Anonymous wrote:We're considering a nanny-share for our second baby, and curious to know what folks find to be the pros and cons of this set-up vs. daycare center or in-home daycare.
We sent our older daughter to a daycare center starting at 19mos (I was home with her before that) and were very happy with how it worked out. We're considering a nanny-share hosted in our house because the logistics of two different drop-offs and pick-ups seem a little daunting. Some of our questions/concerns are:
- is it stressful being someone's employer?
No, I don't think it is stressful. I think part of the reason its not stressful is I fairly obsessively read DCUM and see a lot of the things nannies complain about, so I kind of avoided that by treating her as a true employee - she gets paid overtime, has sick/vacation days, etc. I also try to show my appreciation as much as possible.
- are costs split equally between host and non-host families?
We actually split hosting - a few days at our house and a few days at their house. The other family we share with is incredibly nice, so we honestly don't even think about costs - they buy what is necessary for their house (ex: gates for the stairs, an extra pack n play) and we buy what is necessary for ours. We do, however, bring bottles and food for our kid when she is at their house.
- how important is it to have similar parenting "philosophies" as the other family
I personally don't think so, but we haven't run into a philosophy problem and our kids are just turning toddler age. I am sure their are things you can butt heads about, but you both love your children and want the best for them, and if all of the parents are kind people, it "should" work out.
- what happens when one of the kids is sick?
The sick kid does not go to the nanny that day.
- where does the other baby sleep if you're hosting in your own home?
The other baby sleeps in a pack n play.
- what happens when the host family goes on vacation?
- does each family provide its own food/snacks?
Yes.
Any pros/cons you can share would be so helpful. Thanks!
Anonymous wrote:We're considering a nanny-share for our second baby, and curious to know what folks find to be the pros and cons of this set-up vs. daycare center or in-home daycare.
We sent our older daughter to a daycare center starting at 19mos (I was home with her before that) and were very happy with how it worked out. We're considering a nanny-share hosted in our house because the logistics of two different drop-offs and pick-ups seem a little daunting. Some of our questions/concerns are:
- is it stressful being someone's employer?
For us, it is not. That is because we did a written agreement to be sure everyone was on the same page, and also because our nanny is excellent and doesn't cause us stress. If expectations aren't clearly laid out, or if you have a poor nanny, it can be very stressful.
- are costs split equally between host and non-host families?
If you use the same number of hours, costs are split equally. If one family uses more hours than the other family, they pay more.
- how important is it to have similar parenting "philosophies" as the other family
This is VERY important. For example, if one family isn't strict about napping schedules and is okay with a nanny keeping the kids out all day and letting them nap in the stroller, and the other family wants their child to be in bed at a certain time, you'll have a problem.
- what happens when one of the kids is sick?
This should be agreed upon in advance. Our agreement is that a child does not need to stay home for colds without a fever. If a child has a fever or a stomach bug, s/he needs to stay home with a parent. The nanny can care for the non-sick child that day.
- where does the other baby sleep if you're hosting in your own home?
Pack-and-play in an extra bedroom.
- what happens when the host family goes on vacation?
In our case, the other family hosts. When they are on vacation the nanny comes to our home.
- does each family provide its own food/snacks?
We send lunch each day and snacks for the kids to share (they always want whatever the other kid has).
Any pros/cons you can share would be so helpful. Thanks!
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:We're considering a nanny-share for our second baby, and curious to know what folks find to be the pros and cons of this set-up vs. daycare center or in-home daycare.
We sent our older daughter to a daycare center starting at 19mos (I was home with her before that) and were very happy with how it worked out. We're considering a nanny-share hosted in our house because the logistics of two different drop-offs and pick-ups seem a little daunting. Some of our questions/concerns are:
- is it stressful being someone's employer?
- are costs split equally between host and non-host families?
- how important is it to have similar parenting "philosophies" as the other family
- what happens when one of the kids is sick?
- where does the other baby sleep if you're hosting in your own home?
- what happens when the host family goes on vacation?
- does each family provide its own food/snacks?
Any pros/cons you can share would be so helpful. Thanks!
Have you considered how crazy your morning is going to be? You'll be getting your older child around and out the door as the nanny and other infant come in. Perhaps you should consider a single family nanny who will be available to care for your older child when there is no school?
Anonymous wrote:We're considering a nanny-share for our second baby, and curious to know what folks find to be the pros and cons of this set-up vs. daycare center or in-home daycare.
We sent our older daughter to a daycare center starting at 19mos (I was home with her before that) and were very happy with how it worked out. We're considering a nanny-share hosted in our house because the logistics of two different drop-offs and pick-ups seem a little daunting. Some of our questions/concerns are:
- is it stressful being someone's employer?
- are costs split equally between host and non-host families?
- how important is it to have similar parenting "philosophies" as the other family
- what happens when one of the kids is sick?
- where does the other baby sleep if you're hosting in your own home?
- what happens when the host family goes on vacation?
- does each family provide its own food/snacks?
Any pros/cons you can share would be so helpful. Thanks!
Anonymous wrote:
- is it stressful being someone's employer? possibly there are too many factors for this to be a yes or no question.
- are costs split equally between host and non-host families? yes
- how important is it to have similar parenting "philosophies" as the other family very
- what happens when one of the kids is sick? fever or vomiting means sick baby stays home with parents. healthy baby gets nanny. sniffles and lesser colds means babies with nanny as usual.
- where does the other baby sleep if you're hosting in your own home? you need to have a room where a pack n play can go. If the nanny has to set it up/put it away every day, that could become very tiresome.
- what happens when the host family goes on vacation? nanny works at the other home if the family needs him/her. nanny is still paid by both families.
- does each family provide its own food/snacks? yes.
Any pros/cons you can share would be so helpful. Thanks!