Is A Nanny Right For Us ?
A nanny is an employee and should be on a payroll system. They can be employed on a part- or full-time basis, nannies are child care professionals—usually with educational backgrounds and/or training. Nannies meet many of a child’s needs, caring for children physically, socially, and emotionally. Some nannies help with homework while others complete cleaning-related tasks, such as laundry or tidying a child’s room. Nannies can live in or out of the home. Live -in nannies are cheaper , you need to provide all their meals. If you require regular baby sitting 2-3 times a week. This can be included in the salary of a live-in nanny as well. Hours will need to be agreed in any contract.
What Age Groups Do Nannies Work With ?
They will be able to work with all different age groups from Newborn +, a nanny is best suited to provide childcare for children from birth until they begin school at age 4.
The responsibilities of a nanny are to care for the young child, providing entertainment and helping with their early years education. Additionally, they will complete cleaning tasks related to the child, including laundry, tidying the child’s room and changing their bedding.
Ages 5-12yrs –Once the child starts school, the role of the nanny will likely change to include things such as getting the child ready in the morning and completing the school run. After school care is very much sort after. Some nannies can help with this and work fulltime during the school breaks. This works well , for those study during term time.
Ages 13-18 – From adolescence, your child won’t require the same level of supervision. They will be more able to entertain themselves and won’t want to engage with the nanny in the same way as younger children do.
The role transfers from that of a nanny housekeeper to a housekeeper, a role that focuses more on the household and the needs of the family as a whole. A driver who can take the children to and from activities is great help.
Working parents who want child supervision in a structured setting may choose or opt for a daycare setting. Those who prefer in-house care, either full time or part time, might to go with babysitters or nannies.
What are the Differences Between a Nanny and a Babysitter?
While nannies provide numerous benefits, at least for some families, a babysitter is the right choice for others. Sitters are usually available on short notice. Plus point is they can sometimes be called upon for the night before care is needed—or even the day of. Sitters are flexible and work nights and/or weekends. The cost is less than a nanny, as they are typically employed for shorter windows of time. Many do not have the same training as a nanny and be able to plan a child’s day with suitable age appropriate activities. They may therefore need more guidance.
How do I Make The Right Choice ?
There are many things to consider before making the decision to have a nanny or baby sitter . Or Nursery care.While selecting a nanny or babysitter is a big job—this person will be in charge of your child, after all—there are a few things you can do to make the selection process easier. First, know what you need. Determine how many hours of care you will require and when. Also, set up a schedule and a budget. This will help you to determine if a full-time nanny or part-time babysitter is a realistic proposition. Then, when you’re ready, start the interview process. You will also need to contact a nanny payroll company to find out the true cost to the employer. There are tax and insurance pension contributions to be met monthly.
Other Factors to Consider?
A nannyshare arrangement could be a cheaper solution, if you have only one child each , as the nanny will have a limit on the number of children they can look after safetly. Things to consider are holidays , sick days off and have you a back up plan.
- Cost. Nannies tend to be more expensive than daycare centers and babysitters.
- Socialization. Because your children are being watched in the home, they will get less socialization than their daycare-bound peers.
- Lack of privacy. Some people do not like the idea of having an outside person in their home for so many hours most days of the week.
- No backup option. While daycare centers are open whether or not your child’s teacher falls ill, the same is not true with nannies. If your nanny is sick—or on vacation—there is no backup option.
Interviews should be conducted at home, and with your child present, to let you see how the prospective sitter or nanny responds. Trial periods are often recommended too. Have the sitter or nanny work a shift or two with you present or at home.
Finally, ask for professional references. Current or former employers or fellow parents will be able to give you a good idea what you should (and should not) expect. You may also want to conduct a background check.