Help Past The First 3-6 Months: Hiring A Nanny (Part 2)
The long-awaited part 2 of my most asked-about topic: Hiring a Nanny! I wanted to chat today about some topics when my clients are inquiring about hiring a nanny, including nanny shares and traveling with their nanny. These arrangements can provide significant support but require careful planning and communication. Let’s explore how these options can work for your family when you are looking to hire a nanny!
Understanding Nanny Shares
A nanny share involves two or more families hiring one nanny to care for their children, either together or at alternating times. This arrangement is popular among families looking to balance quality childcare with affordability. Here’s what you should consider:
Pros of a Nanny Share
Cost-Effectiveness: Sharing a nanny’s salary can significantly reduce childcare costs. A career nanny with 3-5 years of experience would charge about $15 per child and family in Charlotte, North Carolina. This is much lower than the rate of a career nanny and single child/family, which would be about $25-28.
Socialization: Your child will have opportunities to interact with another child, fostering early social skills. This can be especially helpful for families with only one child and who want to prolong sending their child to daycare. Socialization can help with language and speech development, motor skills, emotional growth, and communication.
Flexibility: Nanny shares often rotate homes weekly, meaning you only have to host the nanny and children every other week. This can be helpful for parents who are working from home and for scheduling things like housekeeping and appointments.
Challenges to Navigate
Compatibility: Finding a family whose parenting style, schedule, and expectations align with yours is crucial. In a perfect world, you and your best friend would be pregnant simultaneously and live close, allowing you guys to enter a share together. Unfortunately, the world isn’t perfect! If you know you are interested in a nanny share, I suggest meeting and “interviewing” other parents to ensure you guys will be a good fit. Tension, communication or trust issues and general incompatibility will affect the nanny and their ability to function at their best.
Logistics: Deciding whose home will serve as the primary care location, if you guys will alternate weeks, sleeping arrangements, supplies, and coordinating drop-offs or pickups requires clear communication. It is essential to plan and discuss these arrangements for a smooth process.
Tips for a Successful Nanny Share
Draft a Detailed Contract: Outline expectations, schedules, payment terms, and sick day policies. Your nanny should have a detailed contract for each family that you all work together to create.
Communicate Regularly: Schedule check-ins with the other family and the nanny to address any concerns. Open communication will allow for any issues that arise to be handled before they affect the share.
Build a Relationship: Encourage collaboration between the families and the nanny to create a harmonious environment. Families should try to have playdates during the weekend/outside of the share to create a bond that allows the share to flourish.
Traveling with Your Nanny
Traveling with a nanny can provide invaluable support, allowing parents to recharge and truly enjoy their vacation. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended trip, having an extra set of hands can make your journey smoother.
Key Considerations When Traveling with a Nanny
Compensation and Expenses
Travel Costs: Families are typically responsible for covering the nanny’s travel expenses, including airfare, accommodation, and meals. Make sure to factor these expenses in when planning your travels.
Additional Pay: Offering a travel stipend or increased hourly rate acknowledges the extra work and time away from home. Many nannies charge a flat overnight rate in addition to their daily rate. For example, you might have to pay your nanny $30 an hour for the hours of 8 am-8 pm and then a rate of $150, which covers 8 pm-8 am. Discuss these options with your nanny to reach an agreement that works for both parties.
Roles and Responsibilities
Set Expectations: Clearly define the nanny’s duties during the trip, such as childcare, meal prep, or light housekeeping. Ensure that your nanny knows how long their shifts will be, what will be expected of them, and how the schedule will look for the duration of the trip.
Schedule Breaks: Ensure the nanny has time off to recharge, even during travel. Allowing your nanny to have a day or night off to enjoy the vacation location will help ensure they aren’t burnt out and can enjoy themselves.
Legal and Logistical Considerations
Travel Documentation: Ensure the nanny has the necessary identification and travel documents, especially for international trips.
Insurance: Check your travel insurance policy to ensure it covers the nanny.
As you consider these options, remember that every family is different. What works for one may not work for another, and that’s okay! The goal is to find childcare solutions that enhance your family’s well-being and foster peace of mind.
Until Next Time!
Aiesha Draughton
Postpartum Partners
Aiesha is a postpartum doula in Charlotte, NC
