We started a nanny share with another family. My son gained a new best friend and it's less expensiv
- When we started a nanny share with another family, we didn't realize how many benefits there'd be.
- We save money, he gained a new best friend, and my husband and I gained new friends, too.
- It was a great decision to make for our family as well as theirs.
Even though he's only 3 years old, I could hear his little feet bounding through our living room while I was upstairs working. His exuberance and energy come with him everywhere.
"Dominic's here!" my son shouted.
We met Dominic's family through our church, and when his mom mentioned they were having a hard time finding a nanny, I offered the idea of a nanny share a couple of days a week. Little did we know, our son Caz and Dominic would become best friends, and Dominic's mom would become one of my closest friends, too.
There were multiple pros to starting a nanny share
Under the care of our nanny, the boys raced toy cars, worked on art projects, and played on the swing set in our backyard. They had lunch together and created imaginative games about dinosaurs and dragons. I'd be in my office working and hear their giggles, their sweet voices describing what they're drawing or coloring.
I loved knowing that my son was having fun with a friend, someone his age, who he could practice important social skills with, like sharing, communicating, and building towers together. Because my husband and I decided to hire nannies for our childcare, it was a bonus that my son had weekly exposure to playing and interacting with another child.
Sometimes, they'd argue over who got a toy first or how many times someone got to ride the tiny airplane through the house. The nanny share built my son's resilience and communication, and luckily, we had an experienced nanny who brought patience and problem-solving to the table.
Over time, Dominic occasionally cried when he had to put on his shoes and say goodbye, not wanting to leave the fun. Even though they were young, the boys would request more and more playdates together outside the nanny share days.
Outside of the practicality, we all gained close friends
My husband and I got to know their family better and learned how much we also enjoyed the parents' company. When his mom or dad dropped him off, we chatted about life, the struggles of parenting little ones with their fickle food habits and emotional whirlwinds. We shared a different, deeper kind of trust because their child was in our home every week. By bonding our families together through the nanny, we gained lifelong friends.
Our nanny communicated well with both families about how the days went and any issues that came up. But she often regaled how the boys played well together and had lots of fun. The nanny share days were a highlight of the week: everything was more exciting when Dominic was around. Knowing Caz was having the time of his life eased the burden of being away from him while I worked.
It can be hard to find great caregivers for our kids, and sharing that load with another family made it easier — and less expensive. We could split the bill, all while knowing our child was getting close attention and care.
The intimacy and specialness of having another child in our home brought about love and openness between our families. We learned about Dominic and what he needed to feel safe, seen, and heard, which made us closer to him and his parents. He was different from my firstborn, who is more introverted and can focus on a puzzle for an hour. Dominic would run through the house, asking Caz to wrestle him or telling us about the latest Detroit Lions game.
Now, at 5 years old, the two boys communicate their feelings with each other.
"That made me feel sad."
"I'm sorry I hit you."
"Can I give you a hug?"
Every playdate now ends in the sweetest embrace.
Dominic's entire family has become some of our best friends. We get together often for day trips with the kids, dinners, and more. We even have a double date on the calendar: our nanny is going to watch all five of our kids while we grab a drink and hang out as adults. The best nanny share event yet!
Watch: Why childcare has become so unaffordable
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