Nanny share with established nanny?

[Anonymous]

We are looking for a nanny share for our daughter. She just turned 2. We found another family that’s interested that seems like a good fit. They have a little girl of similar age, live nearby, and can host (which is a big plus, we both work from home and don’t have enough space). They have a nanny already. She’s been with them for a few years. They started out in another nanny share when their older son was a baby, then when they had their daughter, kept the nanny just for themselves. Well, their son started Kindergarten this year, and they don’t need the nanny to themselves anymore, so they want to go back to a share arrangement for their daughter.

We’ve talked to some other potential share buddies, but all have pretty significant downsides (inconvenient location, kid a different age, etc), so this sounds like the best fit. But the fact that they are already well established with the nanny makes me a bit nervous. Is this too weird? Anyone been in a similar situation? Or am I looking a gift horse in the mouth here? They offered to connect us with their previous share buddy, so we kinda have a “reference” for them as nanny share hosts.

What do you think?

[Anonymous]

I think the previous share buddy will give you a lot of information to help you decide. Make a list of specific questions and also some open-ended ones, to get a feel for how their share went, and what a new share with you might be like.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think the previous share buddy will give you a lot of information to help you decide. Make a list of specific questions and also some open-ended ones, to get a feel for how their share went, and what a new share with you might be like.

OP here. Interesting. What kinds of questions would you suggest?

[Anonymous]

I actually think it’s a good thing. Your child will be treated like an honored guest in the beginning and the other child is used to sharing since having a brother. And the other child trusting and loving the nanny will help your child bond. They’ll be good companions for each other.

[Anonymous]

Since the other family has a kindergartner, what is the plan for when he doesn't have school (snow days, teacher work days, etc.?) The family is used to him being able to stay with the nanny, are you ok with that too?

[Anonymous]

Take it and run. Sounds ideal.

[Anonymous]

Sounds great! Don't have to worry about 2 children adjusting to a new nanny at the same time. The are used to how it goes and obviously trust the nanny.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Since the other family has a kindergartner, what is the plan for when he doesn't have school (snow days, teacher work days, etc.?) The family is used to him being able to stay with the nanny, are you ok with that too?

We did something similar. When the 3rd child was home, we paid a reduced 3-kid rate, and they paid 2-kid rate (nanny overall got bit more).

It sounds good to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I actually think it’s a good thing. Your child will be treated like an honored guest in the beginning and the other child is used to sharing since having a brother. And the other child trusting and loving the nanny will help your child bond. They’ll be good companions for each other.

This. It’s a very good thing, OP.

[Anonymous]

This sounds very ideal. You aren’t testing out a completely new nanny.