A nursemaid, also known as a nursery maid, is a female servant who looks after children while being supervised by a senior servant such as a nurse or nanny. Although nursemaids can still be found in some parts of the world, this position is relatively uncommon in the modern world, as few people maintain households formal enough to require one. Because nursemaids deal with children on a daily basis, they often form strong bonds with them, leading the general public to regard them as surrogate mothers.
The nurse or nanny is the most senior servant in charge of child care. A nanny is usually sufficient in households where mothers rely on childcare assistance. When a nanny is not enough, a nursemaid may be employed. Nursemaids are particularly useful in households with multiple children or children who are difficult to manage. They are not as well-trained as nannies, and they report to the nanny, who, depending on the household hierarchy, may be overseen by another member of the household staff.
The nursemaid may be in charge of a wide range of responsibilities. Nursemaids are responsible for cleaning the nursery, keeping it tidy, and keeping track of the house’s children. Nursemaids may also assist children in getting dressed for school and outings, and it is not uncommon for them to supervise children while they play or work on school assignments. These domestic servants essentially take care of the aspects of childcare that a mother might find unappealing, such as changing diapers and taking kids to the dentist.
Nursemaids are featured in a lot of old books, and they’re often mocked. As children grew older, they often resented the presence of a nursemaid, claiming that they no longer required constant supervision. Because the concept of a nursemaid was once widely understood and accepted, a remark like “she hardly needs a nursemaid to finish that task” would have been well understood, particularly among the upper classes.
A nursemaid’s primary job requirement, as you might expect, is a desire to work with children. Nursemaids are usually expected to have some kind of childcare training, and first aid training is a big plus. Because this position is relatively obsolete, it can be difficult to find work as a nursemaid; however, knowledge of formal household protocol can be beneficial in assisting a nursemaid in settling in.