Pros and cons of getting a nanny
A nanny or not? That is the question
It could be the best decision you ever make
So, you’re ready to go back to work – now comes the sticky question of who looks after the kids.
You’ve got plenty of options, all with different pros and cons, including daycare, home-based care and family members helping out. Not often explored in NZ is the option of getting a nanny. While some families think they’re the best thing since sliced bread, it’s not the right solution for everyone.
Advantages of hiring a nanny
No more frantic mornings
It’s hard enough getting yourself out the door, let alone an unwilling toddler, or a baby who always seems to need changing at the wrong time. With your nanny around, frantic mornings are gone. It’ll be as simple as getting yourself ready and kissing your baby’s goodbye.
One-on-one care
It’s comforting to know that yours is the only kid (or kids!) your nanny has to worry about. There are no other crying babies to attend to, so they have the nanny’s attention all the time. That means your children’s emotional, physical and developmental needs are there first priority. Your children will also be at home in their own space – a far more relaxing environment than a Daycare Centre.
Flexibility
A nanny’s hours will usually be more flexible than daycare. Rather than rigid schedules, you’ll work to understand how flexible the nanny’s hours are, and how you can handle abrupt changes of plans. No more last-minute calls to daycare or paying through the nose for late pick-ups.
Less illness
Daycare is a breeding ground for coughs, colds and other childhood illnesses. By keeping your child away from other children, you’re avoiding a host of health issues, which is better for everyone in the family.
Help in the home
Imagine coming back to a tidy home, washing done and the kids fed. Nannies don’t just look after the kids – they can also help around the house too. The level of extra duties will depend on how many kids they are looking after, so it’s best to detail these from the start.
No-compromise approach to care
If you parent a certain way or believe in certain approaches, it can be difficult to let others look after your child when they don’t share your values or views. When you hire a nanny, you can choose someone who already fits your family, and then ask them to closely align with your parenting style. Daycare, homebased care or family members won’t give you nearly the same level of oversight and control.
Disadvantages of a nanny
You’re reliant on just one person
If the nanny quits unexpectedly – or is unwell – you may be stranded with no other childcare options. A daycare is always open!
Less social interaction
Socialization is important for your child’s future. Daycare means your child has daily contact with peers but staying at home with the nanny means your child may miss out. To combat this, you could ask your nanny to schedule playdates, outings, and music or swimming classes.
A bit pricier
A nanny will need to be paid at least the minimum wage, which is $17.70 an hour – although you should expect to pay up to $30 an hour for a good one. That means a ten-hour day will cost at least $177, or $885 for a five-day week, which is a lot more expensive than your average daycare.
If you have two or more kids, a nanny becomes a more economical option – you’ll pay the same hourly rate, regardless of the number of children (within reason!), but you pay per child for daycare. If the nanny can help out by doing some housework each day, the equation becomes even more attractive.
More paperwork
If you employ someone directly, you may have to pay PAYE and other employer-related taxes and benefits. You also need to be familiar with the Holidays Act and Employment Relations Act. Working through a nanny agency can solve some of these problems – they’ll handle the paperwork but may add a fee.
Lack of privacy
This person will be in your home, all day, with no other adult there. Some people may struggle with this and feel like they are losing their privacy.
Questionable qualifications
How do you know you can trust this person with your child? In NZ, there’s a Certificate in Nanny Education, a globally-recognised qualification. This qualification ensures they have the theoretical and practical knowledge to look after your children.
But nannying doesn’t require qualifications – they could be studying towards an early childhood career or have no qualifications at all. You’ll need to do your homework to check up on potential nannies – even if they seem to tick all the boxes.
Ready to find a nanny?
If you’ve decided a nanny is the best option for your family, there are plenty of places you can find one. There are umbrella organizations that act as agencies to connect nannies and families. You could also advertise online or ask around your community for recommendations. Remember to check references thoroughly and perhaps conduct a paid trial to see if the nanny and your kids get along.
Get it right, though, and a nanny could be an amazing addition to your family.
