A Comparison Series on the Benefits and Challenges of Daycares and Nannies: Morning Routine

Childcare is not one size fits all. Some families love the structure and social aspects of daycare, while others find the flexibility and attention their child receives with a nanny something they cannot live without. Making the choice between daycare and nanny care is not always simple as both options come with benefits and challenges. During my childcare coaching sessions, I emphasize to families the importance of understanding the industry standards, assessing the details of their family’s needs and parenting style and educating themselves beyond the commonly discussed pros and cons of daycare vs nanny to find the best match. This series was created not to suggest that one type of care is better than the other but rather to point out some of the differences that you may have not thought through to assist you in making the best decision for your family.

Why Is The Morning Routine So Important To Consider?

Let's face it... mornings are tough for many of us! They were difficult for me before a child but now with the sleepless nights and a little monkey that somehow always ends up in our bed by morning, its really impossible to get out the door early with ease. Even if you are a morning person and your child sleep well in their own bed, getting your family moving fast enough to get out the door at a set time each day can be stressful.  So lets consider the pros and cons for daycare and nanny for the morning routine. 

Daycare Pros

• Daycares have reliable start times and backup caregivers so even if your child’s teacher is running late you do not have to be late for work.
• Meal plans are offered by many daycares once your child is a year of age; this can save you valuable time packing meals each morning.
• The mandatory start time or breakfast schedule may also help to keep you and your child in a routine by getting you out the door at the same time daily.

Daycare Cons

• It can be a challenge to get you and your child awake and out the door on time to head to daycare.
• It may take a lot of time and emotional energy to remember to pack everything that both you and baby will need for the day ahead.
• Early morning or late evening meetings may be an issue with the daycare’s fixed hours of operation. 
• Inclement weather may create a difficult commute for both parent and child if you walk far or drive to daycare 
• Morning drop off can be an overwhelming time of day for both you and your child, as parents all tend to drop off around the same time. Parents often linger to talk to the morning teachers about any special needs their child may have or ask a question.  It can feel loud and chaotic as many kids cry when they separate from their parents while others are happily yelling and running in the midst of free play. 
• Parents may struggle to communicate with the teachers who are trying to talk to multiple parents at the same time while also comforting and watch the children whose parents have already left.

*** Some daycare have a drop your child off in the lobby or front door which does help cut back on some of the morning classroom chaos but also can leave you with very little time to communicate with teachers or see the room in action. 

Nanny Pros

• Your nanny will come to your home in the morning, which will make getting out the door so much easier for you. Your nanny can care for your child while you shower and get ready.
• It will not be necessary to wake up your child if he/she needs to sleep longer.
• There will be no breakfast to prepare, meals to pack or children to dress.
• A nanny will also be able to give your child time to ease into their day.
• Your nanny can give your child the one on one attention that they may need when saying “goodbye” to mommy and daddy is difficult.

Nanny Cons

• If your nanny is late for work, then you may be late for work as well
• If you choose to linger with your family a little later in the morning than usual, your privacy may feel interrupted by the nanny’s arrival. 

The Conclusion: Nanny Care For The Win!

At the end of the day... there is no real winner or looser... just a simple comparison to help you determine what is going to be the best situation for your overall family.  I know many parents who love the routine and schedule of daycare. Some kids do really well in the morning or wake up so early that getting out the door by 8am is not an issue :) 

Keep in mind that nanny care is only as good as the nanny herself! If your nanny is late constantly or does not assist you in the morning to make your life easier as a parent than it is the individual that is an issue not the option of nanny care.  

Morning routine is definitely an important factor to consider but it's not the only one that should be used to determine what childcare option is best for you. Stay tuned to this comparison series to learn more and check out how daycares and nannies match up for Outdoor Play Time!

Choice Parenting Childcare Consulting would love to help you decide which type of childcare matches your unique family and teach your the best process to find, hire and keep a healthy relationship with a quality daycare, nanny, nanny-share or au pair. To learn more about our Childcare Coaching Services or to Schedule a Free Phone Consultation visit: www.choice-parenting.com