What is a NannyShare?
If you are pregnant, or have a newborn, you have likely heard about a NannyShare. It seems to be the new big thing sweeping across the nanny industry. There are pros and cons to a NannyShare, and this article will shed some light on a few topics.
What is a NannyShare?
Basically, a NannyShare is when two families with children close in age hire one nanny for both families. This arrangement can range from families sharing the nanny during the same hours, or one family having the nanny part time and the other full time. In both scenarios, you are sharing the same nanny. Many find it preferable to have similar hours so the nanny can come to either house, the same day and time every week making life easier on everyone.
Is doing a NannyShare right for you?
One benefit of a Nannyshare is that your child has a playmate everyday. A lot of parent’s worry that having a nanny will not be enough involvement and interaction with their child. Parents who are deciding between a nanny and daycare often find a NannyShare to be a perfect solution. You have the benefits of a nanny being at your home, your child in their own crib, and also having a playmate. Another BIG benefit is cost effectiveness. If you NannyShare, the price of the nanny is cut in half!
There are also a lot of nannies out there that prefer a NannyShare situation. They will have another child to grow and learn with. Hourly pay is another important factor for the nanny. Your nanny will have a higher salary, and who doesn’t want that? If the nanny has experience with multiple children, it’s a win-win. Keep in mind that your nanny will have four bosses. So, if you need to address something to your nanny, talk it over first as parents and have one person approach the nanny. That will make it much less intimidating.
What to look for:
Make sure the family that you NannyShare with has the same philosophies as your family does. Do you like your child to be at the park, story time, museums, being active? Do you want your child eating only organic, or are you particular when it comes to being “green?” If you meet a family where those things are not important, it may not be a good match. You want to make sure that each family has a similar outlook on what is important for their child. Also it’s important to agree on what qualities are desired in a nanny. If you’re looking for a younger, energetic, outgoing nanny, and the other family wants an older, experienced nanny, you may not see eye to eye.
Have a list of expectations for both the family partaking in the “share” and the nanny. Compare notes, ask lots of questions, and make sure you are all on the same page. Do your legwork and talk to more then just one family. Finding a family to work with is just as important as finding a great nanny. Chances are there is another great family looking for the same thing!
