The Dos and Don’ts of Nanny Sharing

Nanny sharing is becoming quite the trend among Kiwi families, and it's not hard to see why! Imagine having the benefits of a professional nanny but sharing the costs with another family. It’s a win-win! Not only does this make it more affordable, but it also means your little ones get extra social time with a new buddy. Plus, it’s super flexible, fitting into the busy schedules we all juggle these days.

In this blog, we’re diving into the dos and don’ts of nanny sharing. Whether you're thinking about teaming up with a neighbour, a friend, or someone from your playgroup, we’ve got you covered. We'll guide you through the best practices to ensure everything runs smoothly and everyone is happy, parents, kids, and the nanny too!

So, grab a cuppa, settle in, and let’s explore how to make nanny sharing work for you and your whānau. Ready? Let’s go!

Understanding Nanny Sharing

Let’s start with the basics, what exactly is nanny sharing?

Simply put, it’s when two or more families hire one nanny to care for their children. This could be a full-time gig where the nanny splits time between homes, or a part-time arrangement where the nanny looks after the kids together in one house. It’s a unique and great way to make potentially make childcare more affordable and flexible.

When considering nanny sharing, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First up, the arrangement. Are you thinking of sharing full-time or just a few days a week? Do you want the nanny to alternate between homes, or will the kids all gather in one place? It’s all about finding a setup that works best for everyone involved.

Next, think about schedules. Depending on the age of the children you might need to align nap times, meal times, and activities, which can be a bit of a puzzle. Living close to each other makes things a whole lot easier – less time commuting means more time for the kids to play and learn together.

Lastly, compatibility is key. It’s important that both families have similar parenting styles and household rules. This helps create a harmonious environment for the nanny and the kids. So, take some time to chat and get to know each other before diving into a nanny sharing arrangement.

The Dos of Nanny Sharing

Nanny sharing can be an amazing experience when done right. We’ve put together 5 important “dos” of nanny sharing that all families should consider:

• 1. Do communicate with all parties. Whether it’s a babysitter, nanny, au pair or a nanny share, having strong communication between all parties is critical. With a nanny share, make sure that both families are on the same page right from the get-go. Discuss expectations, schedules, and any concerns you might have. Having a regular check-in with both your nanny and your nanny share families can help address issues before they become problems.

• 2. Do establish an employment agreement. A written agreement is a must. Outline a clear job description that includes schedules, duties, pay rates, holidays, and even house rules. This not only sets clear expectations but also helps prevent misunderstandings. Make sure both families and the nanny agree to and sign it.

• 3. Do consider Compatibility. It’s crucial to ensure compatibility between the families. Do your parenting styles align? Are your household rules similar? Conduct trial periods to see how well your children get along and how the nanny manages with the shared arrangement.

• 4. Do discuss how payments will be managed. Money discussions can always be tricky, so it’s best to be up front. Discuss how costs will be divided and handle any additional expenses like outings or activities. Consider using a service like Pay The Nanny to manage the

• 5. Do create a backup plan. Life happens! Sometimes your nanny might need a day off or fall sick. Having a backup plan in place is important. Make sure you and the other nanny share family discuss alternative care arrangements and who can take responsibility in such situations. This ensures that the children are always taken care of, no matter what.

By following these dos, you’ll be setting up your nanny sharing arrangement for success. Open communication, detailed agreements, compatibility checks, transparent finances, and a solid backup plan are key to making sure everything runs smoothly.

The Don’ts of Nanny Sharing

Like any employment agreement, if things don’t go well it can make for an uncomfortable situation for all parties involved. While it’s impossible to avoid that completely, the tips below will help understand what to avoid:

• 1. Don’t overlook legalities. It's crucial to understand and comply with New Zealand’s employment laws when hiring a nanny. This includes proper contracts, tax obligations, and leave entitlements. Don’t assume you can handle things informally. Whilst that might work sometimes initially, it often creates problems down the track when a nanny looks to take leave or is coming to the end of employment.

• 2. Don’t ignore compatibility issues. If issues arise between families or the children, don’t sweep them under the rug. Address any conflicts or compatibility issues promptly. Open communication is vital, and sometimes renegotiating terms or even ending the arrangement may be necessary to keep the peace. Having a regular and scheduled check in with everyone means any issues don’t compound.

