"Nanny Plus Playmate"

By Colleen O'Connor

Many people seeking employment as nannies want a job to which they can bring their own child along. Nannies from the Heartland does place these candidates, but only in rare circumstances. Typically we will place a "nanny plus playmate" candidate only when she is an incredibly experienced nanny and has worked with our agency before.

Some nannies want to bring their child to work on a regular basis, while others may only ask to do so during school breaks or other special circumstances. In the right situation, a nanny who brings her own child can be a wonderful and unique asset to your family. Here are some reasons why:


New friendships for your children: If your and your nanny's children are compatible, they can benefit from the fun and socialization they will enjoy together. This doesn't apply only to children of the same age; your child could gain a "big sister" or "little brother" with whom to enjoy a close relationship.

Schedule flexibility: If your nanny is able to bring her child to work on non-school days, those are days that she can be working for your family instead of taking time off. Similarly, your nanny may be able to provide more date-night or overnight coverage if her child is welcome to come along. She won't need to worry about schedule problems with her own childcare arrangements.

Top-notch nannies: Nannies who bring their own child to work will trade this benefit for lower pay. You may be able to attract a nanny with more education and experience than you would otherwise be able to. However, take caution if hiring a nanny with little experience as she may have a harder time balancing the needs of her child and yours. A nanny with many years of experience should not have this problem.

A "nanny plus playmate" situation isn't ideal for every family, but it can be enriching for many. If you're unsure about considering nanny who will bring her own child, our staff is always happy to provide further insight.