Waooo…so amazing how the human mind keeps evolving with innovative ideas for easier existence as the world evolves too. Nanny sharing is one of the many innovative ideas that one finds in the bid to enable work life integration.
From our understanding of its unique requirements, a sort of communialism that is found in less developed Nations can be argued to be so paramount in the experience of its prevalent immense benefits.
Ok… what does it even mean…
. Well… a very apt professional definition from the careforkids site- www.careforkids.com.au , tells us that “Nanny sharing is when one nanny works for two families.
The nanny may either: Work for each family at different times eg the nanny works part-time at each house, or
Care for both sets of children at the same time eg the nanny is shared full-time in one family’s house.”
Basically the family house of choice is up to the two family’s very mature consideration of the pros and cons.
As we aforementioned, it speaks to a reliant interdependence that is inherent in a communal lifestyle, this time, it’s paid for.
Here are some other scenarios (though not exhaustive) that can be argued to warrant and make necessary the choice of a nanny share experience:
• You are working part-time in the mornings and only need a nanny when you are at work.
• You have children at school and need a nanny in the afternoons after school.
• You can’t afford a full-time (perhaps live in) nanny just for your child or infant, and decide to share a full-time nanny with another family to split the cost.
• You want to combine a couple of days a week of a nanny with other existing child care.”
• In addition to the aforementioned, the families in question have children within same age bracket and share similar values.
All in all, the scenarios listed show that nanny share is ideal for those that seek flexible, lower cost of child care, that are safer methods of care for their children.
Interestingly, Post-COVID19, this concept can actually be adapted for those who no longer require nannies but maids yet at a very manageable cost.
In this regard, the maids would have pre-arranged days for each house or family and follow through accordingly. Certainly would be beneficial but when the coast is clear of COVID19. 
Ok… with every concept there are the good sides- a.k.a advantages and also disadvantages- not so good sides.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of the Nanny share concept:
1. In comparison with other forms of child care, nanny share experiences are a more flexible option especially as the duration of engagement is never rigid- always open to negotiation. Child minders, day nurseries, creche systems and so on have a timing that requires strict adherence.
2. Also, families are certain of proper care by one person which aids in less disease outbreaks or ailments contacted.
3. Socialising and communal lifestyle, as aforementioned, is enabled for both families and children in particular.
4. Costs are reduced to a more bearable level for both parties and that helps with reduction in overall expenses.
5. Late pick up doesn’t result in extra fees or feelings of anxiety for the parents of young children.
On the converse, here are some disadvantages:
1. If it’s a case of commuting between both families, then a change in the first family’s schedule, will affect the other family’s start up time.
2. Challenges or disagreements between one family and the nanny affects the other family. Ouch…!
3. It requires detailed dialogue and clearly stated agreements between both families and nanny which would require alot of negotiating that wouldn’t be necessary if it’s one family engaging the nanny.
[Not exhaustive, feel free to read more about it. Here are is a link: https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a537550/nanny-sharing ]
Looking critically at both sides to the nanny share, it can be argued that for a highly successful experience for all parties, open communication, trust, shared values between both families, adherence to rules of engagement, health and safety consciousness(especially in these times of the pandemic, and flexibility are key factors.
Do you think this concept is workable in your context? If yes, are there other factors that you think are necessary for a successful nanny sharing experience?
Lets have your thoughts
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