Nanny shares are super popular- especially in Stapleton! You might wonder what exactly is a nanny share? There are two different types of nanny shares:
1) Multiple families sharing the same nanny at the same time.
2) Multiple families utilizing the same nanny at different times. (I.E. family A has the nanny Monday, Wednesday and Friday and family B has the nanny Tuesday and Thursday.)
Regardless of the type of nanny share you chose, both are a creative option to ensure quality and affordable care for your little one!
Nanny shares are beneficial for a several of reasons. First, and foremost, a nanny share is economical. Especially if the nanny is caring for two families at the same time, the hourly rate can be divided between families. Although the hourly rate is higher, each family pays their portion of nanny’s salary and the cost can be similar to the cost of daycare. For instance, two families have one child each; they hire a qualified, professional nanny for $20 per hour- each family is responsible to pay $10 per hour.
Social interaction is the second reason nanny shares are advantageous. Children that are a part of a nanny share have the opportunity to socialize with other children without foregoing quality care. The nanny can accommodate each child’s individual needs, schedules and activities.
Although the advantageous outweigh the disadvantages, it is important to keep a few things in mind when considering a nanny share:
• Because you are sharing a nanny, you are sharing their time and attention. It’s important to have a nanny whom has experience with multiples and capable of multi-tasking. It’s also important to be aware the nanny has to meet the needs of another family as well, therefore additional responsibilities like errands, or laundry might not be possible.
• Nannies can be cautious of nanny shares. Of course the salary is a huge benefit for a nanny; however, nannies can be weary of nanny shares because it is twice the work. And I’m not just talking about the kids! Essentially nannies are now working for 4 adults, 2 sets of parents! That is a lot of people to make happy!
• You are dependent on not only a nanny but another family too. A successful nanny share depends a lot on the other family. It’s important both families share similar views, values, morals, parenting styles, and discipline styles. Believe it or not, finding the other family to share with is the most difficult part- finding a nanny is the easy part!
• If a child is sick, they can’t be around the other children. Make sure you communicate common policies about illnesses.
There is a great deal that goes into a nanny share. It is important to be fully aware of exactly what you are getting into. When looking for another family to share a nanny with, consider these points:
• Similar ages, hourly rate, and responsibilities. These items are important but definitely should not be the only aspects.
• Parenting styles. Make sure your parenting styles are in sync and easy for the nanny to abide.
• Comparable morals and values, such as rules in the home. Making sure the nanny has consistent rules which are easy to follow as opposed of different rules for each child.
• Location. Where is the nanny share going to take place? Be aware if you offer your home, the nanny won’t be able to clean up everything. You will notice supplies go a little quicker than usual such as paper towels, toilet paper, arts and crafts, dish soap, trash bags, etch. There might even be more wear and tear on your home; toys break, batteries run out, things get a little dirtier!
• Vacation or sick days. What happens if one of the other families goes on vacation, will you be responsible for paying the nanny their hourly rate even if the other child is gone? What if the other child is sick, do you feel comfortable voicing your concerns? Vacation and sick days are very easy to navigate but it is a must to be on the same page!
• Activities and schedules. It can be difficult to have two children completely different ages in the same nanny share. It will be hard for the nanny to make sure everyone is getting what they need. For example, child A is 3 months and child B is 4 years old. Child A needs to have more naps and eats more often, this can be challenging for child B who wants more structured activities and play time.
It’s always a great idea to have a contract between the families. You need to include all aspects of the share including liability of each family.
I know what you’re thinking- Yikes this way too much! It’s not I promise! Nanny shares have the possibility of being very successful. You have to be knowledgeable and conscious of what you are signing up for. To learn more about nanny shares, or if you would like to meet other families please visit our website to learn more about how Kiddie Up Nannies can help!
