Twinkle Thoughts

Schedule

One of the number one reasons that parents hire a live-in nanny is that they work a very busy or unpredictable schedule.  If you have a job with day shifts one week and night shifts the next, it may be difficult to schedule childcare with a nanny or daycare.  Consistency is needed for those types of support, while a live-in nanny can deal with a more flexible schedule.  If you work long hours that would not allow you to do things like drive your children to school, pick them up or put them to bed, you may consider hiring a live-in nanny.  In general, someone who lives at your home is more likely to be available at times like early mornings, overnight, and weekends than someone who does not.

Cost

How much does a live-in nanny cost?  This is one of the number one questions from families considering hiring a full-time caregiver for their children.  Live-in nannies should be paid hourly just like a typical babysitter would be.  You should not deduct rent, food, or other bills from your nanny’s pay.  This is illegal in some states.  This means that a live-in nanny may cost you more than a regular nanny depending on what services you provide for your nanny and how they affect bills like groceries, electricity, and water.  However, a live-in nanny can also help with household chores like laundry and dishes.  One person also does not make that big of an impact on your bills.  All of these things need to be considered in the live-in nanny cost.

Closeness to children

A live-in nanny typically forms a very close relationship with the children they take care of because of the amount of time they spend with them.  This can be beneficial to both the nanny and the children.  This does not mean a live-out nanny cannot form close bonds with your kids.  Anyone who spends regular time with your children is likely to form an attachment.  This is a good thing, of course, but with a live in nanny, there is a probability you will have less alone time with your child.  Since the caregiver lives in your home, they will be around more often than not.  Your child will also likely want to hang out with the live-in nanny often.

Privacy

Privacy is one of the biggest concerns for many families thinking about hiring a nanny.  It can be worrying about inviting a stranger to stay in your home.  This is why background checks and interviews are so vital to the hiring process.  It is also important to establish boundaries with the nanny from the start.  Make it clear when they need to take care of the children and when they do not.  Have a set way to communicate changes to the schedule.  Decide on things like the use of common areas and meal sharing at the beginning to avoid awkward conversations later.

Looking For Live-in Nannies For Hire?

Whether your family wants a live-in nanny or someone who comes over part-time, Twinkle Toes Nanny Agency can help. We staff only the best and most qualified nannies.  To learn more, visit us online.