Good points and bad points in nanny share

[Anonymous]

Any thoughts? Specially what’s bad points for child and for nanny ( in nanny share situation)

[Anonymous]

All depends on what age your child is, the age of the other child and who is hosting.

[Anonymous]

I was in a nanny share and started to prefer working at one home over another. One family was always leaving their house extremely dirty and messy and the son was unruly and wild.

[Anonymous]

If the parents aren't on the same page in terms of activities, scheduling, and discipline, it can be a real pain.

[Anonymous]

The good: Our 2.5-year-old son has developed a true friend. It's a lot cheaper than having your own nanny.

The bad: We host and the other kid is a screamer who gets on our nerves. Our toys and books have also taken a beating with two kids in the house. Other kid brings illness over.

Once our son starts preschool in the fall and will get socialization at school, we plan to get our own nanny.

[Anonymous]

Pros: socialization, natural situations to teach sharing and patience, lower cost, sibling-like relationship which (could) last many years

Cons: either wear/tear on books and toys AND storing extra paraphernalia OR getting things together like daycare drop off

Depends on family/child/nanny: less flexibility for schedule, dealing with obstinate parents who won’t compromise, nanny insists on schedule midway between parents’ preference and expects parents to try to adhere on weekends, possibility that other child will have reflux/be sick/often/have behavior issues

[Anonymous]

This really depends on age of the kids in the share. My DD has been in a share since 4 months and will stay until 2.5 when she starts school.

The good: socialization, learning for your child in a more intimate setting, shared cost, ability to learn from another family, having two places for the children to be (we swamp hosting every other week - it's like all new toys!), built in playdates

The bad: compromising on schedule, ensuring child's developmental needs are met if both children aren't on the same path, needing to have the same parenting style as the other family / nanny

In my opinion and experience, the good far outweigh the bad. It is definitely dependent on experience and finding the right match. I've heard many bad experiences as well, but mine just worked.