We all love our children and want only the best for them but life is so busy and work takes over.  This is when we are often have to make a difficult choice give up promising career and stay home with children or find a childcare.  Being a parent you know more about your kids than anyone else. Look careful at the childcare arrangements available in your area; match them to your child individual needs and you will be able to select the best possible care for your children.

Unfortunately when it comes to child care, families with both parents working do not have too many choices:

If you have a granny who is healthy and strong enough to step in, you are lucky! Pamper your granny and let her pamper your children.

If one of you works for an enlightened corporation, chances are they have a day care for their busy mothers – good for you!

The rest of us have two choices: private day care or a nanny.

Day care spots are rare but even if you find one, you are limited by the hours, find yourself stressed at the end of the day when your job dictates one more hour at your desk but the day care will close in half an hour. And when the second baby arrives, what are the chances that the same day care will have another spot available?

Live-out nanny is a good choice for parents who have regular working hours, no risk of overtime or parents whose children are already in school. If you can find a nanny who is willing to work split shifts, bingo! You can budget about $ 15-20/hour.

If your working hours are not so regular or if you have a lot of volunteer assignments, if you go to school in the evenings, if you are starting a new business, then the time has come to look at a live-in nanny. One that is willing to work flexible hours, be available on emergency basis and capable to step in when it’s necessary. You should budget between 8.00 and $ 10.16/hour including cost of food and a room for the nanny.