An astounding 69% of parents say that good babysitters are hard to find. However, for some families, hiring a live-in nanny can present a constant and worthy option without having to continually search for a babysitter — though the notion doesn’t come without a few drawbacks. From the convenience and flexibility that a live-in nanny can offer to the negatives worth considering and the importance of keeping your childcare goals in mind along the way, here’s what you need to know.
The undeniable benefits involved
For families looking to hire a live-in nanny, there are a myriad of benefits to be aware of. For starters, a live-in nanny can present a convenient and trusted caretaker for parents who have varying and/or busy schedules. Not only that, but a live-in nanny will also allow for your child to have a familiar face looking after them, which will allow for them to bond with and become a part of the family since a live-in nanny will be committed to working for your family. With a singular nanny looking after your child as opposed to a rotating schedule of babysitters, you can rest assured that your child will get individualized attention while under their care. In turn, this will allow you to have more parental control over things like activities, diet, and overall schedules.
Potential downfalls to consider
While live-in nannies can be a fantastic option for many families, there are some potential downfalls to take into consideration before actually hiring someone. In addition to the cost, another thing to consider is the fact that you’ll be sharing a home with the nanny, which will likely require setting boundaries early on in terms of when the nanny can have time off, what rooms are off limits, etc. in order to prevent any conflict later on. However, there are additional things to consider should you go another route.
If you’ve been looking for the perfect live-in nanny and can’t seem to find one to meet your needs, looking outside the United States is a great solution in broadening your choices. However, while a nanny from another country can be great for introducing your child to a new culture and even in learning a new language, obtaining a work visa for nanny may be required, with one way being to sponsor them for an H-2B nonimmigrant visa, which will allow the nanny to work in your home for a specific period of time. However, while this can be seen as a downfall due to the paperwork involved (such as applying for temporary labor certification, etc.), the end result will allow you to have a nanny that fits your childcare needs perfectly.
Considering your childcare needs and goals
When deciding whether or not hiring a live-in nanny is right for your family, keeping your childcare needs and goals at the forefront of your mind is imperative in making the right choice. For example, if your child needs more individualized attention, or your schedule requires great flexibility in terms of childcare due to a busy work schedule, a live-in nanny could certainly be the right fit, and can allow you to cater to additional goals such as helping your child learn a new language should you sponsor someone from another country. However, if you’re reluctant to share your home with your nanny or don’t need childcare as frequently, perhaps a babysitter would present a better, more cost-effective option.
Should you not mind sharing your home, a live-in nanny can present a wonderful childcare solution for your family, especially if you have a hectic schedule and would like your child to receive more individualized attention. However, this might not be for everyone, as visa considerations and sharing your home can be potential downfalls.
WOW that is a lot to think about. But if you have the money to do it