My Big Buddy
London’s Original Male Nanny Agency
Press and Media
What the Papers Say…As Featured in the National Press
My Big Buddy has attracted attention from national newspapers, lifestyle magazines, and family media for its unique approach to modern childcare. From The Times and The Telegraph to parenting and lifestyle platforms, our Buddies have been celebrated for bringing warmth, energy, and positive male role models into London homes and recognising My Big Buddy’s pioneering approach in bringing engaging, confident young men into nurturing childcare roles.
The Manny of my Dreams
As featured in The Telegraph on June 5th 2008 “How I Met the Manny of My Dreams”. This lifestyle feature celebrates My Big Buddy’s fresh take on childcare — matching families with confident, capable young men who bring energy, reliability, and positive male role-modelling to London homes. The article highlights the agency’s mission to redefine the modern nanny as a hands-on mentor who inspires children through play, learning, and everyday life.
Mannies – Breaking Stereotypes
As featured in the Daily Mail — “The Rise of the Norland Mannies”. This feature explores the growing number of men entering the world of professional childcare — from Norland College’s first male trainees to London’s thriving community of “Buddies.” With insight from My Big Buddy’s Jill Chantry, the article highlights how male nannies are breaking stereotypes, bringing energy and balance to family life, and redefining what it means to care for children in the modern age.
Buddy for Hire
This KidSpot feature explores how My Big Buddy has helped reshape the childcare landscape, highlighting the growing number of families choosing male caregivers for their energy, empathy, and role-model influence. Founder Annie Merrylees discusses how Buddies bring a positive, hands-on dynamic to family life—whether through sport, homework help, or everyday routines—showing that great care isn’t about gender, but about connection, confidence, and character.
The Manny’s Tale
My Big Buddy has been profiled by leading newspapers including The Times for redefining what modern childcare can look like. One of our early Buddies, James Bolton, was spotlighted in The Telegraph’s lifestyle feature “The Manny,” which celebrated the growing demand for positive male role models in London families.
Male Influence
As featured in Daily Mail Australia — “Meet the Mannies”
This feature spotlights My Big Buddy’s founder, Annie Merrylees, and the rise of male nannies in both the UK and Australia. It explores how families are turning to Buddies for balance, energy, and positive male role models — especially in households with boys or single parents. The piece highlights how My Big Buddy’s team bring fun, structure, and genuine connection to family life, redefining what modern childcare can look like.
Why our Guys make Great Role Models for Kids
Our story “Why Boys Make Great Role Models for Kids” was featured on Kids Essentials (June 12, 2014) — shining a light on how young male caregivers bring something uniquely positive to children’s lives. The piece highlights how confident, nurturing young men can serve as influential role models for boys, blending mentorship, fun, and responsibility in a way that complements the family dynamic.