example, if you travel a lot or have multiple residences), and how well they align with your values and beliefs.
Of course it is of paramount importance that appropriate background checks and vetting are carried out, that the governess’s qualifications are certified, and that they know what to do in event of an emergency – first aid training is often a must.
If a governess is fluent in another language, or multiple languages, this can be an attractive prospect as well, as learning languages at a young age benefits children enormously later in life. Experience of teaching languages to children is therefore a greatly sought-after quality in a governess or governor.
Pembury Partners can find the perfect governess or governor for your family, worldwide.
