In a post-pandemic world, more and more families are turning to nanny shares, and for good reason. The best of both worlds, a nanny share allows two families to split the cost of hiring a nanny while giving their children the benefits of personalized, in-home care and socialization with children outside of their household. For nannies, it can mean an advantageous salary, consistent and reliable work, and the chance to build close bonds with multiple children.

But as a nanny, stepping into a nanny share for the first time can feel a little overwhelming. Suddenly, you’re working with two sets of parents, managing multiple children’s schedules, and navigating new expectations in a new daily dynamic. But with the right mindset and strategies, a nanny share can be a highlight of your career.

Here’s everything you need to know to not just survive, but thrive, in your first nanny share.

1) What Is a Nanny Share?

A nanny share is when multiple (usually two) families hire one nanny to care for their children together. The care usually takes place in one of the families’ homes, though some arrangements rotate between households. The families split the nanny’s wages, while the nanny earns a higher total hourly rate than they typically would with a single-family job.

For example, if two families agree to share a nanny at $35/hour, they might each pay $17.50/hour. The nanny earns the full $35/hour for their time. This rate can vary depending on the schedule, the number of children, the market where the share is located, etc.

2) Benefits of Working in a Nanny Share

There are a number of benefits for nannies when it comes to nanny shares. Higher pay is certainly one, as nannies in a nanny share are often compensated at a premium rate given the number of children and job requirements. The children will have a built-in playmate, meaning they benefit from socialization and friendship, and the nanny benefits from a more dynamic, often more fun day-to-day. Managing multiple families’ and children’s needs often leads to enhanced professional growth, as the nanny is sharpening their organizational, communication, and flexibility skills.

There are benefits for families, too! Though the nanny often makes more than they would if they were working for a single family, families often pay considerably less than if they were hiring a private nanny, as multiple families are covering costs. That means families get the benefits of private care without the full financial responsibility. The families and children involved get to enjoy consistency, allowing them to rest assured knowing they have reliable care while developing bonds with both the caregiver and the other children involved.

 

3) Challenges You Might Face

As rewarding as nanny shares can be, they come with unique challenges. While certainly not a guarantee, here are some to be aware of before signing on:

• Multiple sets of parents: Each family may have different parenting styles, schedules, and expectations, and making everyone happy could become a challenge.
• Different household cultures: Families may approach routines, meals, or discipline differently.
• Logistics: Transporting kids, planning activities, and managing space can be trickier when caring for multiple children.

Acknowledging these challenges upfront allows you to prepare and set yourself up for success.

4) How to Thrive in a Nanny Share

a) Clarify expectations early

Before you begin, sit down with both families to discuss logistics. Topics to cover include work hours, pay rate, vacation policies, location of care, and parenting preferences. A written work agreement helps keep everyone on the same page. Having the conversation with both families simultaneously allows the conversation to unfold naturally and differences to be addressed from the very start.

b) Respect parenting styles

Families may differ in their approaches to topics such as sleep, discipline, or diet. Your job is to follow the guidelines set by each family while maintaining consistency for the children.

c) Stay organized

With multiple children and parents, planning is key. Use a shared calendar and/or a group chat to keep track of schedules, activities, and notes. Regular communication prevents misunderstandings.

d) Encourage fairness

Treat each family equally in terms of updates, attention, and transparency. Clear and consistent communication builds trust, and keeping everyone in the loop is an excellent way to ensure fairness is achieved.

e) Create group-friendly activities

Choose outings and crafts that work well for multiple children. Parks, story times, and play-based learning activities can be fun and manageable for a group setting.

f) Maintain professionalism

Remember: you’re not just working for one family, but two. Balance everyone’s needs, be flexible where you can, be honest when challenges arise, and address concerns with respect and clarity.

5) Tips for Smooth Communication

• Send daily updates (photos, notes, or quick texts) to both families in an agreed-upon way (i.e., a shared app, a group chat, etc.).
• Hold regular check-ins to discuss what’s working and where adjustments are needed.
• Use group chats or shared apps to keep communication streamlined and avoid confusion.

Stepping into a nanny share for the first time can feel like a big adjustment, but it’s also a chance to grow your career, increase your income, and make a lasting impact on multiple children and families at once. By setting clear expectations, staying organized, and approaching the arrangement with professionalism, you can create a rewarding experience for yourself, the children, and both sets of parents.

Nanny shares thrive when everyone works as a team, and as the nanny, you’re at the heart of it all.