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Need a Nanny?
How to Make In-home Childcare Work for You
By Melissa Granberry
Convenience is also a big factor. There's nothing harder than trying to pack a diaper bag while making bottles and dodging oatmeal being slung by your 10-month-old. Having someone to help watch the little ones while you get ready for work will make your morning less hectic and start your day (and your child's day) on the right track.
Don't forget about flexibility. Any mom who has been stuck in a late afternoon meeting will sing the joys of a nanny who can be flexible. Before hiring someone, discuss his or her ability to work early mornings or late evenings.
With all of the advantages of in-home childcare, why would you choose any other option? Two words: Affordability and trust.
All of these advantages add up to more money. Most of the time, hiring someone full time to come in to your home will cost more than sending your child to daycare. Depending on how much flexibility your schedule needs, the added cost may be worth it.
Perhaps the biggest obstacle for an in-home caregiver and parent to overcome is establishing trust. Parents must put their faith in the caregiver to be responsible, loving and at least a little entertaining.
You have weighed the pros and cons of in-home childcare and decided it is the right option for you. Now what? "Look carefully at your unique situation," says Christine D'Amico, author of The Pregnant Woman's Companion (Attitude Press, 2002) and a mother of three. Prepare a job description that is tailored for your family. Make it clear what hours the nanny will work, what the salary will be and what duties the nanny will have with the child and around the house.
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