When deciding to hire a live-in nanny, parents have to be aware of both the pros and cons and to carefully consider whether this arrangement would be suited to you and your family.

Pros of a Live-In Nanny

• The nanny becomes part of the family, providing support to the family when parents have to work and need an extra pair of hands
• Children are secure in having the same caregiver on a consistent basis
• Live-in nannies have a more flexible schedule and can be there should you work late or need to leave early or watch the kids overnight
• No need to rush the kids off to daycare before work early in the morning
• You have someone you can use for babysitting (at an extra cost)
• Live-in nannies often help with light housekeeping and run light errands
• Live-in nanny salaries are more cost effective as you are providing the food and accommodation
• There is some anecdotal evidence that the retention rate of a live-in nanny is better than their live-out counterparts

Cons of a Live-In Nanny

• Monthly food and utility expenses will increase but this is evened out with the lower salary cost of a live-in nanny
• Space needed in home to provide accommodation for the nanny
• Less privacy as you are in essence sharing your private space with another person
• May need to provide use of a car to the nanny
• When you have a dispute can make things more awkward

Is a live-in nanny suited to your family?

1. Do you mind having someone’s dirty socks lying around besides your family members?
2. Can you deal with conflict constructively? Would you ignore the nanny in a conflict situation or communicate and resolve the issue openly?
3. If your nanny comes home from a late night out, knocking over the pot plant on her way in, how would you react?
4. Are you happy to have your nanny watch tv with you with her running commentaries?

What I’m trying to say here in a light hearted way is that hiring a live-in nanny is like accepting a new member into your family and that even though the family and nanny’s new lifestyle may need some adjustment, the pros outweigh the cons and can be the start to a long, mutually beneficial collaboration