Received Monday, August 18, 2008.
Live In Child Care/Nanny Needed (West Bend, WI)
Looking for responsible person. We are offering you your own private living quarters - that have been fully remodeled and updated 2 bedroom. Includes: all utilities, cable TV - could be fully furnished accommodations. We need someone to watch a 2.5 year old child during work hours, some weekend and evening hours. Flexibility on rent depends on experience and available hours – asking $200 - $400 a month rent. The discount on rent in trade for hours babysitting. Additional consideration for help with meal preparation and some light household work. