All, I'm really not sure of the difference between the two or maybe even what exactly I need, so let me tell you our situation. We have two kids (ages 3 and 2 y/o). They attend a dayschool/day care M-F from about 8:30-5:30. My husband mostly works during the day, but often time gets last minute assignments that requires work in the evening AND travel on the weekends. I work pretty much M-F 9:00-5:00, but I have to travel about 4-6 times a year. When I travel it's usually for 3-4 days at a time, some time internationally. So the problem we faced this week was both my husband and I were suppose to be out of town at the same time (This time I was able to get out of my trip due to child care problems, but won't be able to do that everytime). We don't have family here and most of our friends are childless and have very busy lives. So my question is do we need a nanny or a babysitter? Since we would need someone to pick the kids up from day/care, and basically stay with them overnight and get them off to daycare again for 2-3 days I would think a nanny would be the perfect solution. However, this situation only would happen a couple of times a year, so it' not like we can retain her. So should I be looking for a back-up overnight baby sitter? I'm confused and don't know where to start. Please help me sort this out and if you have any information on rates, resources, etc. that would be usefull too.
There are people who make their living as temporary nannies. Check out:
www.TheTemporaryNanny.com
www.TheTravelingNanny.com
www.The24HourNanny.com
I am www.TheNannyForNewborns.com, and although I primarily focus on newborns, I do do some temporary nanny work as well.
I'd call Mom's Best Friend. http://www.mbfagency.com/main.asp
I know someone who was a nanny through them and they check their people out well.
I've been a nanny/babysitter for 20 years now. I think the main difference is frequency of care-taking. If you have someone who watches your kids every now and then or maybe even weekly, but for a couple of hours, it's babysitting. If it's a regular job (20-40 hours week or something) it's nannying. That's my understanding. I don't know what others think or if it's even defined somewhere.
I may be able to help you out as well, if you need. I'm a SAHM to a 2yo boy. If you wouldn't mind them having 'sleepovers' here (I have many beds and pack-n-plays), I could probably convince my husband.
What city do you live in? Perhaps I can help.
I am a single mother and have over 20 yrs of childcare experience, I am cpr certified and a medical assistant student.
I also babysit through a agency part time and will be willing to help you out.
Please let me know if interested and I have the help and support of my parents to help me w/my children when needed.
Thanks
M.
