This article was co-authored by Lauren Chan Lee, MBA
and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden
. Lauren Chan Lee is Senior Director of Product Management at Care.com, the largest online marketplace for finding and managing family care. She has worked in product management for over 10 years across a variety of specialties and areas. She received her MBA from Northwestern University in 2009.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 9,959 times.
Want to hire a nanny, but only need them part of the time? Or, maybe you’re looking for that perfect sweet spot in between daycare and staying at home with the kids. A nanny share might be the perfect solution for you! Keep reading to learn more about this sweet arrangement, including how much money you can save and how to find the right partner family to share a nanny with. Let’s get started!
Things You Should Know
- 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.
Steps
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. [1] X Research source
- 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
-
1You’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! [2] X Research source
-
2You’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. [3] X Research source
-
3Your 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. [4] X Research source
-
4You’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. [5] X Research source
- 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
-
1Look 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. [6] X Research source
- 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.
-
2Make 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. [7] X Research source
- 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.
-
3Find 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. [8] X Research source
- 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.
-
4Talk 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. [9] X Research source
- 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
-
1Look 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. [10] X Research source
- 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.
-
2Find 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. [11] X Research source
-
3Hire 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. [12] X Research source
- 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.
-
4Find nannies on nannying and childcare sites. Not sure where to look for a nanny? No problem! Check out childcare finding sites like:
Nanny Sharing Logistics
-
1Issue 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. [13] X Research source
- Head to ssa.gov to register as an employer and download W2 forms.
- Nannies get W2s, not 1099s, because they are not independent contractors.
-
2Get 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. [14] X Research source
-
3Set 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. [15] X Research source
Expert Q&A
-
QuestionHow can I support a nanny as a parent?Lauren Chan Lee is Senior Director of Product Management at Care.com, the largest online marketplace for finding and managing family care. She has worked in product management for over 10 years across a variety of specialties and areas. She received her MBA from Northwestern University in 2009.Make sure you write down clear instructions or routines so your nanny can easily see when your kids need to eat or take a nap. It may also help if you prepare meals ahead of time so your nanny doesn't have to cook.Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Tips
- In a nanny share, communication is key: both with your partner family and the nanny.Thanks
- Screen any potential nannies with a background check to make sure it's safe for them to work with your children.Thanks
You Might Also Like
References
- ↑ https://nanny.org/dos-and-donts-of-a-nanny-share/
- ↑ https://www.peps.org/ParentResources/by-topic/childcare/ten-reasons-to-share-a-nanny
- ↑ https://www.peps.org/ParentResources/by-topic/childcare/ten-reasons-to-share-a-nanny
- ↑ https://www.peps.org/ParentResources/by-topic/childcare/ten-reasons-to-share-a-nanny
- ↑ https://www.peps.org/ParentResources/by-topic/childcare/ten-reasons-to-share-a-nanny
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/article/nanny-share-guide.html
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/article/nanny-share-guide.html
- ↑ https://nanny.org/dos-and-donts-of-a-nanny-share/
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/article/nanny-share-guide.html
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/article/nanny-share-guide.html
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/article/nanny-share-guide.html
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/article/nanny-share-guide.html
- ↑ https://www.nannytaxprep.com/faq/im-nanny-share-taxes-work/
- ↑ https://gtm.com/household/resource-center/workers-comp-requirements/?utm_source=sittercity&utm_medium=blog&utm_campaign=workers-compensation
- ↑ https://www.parents.com/toddlers-preschoolers/childcare/nanny/how-we-pulled-off-the-perfect-nanny-share/