How do you choose between the two?
|
|
While some argue that having a nanny is an elite lifestyle choice, I respectfully beg to differ. You may be thinking, “Well that's because you’re a nanny agency” (conflict of interest and all of that); however, I disagree because I have been in this field for over 15 years, in multiple capacities, and have learned a lot. Something your home actually needs in order to function in the absence of working parents cannot be considered an elite extravagance. Nannies are, in fact, more affordable than most realize. Dropping your child off in a group setting and saying “see you later” does not work for everyone for a variety of reasons. Our dictionary would not have not made room for words such as “babysitter” and “nanny” if there was no need, right? After all, the saying is true: It takes a village!
|
|
Both options have advantages; you be the judge
|
|
Educational experience
Make sure you do your homework first; not all childcare centers actually teach. While most make sure to cover basic skills, they are not required to make sure the child is hitting all their milestones or working towards meeting new ones.
|
|
Educational experience
- Some nannies provide personal exposure to a different culture right in your home.
- You plan out the one-on-one lessons and experiences for your child.
- You don't have to worry that your child will be left behind or get lost during trips to the library, museums, and the zoo.
|
|
Social growth
The constant social immersion that daycare provides can be a great way to encourage social growth
.
|
|
Social growth
You plan playdates and control play groups with your child’s best interests in mind.
More time spent with siblings strengthens family bonds.
|
|
Building bonds with siblings
Useless you have twins or triplets, it is unlikely your children will be in the same class at daycare.
|
|
Building bonds with siblings
Siblings spend more time together, leading to stronger, more lasting bonds.
|
|
Childcare for special events:
- Positive- If you like the teachers and assistants at the daycare and it’s not against school policy, you are able to ask them to babysit.
- Negative- if you don’t like them as a babysitter, you can count on awkward moments ahead.
|
|
Childcare for special events:
You have a built-in babysitter already vetted and approved by you. Your children have someone they are used to, and Nanny already knows your family's routines.
|
|
Child's sick day
If your little one has a sick day, you have a sick day, too. Daycares and schools want you to keep your germs to yourself!
|
|
Child's sick day
Nanny is on it--no need to call out sick.
#OneLessMadBoss
|
|
Germs
Unfortunately, they are not very good at keeping the germs to themselves… the first couple of years, expect your child to be sick every time someone else is.
#Hypocritical
|
|
Germs
Nanny is able to keep the children’s environment clean and non-toxic during really bad cold or flu seasons, thus limiting your child’s exposure to germs.
|
|
Allergies
Allergies are no fun. The many hands at daycare centers that touch your child have touched many other children and objects as well. This raises the risk of exposure to allergens.
|
|
Allergies
- Allergies are no fun… but everyone in your home will be on the same page, no excuses.
- The allergen can be kept away from your home and your child.
|
|
Staff sick day
Truth be told, you won't really know if and when a teacher brings in a cold or other illness. Unfortunately, not all daycare centers offer paid sick days to their employees; a teacher who really needs the paycheck may not err on the side of protecting your child. If the daycare does offer paid sick days, you don't have to miss a beat.
|
|
Staff sick day
This can be a drawback depending on how you feel about Nanny coming in sick. Most nannies will take their cue from you on this matter. Generally speaking, nannies often get colds from the children in their care.
On the plus side, you can ask your nanny what vaccinations she has gotten. Most are willing to accommodate any special requests you may have, further limiting your child's exposure to sickness.
|
|
Where is the rule?
=
Where is the rule that says if you choose to have your toddler in daycare two or three times a week for a different type of socialization that you can’t still have a babysitter or nanny?
|
|
Where is the rule?
=
Where is the rule that says if you choose to have your toddler in daycare two or three times a week for a different type of socialization that you can’t still have a babysitter or nanny?
|
|
Scheduling
Childcare centers have set hours of operation. If you want early-morning care or late-evening care, it is an additional cost. If you arrive later than expected due to heavy traffic or transportation delays too often, you risk being fined or asked to leave.
|
|
Scheduling
Advantage: flexible hours, in case you need to stay later at the office.
Advantage: you are able to plan your child’s ideal schedule-a new adventure can await them every day!
|
|
Your weekends
Longer “To Do” list
Your weekend becomes a long series of chores, errands, and "gotta do’s" as you catch up on all the things you were too exhausted to do during the week after work. Laundry, dishes, and lunchboxes are waiting for you!
#havefun
|
|
Your weekends
You can have more of your weekend to yourself.
During the week, Nanny will absorb some of the tasks on your list, such as packing and unpacking backpacks, doing laundry, tidying up, and countless other miscellaneous chores that can be daunting to working parents. This leaves you with more time to enjoy your home, family, and friends on the weekend!
|
|
Holidays
Daycare hours are Monday to Friday only and they close on holidays. What happens when your employer does not give you that holiday off?
|
|
Holidays
Nanny is there. When you work, she works.
|
|
In New Jersey, the price of a nanny is based on the 3 E's: experience, education and expectations (please see page 9 of information packet for more guidance). Generally speaking, if you have only one child, it is cheaper to use daycare. Once you have two or more children, hiring a nanny is typically more cost-effective.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
