Nanny Share

Nanny share is just as it sounds. Where families share the nanny for the care of their children.

It makes sense for some families.

For some families they don’t need a full time nanny. For some families it helps to cut the costs for each family.

Some families would love to have a nanny but feel that it isn’t possible either as a result of finances or they only need a nanny part-time.

In this instance a nanny share position works.

A nanny share can be interesting for a nanny as the role requires working for more than one family.

A nanny share position is not for everyone.

As a nanny you have the ability to choose the position that is right for you. The right position may or may not be a nanny share position.

If you are considering a nanny share position and are unsure it is best to be honest at the outset. Be sure to ask questions and obtain as much information prior to accepting the position.

Do not take the position if you have any reservations rather than take the position and then resign.

Essentially nanny sharing is considered to be to the benefit of the families using a nanny share as it fits their individual needs best rather than a full time nanny or other care option.

However, it can also be a huge benefit to the nanny and can provide greater flexibility, choice, etc.

Nanny sharing predominately occurs in two forms.

1. The nanny cares for each family’s children individually. The care is part time and/or the hours are split between the family’s homes and needs. This type of care option generally works together to form full time hours for the nanny.
2. The nanny cares for all children at the same time in one household. This generally works if the children are of complementing ages.

The finer points of a nanny share position, for example, where the children are taken care of, would be determined already by the families before employing you.

A nanny share position mostly work on a live-out basis. This is unless one family decides to have the nanny living in. In this instance the other family pays half the wages, tax and living expenses to the other family.

Pros:

• As a nanny share position (depending on the position) you have the potential to receive a higher wage. This is more particularly the case when you are sharing the care of the families children at the same time.
• You can pair together the hours to form a full time type hour position but with flexibility and change of environment during the week.
• The position arrangement may work for you and be the perfect mix.

Cons:

• There may be more travel time between households.
• There may be inconsistencies between arrangements such as discipline, etc for the families. This should have been worked out prior to commencement to the position but it is something to be aware of especially if each family has differing views and/or approaches and you share the care at the same time.
• A disagreement or issue with one family has the potential and likelihood to affect the working relationship with the other family.
• The co-ordination of time off and/or holidays may be trickier as there is more than one family to work with.
• You may feel there is no ‘ownership’ of the position as there is different households rather than one household as per the conventional nanny position.

• Don’t always assume that things will run smoothly just because the families are friends or that they will have the same conditions and rules.
• Nanny shares are great for providing a playmate for a child, hence possibly creating a more stimulating and lively environment.
• The logistics can be daunting. One family may have completely different demands from another. It is important that you speak up for yourself in a share.
• Families may have different priorities and ways of doing things and it is important that you are treated fairly by both sides and never feel as if you are being pulled one side or the other.
• Your contractual obligations and rights are the same as if you were working for just one family.
• Most nannies are responsible for the children’s washing and ironing. This could be more difficult to arrange in a nanny share situation. Again, it is a question of logistics and needs to be well defined beforehand.
• There are some agencies that specifically deal with nanny share positions.