Why and How to Share a Nanny

Why Share a Nanny?

by Rachel Willits

A nanny has always been my preferred childcare choice – high quality and flexible home care, but oh so expensive!

For me, a nanny share is the best of both worlds, the childcare I’m after at a much more manageable cost, and depending on how the share works, a really sociable solution too. Nanny shares can work in all sorts of ways. I’ve now had four, all different, but equally effective. I consider myself a bit of an expert now!

Sharing a nanny for the 1st time?

My first experience of sharing a nanny came when I was expecting my second child. I couldn’t afford to keep my full time nanny whilst on maternity leave but didn’t want to lose my fabulous nanny. I found another family who needed a part time nanny and we shared Victoria between us. I kept her for 2 days a week, the other family for 3, until I was ready to go back to work.

I did another similar share when we moved to Northamptonshire and then when I became involved in Nanny Share I actually shared a nanny with my neighbour. Our daughters were the same age and the best of friends and the nanny looked after them both for 3 days a week in whichever of our houses was most convenient.

My current share is probably the most complicated. A friend and I employ our nanny full time between us, the nanny works for me 1 day a week, for my friend 2 days a week and the remaining 2 days she works for us both, looking after all of our children (5 in total!) together.ÂÂ

It’s sometimes chaotic, always lots of fun and the children have a ball. We’re all as flexible as we can be which means we both get the benefit of a nanny being available 5 days a week, at a fraction of the usual cost.

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to sharing a nanny, you just need to find out what works for you. It’s important to be as open and flexible as you can be and regular communication is vital.

Good luck. Rachel x

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