- A nanny share is a nanny who watches children from 2 households, either at the same time or on a rotating schedule.
- Since you’re splitting the cost of a nanny, you’ll usually spend less than paying for a nanny on your own.
- Plus, your kids will get to socialize with other children while getting the personalized care that only a nanny can give.
What is a nanny share?
A nanny share is an agreement between 2 families to share 1 nanny. Typically, families use nanny sharing programs when they only need a nanny part-time. The nanny will be paid by both families, but they will usually alternate between the 2 homes. They might bring all the children to 1 home and care for them there, or they might switch back and forth between families depending on who needs childcare. Keep in mind that with a nanny share, you won’t be paying half of a nanny’s going rate. Because nanny share agreements are a little more work for the nanny, they usually charge 33% more than the going hourly rate in the area (which you’ll pay half of). For instance, if most nannies charge $20 per hour, your nanny share nanny will charge $26.5 per hour. Since you’re splitting the cost with another family, you’ll still only be paying $13.25 per hour yourself.
Benefits of a Nanny Share
You’ll save money. Even though nanny share nannies usually charge more, you’re splitting the cost with another family. Your pocketbook will thank you when it comes time to pay the bills!
You’ll get personalized childcare. If you’re trying to decide between a nanny and a daycare, a nanny will always offer a more personalized service for your children. Even if they’re taking care of another child (or children) alongside your own, they’ll be able to dedicate much more time and attention to your kids than a daycare worker would.
Your kids will be social, but exposed to fewer germs. Want your kids to interact with other children, but don’t want them to become human petri dishes at a daycare? A nanny share is the perfect in-between! Since your children will be nannied alongside another family, they’ll get to interact and play with other kids. But since they’re seeing the same children every week, they’re much less likely to spread germs.
You’ll get flexible childcare. While daycares often have set working hours, nannies are a lot more flexible with their time. When it comes to holidays, sick days, or days when you just need a little extra help, a nanny will likely be able to take on the extra childcare. With this flexibility comes convenience. If you just need a quiet day at home, sending the nanny and your kids to the other family’s home is a great way to do that.
Finding a Partner Family
Look for a family who lives nearby. When it comes to sharing a nanny, location is key. You don’t have to be next-door neighbors, but look for a family who lives within 10 or 20 minutes of you. That way, if your nanny has to go to both homes in one day, they can do it without extra hassle. Try posting in your local parenting groups on Facebook or your neighborhood page on Nextdoor. Ideally, you’ll have a partner family in mind before looking for a nanny; that way, you can nail down the logistics before hiring someone.
Make sure your children get along. Before proposing a nanny sharing arrangement, have a playdate for your kids. Since your children will be spending a good amount of time together, make sure they get along relatively well. Try to find a family with children who are similar in age to yours, too. A lot of times, families who share a nanny will go on vacation at the same time, too. Since you’re both paying for the nanny, bringing them along on a dual-vacation (or giving them time off when you’re both gone) often makes the most sense.
Find a family with similar parenting values to yours. You don’t have to agree on everything, but go over the basics to make sure you’re compatible. Talk about things like potty training, screen time, general house rules, and safety precautions. If you have wildly different viewpoints, then it may be a good idea to look for a new family. Remember, your child (or children) is going to be in this other family’s home for long periods of time. Be sure you’re comfortable letting your kids stay in your partner family’s home without your supervision.
Talk about your budgets for a nanny. Come to an agreement on how much you’re willing to spend together. Look up the average hourly rate for a nanny in your area, then add about 33% to it. This is generally what you’ll pay for a nanny sharing arrangement. Most families in a nanny share split the hourly rate evenly. However, if you’re going to be using the nanny more (or vice versa), you can discuss an uneven split.
Finding the Right Nanny
Look for a nanny within your budget. Hiring a nanny for a nanny share isn’t so different from hiring a single-family nanny. Make sure that wherever you’re looking, you’re clear about your budget and that this is a nanny share, not a single-family nanny. Since nanny shares can be more work, some nannies won’t interview for them. However, the extra money on top is enticing, so you shouldn’t have any problems finding interested employees.
Find a nanny who is willing to be flexible. Sure, you can have a general schedule for when your nanny is watching the kids. But when illnesses or holidays come up, it’s nice to have a nanny who won’t mind adjusting their hours a little bit. Look for someone who isn’t super rigid with their schedule so they can work with both families.
Hire a nanny who shares your parenting values. To find someone who’s the right fit for both families, nail down your top parenting values, then ask the nanny how comfortable they are with them. For instance, some parents really want a nanny who is open to doing some developmental activities at home, like learning the alphabet or sign language. As you interview, keep these goals in mind. Some parents prefer a nanny who is multilingual so that their kids can pick up a new language. While sharing values is important, it’s equally as important for you, the parent, to be flexible in your own parenting values. Since someone else will be watching your kids, make sure you’re okay with bending some of your own rules. Otherwise, a nanny share may not be for you.
Find nannies on nannying and childcare sites. Not sure where to look for a nanny? No problem! Check out childcare finding sites like: Care.com Sittercity Nanny Lane
Nanny Sharing Logistics
Issue a W2 to your nanny from both families. When it comes to taxes, both you and your partner family are your nanny’s employer. Therefore, your nanny will receive a W2 from both families, not just one of you. This is important when tax season comes along to ensure you, your partner family, and your nanny report your income accurately. Head to ssa.gov to register as an employer and download W2 forms. Nannies get W2s, not 1099s, because they are not independent contractors.
Get worker’s compensation insurance if your state requires it. Worker’s compensation covers your nanny's bills if they get sick or hurt on the job. In some states, you are required to purchase worker’s comp for household employees. Find your state on this list to see what kind of coverage you need and how to purchase it.
Set a schedule for your nanny. In writing, tell your nanny how often they should stay at one home versus the other. Make a schedule detailing how many hours per week you’d like them to work, as well as how often they watch the children from each family. Give copies to your nanny, your partner family, and yourself so that there is no confusion.
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