So as a big shock- I am expecting twins. We knew we would have 3 under 3 but now it is going to be 4 under 3! I really need your help ladies. I currently have an amazing nanny and it works well for me. I have a demanding job and it is much easier for me to not have to get the kids out in the morning. Not to mention she is amazing with our kid, flexible and an all around great care giver. So I felt like leaving her with 3 would be reasonable but now everyone is saying that I can't leave her with all the kids. I was thinking of putting my oldest in day care 3 days a week- so she would only have 1 day of all 4. Does that sound reasonable? Should I jsut put him in full time daycare? Any thoughts or words of encouragement here? Everyone else is telling me I need to quit- I am not quite ready to do that and I thought you ladies would have supportive ideas.
Re: Advice needed
I actually think your nanny will be just fine with the 4 of them if she is experienced with small kids. Sure some days will be chaos but that's life with four babies! How long will you stay home on leave? I assume the twins will be 2-3 months old when you go back. A mother's helper for the nanny a few hours per week would be great if your leave is short or they are especially challenging babies. Or a college student on summer break to take the older two to a park or playgroup 2-3 times per week could give her a nice break, especially if she works long days.
And to people who think your nanny can't handle it and you should quit your job - why would it be ok for you to be home 24/7 with the 4 kids but your nanny isn't able to do it 8-9 hours per weekday?
Wow, congrats! Honestly, I think that unless you were going to be dropping off and taking your oldest to preschool that it will be way more difficult on your nanny to take him (while dragging the 3 other kids) to preschool then to just watch the 4 kids.
As to watching 4 kids, yes you need to talk to your nanny, but there are definitely providers that are able to watch 4 kids. I've lived in states where the daycare ratio for infants was 1:4 or 1:5, so it definitely can be done. I would expect a raise would be in order, and some patience working through the logistics, but this isn't something you have to quit your job over.