For parents outside of America, it might seem like the U.S. holds the monopoly on hiring nannies or seeking help with parenting. After all, the majority of our television entertainment comes from the good old US of A, and it's not unusual to see affluent families hiring help to rear their kids.
However, according to the Irish Times, more and more parents in other countries are hiring help, too. Why? Because we simply can't afford not to.
These days, you can get coaches for every aspect of parenting. We're not just talking about super nannies, but hired help for phone addictions and even sleep training. Outsourcing certain aspects of parenting have never been more popular, but until very recently, it was seldom heard of in places like England and Ireland.
It's only in recent decades with the astronomical rise in house prices that two incomes are required to keep a family afloat. Back in the '50s and '60s, one salary was usually enough to pay a mortgage and the overheads. Now, women have a brighter outlook that means they're able to do as they please - after all, society has moved on.
Although parenting always comes first, families are becoming more and more reliant on "outsourcing" to help raise children. Nannies are often the first choice for families, who find that one individual can help out around the house with a vibe that's closest to our own.
However, hiring a private nanny isn't cheap. One expert calls it a "middle-class phenomenon", while Teresa Boardman of Nanny Options says the demand has never been higher. Plus, nannies not only help with the kids but are often expected to lighten the load of other chores around the house. Live-in nannies particularly help with the washing, cooking, and cleaning to free up time for the parents.
Statistics say that it's not just about juggling work, but the lack of close-knit family ties that force parents to hire help. Years ago, relatives would often step in to help, as would neighbours. The sense of community around childcare has all but vanished, say experts. With the pressure coming from all sides, it's hardly surprising that the once pooh-poohed American "ideal" shunned by those across the pond has become the new normal.