Live-In Nanny Pros and Cons
Unlike a babysitter, a nanny works for only one set of parents and puts in a full day's work caring exclusively for their children --- taking them to school, preparing their meals and playing with them. A live-in nanny resides with the family whose children she cares for. This type of arrangement comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
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Pro: Trust
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Parents who employ a nanny that doesn't live in the home generally only interact with her in passing; she comes in as they leave or they come home as she leaves for the day. This doesn't provide much opportunity to really get to know or trust the nanny. However, with a live-in nanny, you share a house with her, spend more time with her and get to know her better. The better you know the nanny, more you'll trust her and the less anxiety you'll feel about leaving the children in her care.
Con: Loss of Privacy
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Hiring a live-in nanny means inviting someone who is not a family member to live in your home. She will hear you fighting with your spouse and will be privy to any gossip you indulge in about neighbors or your extended family. She will see you first thing in the morning in a bathrobe with tangled hair and your house at its messiest. Since your home is also her home, you may overhear her music, television shows or phone conversations. She may bring her friends --- strangers to you -- into your home on her days off.
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Pro: Convenience
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A bonus of having a live-in nanny is convenience. You won't have to worry about her being late due to car trouble, bad weather or traffic. You can count on the nanny in an emergency. When one child becomes ill in the middle of the night, the nanny can watch the other children while you take the sick child to the emergency room. Live-in nannies can also accommodate last-minute scheduling changes. If you have to work late or you get stuck in traffic, the nanny can watch the kids a little longer since she won't have to get home to her own family. However, it's only fair to pay her for the additional hours of work.
Con: Cost
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You not only have to pay a live-in nanny her wages but also provide her with room and board. You must supply her with her own private, furnished bedroom and bathroom. Some nannies may require their own kitchen or kitchenette. With an extra person in the house, you'll see a rise in your utility bills for water, gas and electric. Employers also provide some or all meals for their nannies, which means a heftier grocery bill.
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