Considering sharing nanny -- what should I ask other family?

[eleusis]

The children are 4 and 1, similar ages in share family. I've hired nannies before so not a newbie to this, but not done a share before. Any advice from sharers out there?

bump

1. clarify policy on food eg organic/freezer foods/fast foods, and telly
2. kids' schedules, naps etc, need to be compatible
3. what happens if one child has a temp/vom bug/chickenpox etx? Are you happy for all children to hang out with him/her, or will you agree that at this point, sick child becomes parents' responsibility?
4. worth remembering that extracurricular activities eg ballet class, swimming, playdates etc (the sort of thing you'd expect a nanny to work around) may not be poss if nanny is also looking after 3 others
5. you'll need a formula for holidays. for eg, our nanny chooses 2 wks a year, we chose 1, the other family chposes 1 (plus she has xmas/NY, easter etc off also). I'd say it's important that everyone has at least 1 mths warning of hols, ideally much more.
6. communication is vital, you and nanny and other family need to keep each other in the loop. Don't expect the nanny to pass messages between you... she has enough on her plate

A good share is a wonderful thing

you need to share the same child rearing philosophy, or at least be able to come to some common ground

actually I think this is the same as bakedpotato's point one, but expressed in a much more prententious manner

but if one of you is a routine queen, and the other doesn't mind when baby has his nap, that could make scheduling activities for the 4 year olds a crunch point

try regular meetings with the other mum and the nannny, and no children

have you thought about the equipment? you might have double buggys a plenty, but car seats?

Thanks for your responses. I'll take all of this into account when we speak.

She doesn't have a car so car seats aren't a problem.