Nannyshare sorted - help me get it right!

[lamandler]

I posted a while back about what to do about nanny cost when DS started school - well other circumstances have meant that we have decided to share two of our three days with another family. They have a 1yo DD, we have 18 mo DD and 4yoDS.

I need to sort out all the practicalities this week so any and all advice from nannies and parents very welcome - I really want to get this right for all of us.

Thanks!

Some things to think about;

1. Who will host the share? What will you do about food/nappies/toys/equipment/wear and tear etc? What will happen if one of your DC's breaks something in the other house or vice versa?

1. Will the child/ren from the house where the share isn't be dropped off/picked up or do you want the nanny to collect and drop off. Have you factored in enough time?

1. What if one person is late and the nanny needs to be paid overtime? If one person is late is it ok for the nanny to go and leave the child/ren with the other parent?

1. What will you do about holidays?

1. What will you do about activities? What if one child really enjoys something the other one doesn't? This will be particularly relevant in the school holidays. Are you happy for your DS to be at 'baby' activities? Is the other mum happy for her DD to be taken to things aimed at older children?

1. What will happen if one child is sick? Will the nanny care for all 3? Should the sick one be kept away from the share? What will the parent with the sick child do for childcare? How sick is sick? Is a cold ok, but vomiting not?

Shares can work really well and be an ideal solution to the cost of a nanny, but do get things sorted out at the start. I've heard lots of people with nanny shares moaning that X never sends lunch, Y uses all my nappies, Z's child breaks my child's toys, A is always late, B drops their child off before the nanny even gets here and so on and so on.

Thanks for that, great advice