• 3. Don’t neglect the nanny’s needs. Remember, your nanny is a professional and should be treated as such. Ensure their workload is manageable and that they feel supported. Fair compensation, reasonable working hours, and respecting their preferences are key to keeping your nanny happy and motivated.

• 4. Don’t forget to involve the children. Keep an eye on how your children are adjusting to the nanny sharing arrangement. Are they getting along well with the other kids? Are they happy and thriving? It goes without saying that the children will always be the top priority but it can be easy to miss some of the subtle signs a child gives, when life becomes busy.

• 5. Don’t rely solely on verbal agreements. While a quick verbal agreement might seem easier, it can lead to misunderstandings. Always put agreements in writing and review them regularly. This ensures that everyone’s expectations are clear and helps avoid potential disputes.

Practical Tips for Successful Nanny Sharing

Outlined below are a few practical tips that combine the dos and don’t in to an action plan that those considering a Nanny Share can follow:

• 1. Schedule regular meetings. Regular check-ins might seem too formal but they are important. Set up monthly or even bi-weekly meetings with all parties involved to discuss progress, address any concerns, and make necessary adjustments. This keeps communication open and ensures everyone is on the same page.

• 2. Use shared calendars or apps. Keeping track of schedules, activities, and important dates can be tricky. Use shared calendars or apps like Google Calendar to coordinate everything. This makes it easy to manage and avoids any mix-ups.

• 3. Create a shared account for joint expenses. Set up a shared account for expenses that benefit both families, like outings, snacks, and activities. This makes it simpler to manage costs and ensures that both families contribute fairly. You might not need to go and open a joint account (opening accounts is hard!) but having a dedicated account which both parents pay to can simplify transparency on finances.

• 4. Create a group chat. If you are using whatsapp or messenger, it’s easy to create a group chat with all the parties involved. Seems a simple tip, but can help when planning everything on the go.

• 5. Establish clear boundaries. While nanny sharing involves a lot of cooperation, it’s important to respect each family’s privacy and boundaries. Establish clear guidelines about what’s shared and what’s kept separate.

• 6. Show appreciation and support. A happy nanny makes for a happy arrangement. Show appreciation for your nanny’s hard work and dedication. Small gestures like thank-you notes, holiday gifts, or simply acknowledging their efforts can go a long way in building a positive relationship.

• 7. Encourage social interaction. Nanny sharing offers a great opportunity for social interaction among the children. Plan joint activities like playdates, picnics, or trips to the park. This not only keeps the kids entertained but also helps them bond and learn to share.

• 8. Be flexible and adaptable. Flexibility is key to making nanny sharing work. Be open to adjusting schedules or arrangements as needed. Life can be unpredictable, and being adaptable helps ensure the arrangement continues to meet everyone’s needs.

• 9. Use a dedicated nanny payroll service. At Caresies, we work with Pay The Nanny a lot, and they’ve helped process the payroll for a number of nanny share arrangements. Having a professional payroll service can make things clear around taxes, leave and any other employment obligations.

By implementing these practical tips, you can establish a nanny sharing arrangement that is both enjoyable and effective for all parties involved. Regular meetings, shared organisational tools, joint accounts, clear boundaries, mutual appreciation, social interaction, and flexibility are essential components for success. With these strategies in place, you are well on your way to creating a seamless and harmonious nanny sharing experience.

What next?

Nanny sharing can be a fantastic solution for families looking to balance cost, flexibility, and quality childcare. By following the dos and don’ts, and implementing practical tips, you can ensure a great nanny sharing experience that benefits everyone involved, from the parents, to the children, to the nanny.

Remember, the key to success lies in open communication, detailed agreements, compatibility checks, transparent finances, legal compliance, and a solid backup plan. Coupled with regular meetings, shared tools, joint accounts, clear boundaries, and showing appreciation, you’ll be well-equipped to handle any challenges that come your way.

If you are looking to get started with a Nanny Share, get in touch with us and we can help talk you through the steps required. At Caresies we have over 1,500 nannies all with an open mind and actively looking for work. Visit Caresies for more resources, tips, and guidance on all things childcare.