Nannies, can you take your own children to work?

[MadameButterfly]

I saw this query on another thread but thought that it deserved a thread of its own.

By nznikki on Friday, 16 July, 2004 5:07:27 AM

Wondering about nannies working in uk with own kids? I worked in london for two years before coming back to nz to have my own gorgeous wee boy. Thinking about coming back to london again now- (my little boy is 18 months) but not sure if any employees allow you to bring your own children to work????

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Depends on the employer. Some would have concerns that you would be more likely to look after your own child than theirs, so for example when both children are crying, you would pick up your child first etc. - the very reason why some people choose nannies rather than childminders. Others would be more laid back.

You might find it easier to set yourself up as a childminder, because that way you don't have the problem at all. A childminder will always have at least about 4 children with her and someone choosing a childminder rather than a nanny will accept that.

I've got a nanny with her own child and fwiw I think she's an excellent nanny for it. Obviously age (of the kids) is a factor when it somes to juggling activities and practicalities can be difficult (car seats, buggies etc), also need to work out carefully things like costs - is the kids food a perk of the job? (in our case yes, but I have heard of people who expect the nanny to bring the kids own - sounds pretty bizarre to me) what if parents want to do an expensive activity? I think, like any nanny-family relationship, if you think it through, and you're well-matched it can be great. but there are more complex dynamics and more potential for it not to work. but it works really well for us. The additional child is a bonus as far as I'm concerned and I can chat to my nanny like I do with another mum

My first nanny brought her child with her to work. My dd was 15 months, and nanny's dd was 6 months when we started the arrangement. Nanny purchased a double buggy at a car boot sale, and that was how she took both children out. She brought her own food for her child, but that was her choice, and not by my request. Nanny brought a travel cot and left it at my flat so that her dd could nap when needed. I also paid nanny £1 less than the going rate (her suggestion) as she was bringing her own child to work.

On the plus side, my dd and nanny's dd got on quite well. I think it was good for both children, as both were the only child in their respective families. On the negative side - nanny's dd was much more mischevious than dd, so I was not enchanted to find she had emptied most of the dirt from a pot plant on my cream carpet. There were other instances too. Nanny was vigilant, but children are fast when they're up to no good! I was understanding, but it's harder to do when it's the nanny's child who has finger-painted blueberry yoghurt on the lounge walls!

Another one here. I had a nanny who brought her dd: ds was 8 months and the girl was 3, so playgroup run was part of the deal on a couple of mornigs, but basically ds loved the other girl, and the nanny was fantastic.

It may be more common for a part-time position. When I looked for a nanny for 3 days a week, all the candidates had their own children.

I think you are right i think usually it is part time jobs that allow you to take youre own child.
I'm a nanny but on my maternity leave right now,my ds is 3 months old so in a couple of months i will be looking for work.
The family i worked for have moved away and its unlikley i will go back to them as its too far.
I just hope that if i decide to find another nanny job i can find a nice family who will also accept my ds.

Our Nanny has her own child - and we treat the situation like a nanny-share, but with herself, IYSWIM. She charges considerably less than the going rate to take into account that she is looking after 2 children. It has been brilliant for DS to have a child of the same age...be clear at the start about the agreement: In our case, Nanny gets paid time off if she is ill, but not if her child is ill. (we usually swap days in that eventuality so that no-one loses out). There is a little more wear and tear on the house - two toddlers will always wreak three times more havoc, it seems to me, but as it is the only way we could have aforded a nanny, it has been brilliant for us.

My nanny has two kids - one of school-age, and one who is a few months younger than DS. DS adores the older boy, and I think having another toddler around gives him useful social skills in eg sharing and taking turns. I'm not totally enamoured of DS having to fit into the school run, because he can't then sleep past 3pm - but it is much cheaper than a stand-alone nanny. My first nanny also had her own daughter but left after a year to have her second - which was a definite downside, but hard to avoid. I imagine it gets trickier once they are at nursery in the mornings all week, as a nanny with a child the same age would need to drop off both your child and theirs. FWIW I never suspected either of displaying favouritism towards their own (if anything they are/were more indulgent of DS).

BTW on arrangements for 2 - I bought a cheap highchair from Ikea, and her DD used DS's travel cot for naps. I paid for half of a double buggy (bought second-hand), and she provided a second car-seat - bought off her previous employer. I provide food - it's better IMO for DS to eat the same as her DD. This works best if you have similar views on what constitutes a good diet, eg DS isn't allowed any juice unless we are out somewhere, which was a source of tension (as he was always trying to sneak her DD's) until she decided to swap her DD over to water as well.

Ive just had my own child - dd now 5mths - and have just gone back to my job nannying for 4 boys.
I am only 3 days a week but my family would prefer 5 days. I take my dd and they couldnt be more accomaodating.
They have deliberately kept three cars so that I can always have one big enough now that I have my child.
They let me use all their equipment they had for their boys - double buggy etc.
I take dd food as she is so small but they will supply when older.
If mum comes home with presents for boys she buys for my dd too.
They have not deducted anything from my wages either.
I know I am really lucky but it just shows how much they want to keep me!!

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