A nanny share is a common working situation that allows a nanny to care for the children in more than one family. The families literally share the nanny and it can be a great way to keep childcare costs at a minimum while still receiving the best care for your kids. If this is something you’ve considered doing, there are some basics that you should know before you decide it’s a good fit. We talked with INA members Louise Dunham, owner of Placement Solutions, as well as Kathy Webb of HomeWork Solutions to get their top “do’s” and “don’ts” of nanny sharing.
Q: How many children altogether can take part in a nanny share?
A: Louise and Kathy both agree that usually 3 to 4 children is the maximum and only with two families. Just remember, the more kids and more families that are involved, the more management and communication it takes. In addition, there can be complications if one family decides to have another child and add that little one into the childcare mix. The care of a new baby can often disrupt the other family that has just one child. Kathy says, “The family with the only may not like the activity disruptions to a toddler’s day caused by the needs of the new baby. For example, a baby that is napping twice a day for long periods of time restricts the extracurricular activities of the toddlers, who would normally be able to participate in morning excursions such as visits to the local library for reading time, going to the park to play, etc.” So, if a family decides to do this, there needs to be good discussion between the nanny and the families to be sure that all of the details are worked out to the best of their ability.
Q: Is one family in charge of being the official employer?
A: This is a very common question and it’s an important one. Kathy says, “In the United States, both families are employers (or all families are employers) and are responsible for all employment taxes and mandated insurance on their wages paid to the nanny. Louise, who oversees Placement Solutions in Australia shares, “Kathy is right here, but in Australia as some families may be eligible for government rebates, the Agency will formally employ the nanny and the charge back those fees to the families.”
Q: Should the person whose home is used exclusively be compensated for wear and tear?
A: This is an issue that is commonly addressed and in fact, it generally works itself out for the families involved, as the hosting family that has the wear and tear does not need to bundle up their little one and transport the child to and from the hosting family’s home. But keep in mind that supplies such as food, diapers, and wipes always need to be negotiated. It isn’t practical for the nanny to remember which box of diapers to pull a diaper from when baby is soiled, or to prepare different meals. Generally, the non-host family will have a schedule to drop off the consumables (weekly for example) to be used.
In addition,the non-hosting family typically will stock their own items (pack and play for napping, car seats, high chair if appropriate) and the families will typically go together for items like a tandem stroller.
Q: What if the children do not get along?
A: Thankfully, this is usually a rarity, except in the case of discipline and expectations of the parents. Kathy shares, “If one family wants the nanny to teach the child how to do, and the other wants the nanny TO do, this is an issue. Same goes with acceptable behaviors (language being one). This is much more a case of the parents getting on the same page – the nanny can set the tone for behavioral issues universally and enforce, or the share will not last.” Louise adds, “Communication is essential between the parents as well as the nanny and the parents.”
Q: Should the nanny be paid more?
A: Kathy and Louise wholeheartedly agree that a nanny should absolutely be paid more. It is no different than a nanny for multiples being paid more than a nanny for a single. It’s typical to see total compensation of 20 to 25% more than the average single rate. Bear in mind, however, that when split between the families, this is always significantly less per family than hiring their own individual nanny.
Q: Who sets up the match?
A: It is best for the parents to meet first, and then decide together if they want to hire the nanny. In addition, there are certain agencies (such as Placement Solutions) that can introduce families to each other first.
Louise Dunham, is the principal of Placement Solutions, Melbourne Australia. Louise served on the INA’s Executive Board.
Kathy Webb is the co-founder and President of HomeWork Solutions, a leading household payroll and payroll tax compliance service, and a member of the International Nanny Association since 1993.
Kathy served on the INA Board of Directors as President.