Our nanny has our DS, 18 months, is activities every day and definitely sets a loose schedule of what age appropriate "lesson" she is working on (ie opposites, colors, new signs, etc). It is a better education than DS ever got at daycare. She has independent play and free time scheduled as well. No TV at all ever.

I love having a nanny! She is good for DS and very good for us. We have much more quality time with him as she does all his food prep, laundry and gives him his bath before we get home. And no more rushing around in the morning! I actually have time to read him a book or two before I get dressed in the morning.

Mom of 3 kids less than 5 years apart here. Have you considered preschool for the oldest? It has been working really well for us. We have a nanny and part time preschool. That will give you curriculum much better that a nanny can provide plus it will give more one-on-one attention for the younger kid. It is more money, but it is worth it!

In terms of nanny being sick, well that happens sometimes so you either need backup care or flexible job when you can take PTO at any time.

I have a nanny for my just turned 3 yr old and my 21 month old. There's no curriculum - the curriculum is to play, and play hard, and play outside whenever possible. That's it.

There's structure in the sense that they know not to hit, not to throw anything but balls, not to climb on furniture, not to touch the stove or open the oven or drink cleaning fluids. But every day is a different adventure.

You DO need to have a backup plan in place for when the nanny gets sick or their father dies or whatever, because life does happen.

Hello, I posted in the wrong forum so I'm reposting here for some insight.

We have an 18 month old and a soon to be 3 year old who are both in a center daycare. We plan on taking them out within the next month because I'm not happy with the lack of structure for our oldest. She'll be transitioning to a new room and the new teacher doesn't seem to have any set curriculum, structure or activities that I think would benefit my child.

I've toured 3 places so far and will be looking at another 2 next week. In the midst of this I found out that the teacher for our youngest is going to be quitting. She is willing to do a nanny position but we've never had a nanny before and DH is concerned about things like her getting sick and leaving us without childcare, taxes etc.

I've realized from the responses that I recieved already that having the nanny call out sick is really not as big a concern as I previously thought but I'm still not sure this would give our oldest what she needs. I am willing to come up with a schedule or curriculum but would appreciate some advice on what else I should be considering.