I have 3 DC (twins + singleton) and it's time for me to go back to work. I always assumed that we would use a nursery but I've been gobsmacked by the fees.
The twins go to school next year, which I thought would help, but before and after-care provision is also terribly expensive. My parents and DH's parents are very kind and helpful and I know they'd help us if they were stuck but I don't want to rely on them.
So far my pros list for a nanny looks like this
- they wouldn't need to leave the house as early and would have a better breakfast than the breakfast club offers
- nanny could spend the day with the little one (I would hope (s)he would take him to playgroups etc)
- twins could be picked up from school by the nanny.
My cons are largely the organisational side (I think)- is using an agency the way forward?
I also have some silly questions- would a nanny take another child home for a play-date? If they were ill, would nannies still be on duty?