Nanny Share Experiences

Arob311

We are debating starting a nanny share with another 1-2 families.

Does anyone have experience with a nanny share? What did you like/not like? Would you advise someone to do it or not?

I have a 2 y/o girl who has been in a on-site daycare since she was 12 weeks old. She has been very happy in daycare but the thought of a smaller group, more attention and less money is compelling. 

Thanks, a 

kirac

We did nannyshare 2x with 2 different families.  Ironically, it worked well with the family we didn't know versus the one we did.  We didn't like the new nanny with the latter family and we wanted a new nanny.  The wife didn't so we all agreed not to share.  It was quite stressful looking for new care at the time.

If your girl is 2, I wouldn't do nannyshare.  I think the socialization is better for them at that point and it's better for them to be with other kids.  Maybe I'd look for a preschool instead of daycare.  

Both time we hired a new nanny for the kids together.  I think it's  hard to find a nanny that suddenly has more responsibility without substantial increased pay. 

honeybee111

We've had our nanny share for over 2 years.  It definitely takes a lot of thought, organization, and openminded-ness, so I think it would be difficult with 3 families.  However, it's worked out wonderfully for us, and I'm kind of sad it's ending soon because DD will be 3 in Jan and starting preschool full time.  If you have a 2 year old, I think she would probably benefit more from a preschool setting. 

ebp913

We started a nanny share last month and it's been going well.  It's with 1 other family who has a 2.5 year old and an almost 1 year old.  The girls all love each other and really play well together.  I have no complaints and it's been a great way to get our daughter more attention but I have to agree with the PPs.  It seems like at age 2 you are going to be missing out a bit on the socialization aspect.  

What we do for our nanny share is that all the girls go to Parent's Day Out on Tues and Thurs from 9-3 and the nanny has them the rest of the week.  We like it because it's a balance between daycare and a nanny.  This so far is working out great for us so that could be something to consider.