Finding Your Village: Full-Time Nanny, Backup Care, or Part-Time Childcare?
We’re excited to share a guest post from one of our wonderful community members, Rhiannon Sergienko of Premier Nanny Source. In this insightful piece, Rhiannon, helps parents explore the different types of childcare support available, from full-time nannies and part-time help to reliable backup care options.
If you're navigating the decision of what kind of support is right for your family, this guide offers clear, compassionate advice to help you weigh your options and build the childcare village that fits your unique needs.
You can discover more from Rhiannon and their work at www.premiernannysource.com
We’ve all heard the saying: It takes a village to raise a child. But let’s be honest—it feels like most of us are trying to DIY a village with zero instructions, a half-charged phone, and a cold cup of coffee.
The truth is: You were never meant to do this alone.
Raising children, keeping your job, remembering school spirit days, keeping groceries in the house—it’s a lot. And yet, so many families are out here doing it all, every single day, without the support they truly need.
We see it all the time–parents who are tired, overwhelmed, and just want one part of their day to feel easier.
Whether you need full-time care, a sitter you can text without spiraling, or part-time help that slots into your week like puzzle pieces, there is a version of support that fits. And I promise—it makes a world of difference.
That’s where your modern village starts.
Let’s break down your options (and help you breathe again).
Full-Time Nanny: Your Right Hand (and Sometimes Your Lifeline)
If your days are back-to-back Zoom calls, multiple drop-offs, and the occasional “what’s for dinner” panic, a full-time nanny might be exactly what you need.
They’re not just showing up; they’re showing up for you.
Full-time nannies are a great fit for:
Working parents (especially with babies or toddlers at home)
Families who need consistent, reliable care
Households with long or shifting work hours
Why it works:
Personalized, in-home care built around your child
Consistent routines = calmer kids (and calmer you)
Bonus support with meals, school runs, laundry, and light household help
You get to parent with a teammate, not just a backup plan
When you find the right nanny, it’s not just a hire—it’s a relief.
Backup Care: For Sick Days, Date Nights, and “Oh No” Moments
Life doesn’t always run on schedule. Sometimes your child wakes up with a fever, the preschool is closed for teacher planning, or you finally book that reservation you’ve been trying to get for months.
Backup care that doesn’t make you sweat.
Backup care is a great fit for:
Parents with part-time or unpredictable schedules
Families who already have care but need a safety net
Occasional weekends, evenings, or school closures
Why it works:
You’re not scrambling when plans change
Your children see familiar, trusted faces
You get flexibility without committing to full-time care
You actually get to be spontaneous again (imagine that)
Having backup sitters on call is the parenting version of keeping snacks in your bag: always a good idea.
The In-Between: Part-Time Childcare That Makes Everything Click
This might be our favorite option (and the most underrated one): part-time help that fills in just enough to keep you sane. That can include help with school pickups, the 3:00–6:00 p.m. chaos window, homework time, dinner preparation, and more! It doesn’t have to be all or nothing.
Some people call it a mother’s helper while others call it a part-time nanny.
We call it: The glue that holds it all together.
Part-time nannies are a great fit for:
Work-from-home parents who need actual focus time
Families with children in preschool or school part of the day
Parents juggling multiple kids with different schedules
Anyone who’s ever said “I just need someone from like…2:00 to 6:00”
Why it works:
You get support exactly where you need it most
It’s more consistent than a sitter, but less of a commitment than full-time
Often more affordable, flexible, and sustainable long-term
Honestly, part-time care is the sweet spot for so many families, and it doesn’t get talked about enough.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve a Village That Fits
No two families are the same, so why should your childcare plan be?
Maybe you’re returning to work. Maybe you just had your second baby. Maybe you’re a solo parent who needs more hours in the day. Whatever season of life you and your family are in, you shouldn’t have to do it all alone.
At Premier Nanny Source, we help Bay Area families like yours build your modern village—one that’s made for your needs, your routines, and your sanity. Whether that’s a full-time nanny, a part-time lifesaver, or a go-to sitter who actually shows up, we’ve got you covered.
You’re doing an incredible job. Let’s make it feel a little lighter.
