Nanny share seems to becoming more popular with a lot of families that need childcare. This is probably due the recession and the fact that all families are finding the cost of living increasing more than it was a few years ago.
Nanny sharing is when two families get together and share one nanny, this them half?s the cost for the families and enables them to go to work knowing they can afford good childcare for their children and not have the financial burden of having to afford a nanny on their own and being able to pay for all the other things that are needed to run a family home.
What was once known as only the high earners or privilege few who could afford a nanny it has become more common for middle class working families to be able to afford a nanny if they do a nanny share.
Nanny sharing has advantages and disadvantages, these are listed below:
Advantages are:
1.You child is cared within a home environment
2.They have interaction with another child of their age
3.Child can get used to socialising with others and learning about sharing and taking turns
4.While there are bound to be some coughs and colds around, a nanny share may mean your child is ill less often than if she was at a day nursery
5.You will save money, too as the cost is shared with the other family
Disadvantages are:
1.You may find it difficult to find another family willing to do a nanny share
2.The other family who you share with my not have the same views as you on issues such as discipline and the types of food the children can have
3.You need to agree on things like how much (if any) television the children can watch, and which activities they can take part in.
4.You need to agree on what nanny you employ and both like
- Decide how much to pay them and what benefits to offer
6.Who?s home the childcare will be based at and who supplies the food and electricity
The key to a successful nanny share is communication; to make sure both families agree on all-important issues regarding the children and how they want their child brought up.