Postby dadbod » Fri Sep 06, 2024 8:09 pm
My 2yr old son has never been in an all day nursery setting so can’t directly compare the two but having a nanny has worked really well for our family. Here’s my experience as a dad in no particular order.
Pros
- our nanny is amazing and is basically a PA and best pal for our son. Essentially she keeps us as a family running and reduces the mental load in addition to all the great things she does in her day job.
- She has great initiative and fully plans his days, books the toddler classes, great for thinking of creative/craft to do at home, takes him swimming, on day trips etc.
- Does all his grocery shopping, plans and prepares all his lunches and dinners (plenty in the freezer for the weekend if we need it). We like having a direct influence over his nutrition, ingredients etc.
- We have childcare if our son is ill and the nanny will give calpol (Nursery may refuse unless it’s prescribed).
- She will take him to any doctor, dentist etc appointments although I try go along too if I’m free while WFH.
- We aren’t squeezed at the start/end of the days as with the typical 10 hour nanny day one parent can do the morning handover while the other can do the evening so avoids either us feeling squeezed.
- You start/end the day at home versus having to make a stop at the nursery on the commute which is particularly nice in the winter. She dresses our son in the morning and often baths him in the evening if required.
- Occasional babysitting after her usual finishing time (this is usually outside the scope of the typical nanny role/contract but most will do some).
- She will pick up the odd pair of shoes / clothes etc but generally my wife prefers to do this.
- She does small bits around the house which helps my wife and I - unloading the dishwasher things like that.
- She comes on UK holidays with us, not abroad but probably would if asked.
- Currently leading the charge with potty training.
- Does his laundry, keeps his room tidy, pack/un packs for holidays.
- We are expecting baby no 2 later this year and having the nanny as an extra pair of hands during the day will be fantastic.
Cons
- Nanny sick days which one parent has to cover at short notice.
- Annual leave cover, we pick 10 days (half) of our nanny’s holiday entitlement (which is typical in the industry) to coincide with our holidays but the other 10 days she picks which again you will have to cover between parents with annual leave. This could be avoided though as ultimately as the employer you could reserve the right to choose all holiday to suit your plans.
Good luck with it all!
