The afternoon sun spilled across the terrace as Sofia finished her violin practice and glanced towards the garden. Her governess would arrive later to review assignments before tomorrow’s lessons. Sofia’s own diary was filled with sports, music, travel, and social events that required careful coordination, a schedule as full and varied as ever.
For many UHNW families, this stage brings a quiet question. As children grow more independent, how do you ensure that their increasingly busy lives continue to run seamlessly without adding pressure to the governess or the family’s PA? Increasingly, the answer lies not in replacing existing support but in introducing a discreet lifestyle focused role alongside them.
The Transition from Nanny to Independence
As children step into greater independence, the dynamic naturally shifts. A governess will remain dedicated to education, but may not be available to manage the practicalities of a varied schedule. Without additional support, extracurricular activities, travel, and commitments can quickly become overwhelming.
The challenge for UHNW families is to maintain the same smooth structure while preserving the child’s growing sense of autonomy. The right solution offers discreet coordination that blends seamlessly with the household’s existing support.
The Discreet Solution: The Lifestyle Manager Governess
Many UHNW families are now introducing a hybrid role often referred to as a Lifestyle Manager Governess. This is not a replacement for existing staff. It is a complementary position that sits alongside them, easing the flow of the child’s daily life and providing an extra layer of organisation.
The Lifestyle Manager Governess bridges a unique gap.
Not a nanny. There is no full time hands on childcare.
Not a governess. There is no formal academic instruction.
Not just a PA. The role is centred on the child’s schedule, commitments, and lifestyle.
Importantly, this position can work in tandem with a traditional governess and can act as an additional set of hands for the family PA, ensuring nothing is overlooked.
What a Lifestyle Manager Governess Does
Every household tailors this role to their own needs, but common responsibilities include:
Logistical oversight: Managing school calendars, extracurricular activities, travel arrangements, and social schedules.
Coordination with household staff: Working alongside the family PA, drivers, tutors, governess, and security to ensure seamless organisation.
Mentorship and quiet guidance: Being a trusted figure the child can turn to, while respecting their autonomy.
Occasional engagement: Attending cultural outings, sporting events, or travel as a supportive presence, and joining in lighthearted activities or shared moments if the child wishes.
Why It Works for UHNW Families
For the child, the arrangement provides:
Freedom to make decisions while knowing support is available.
Privacy and independence without feeling supervised.
A sense of ownership over their schedule and activities.
For the family, it offers:
Reassurance that the child’s commitments and wellbeing are handled with care.
Support for the governess and PA so that each can focus on their primary responsibilities.
Continuity in the child’s life without restructuring the existing household.
Finding the Right Person for the Role
The success of this arrangement depends on selecting the right individual. The ideal Lifestyle Manager Governess is:
Discreet and diplomatic, with impeccable confidentiality.
Adaptable, able to shift between formal and informal environments.
Culturally attuned, understanding the expectations and values of UHNW households.
Warm, approachable, and able to engage in light hearted interaction when the child seeks connection, without overstepping into a nanny role.
Experienced, often with a background as a governess, senior nanny, or private PA.
A Natural Next Step
For many UHNW families, the Lifestyle Manager Governess represents a natural evolution after the early years of full time childcare. It preserves the structure and support that has always been part of the child’s world, while allowing them the freedom to grow, explore, and design their own activities.
At Platinum Nanny, we work with families to identify exceptional individuals who can deliver this discreet, lifestyle focused support. Whether working alongside a governess or as an additional pair of hands for the family PA, the Lifestyle Manager Governess ensures that the child’s world remains as well curated as the rest of the household.
Contact Us
If you are considering additional discreet support for your child’s lifestyle, Platinum Nanny can assist in identifying and introducing exceptional candidates tailored to your household’s specific needs.
Email: info@platinumnanny.com
WhatsApp: +33 7 6003 8355
Website: www.platinumnanny.com
Author’s Note
Platinum Nanny Ltd. specialises in the recruitment of bespoke private staff for VIP families worldwide. Our services encompass a wide range of roles, including estate managers, butlers, private chefs, housekeepers, nannies, governesses, lifestyle managers, gardeners, and security personnel, all tailored to meet the unique requirements of your household.
Platinum Nanny is pleased to introduce Platinum Compass, offering executive level support, Chief of Staff services, and project management for private households. You can discover more in our brochure, below:
