A nanny (male or female) is a person who takes care about kids in families. Nannies are needed when parents work or are otherwise occupied and cannot take care of their kids fully. Traditionally, a nanny was a mature woman hired to take care of children in the employers' home. However, the term is now used for any child caregiver, irrespective of age or gender. The word "nanny" comes from the French noun 'nounou', which means nursemaid. Nannies can live permanently with a family in Germany. Nowadays nannies are usually young adults up to approximately 27 years who receive free board and lodging as well as pocket money during their time with the host family in Germany.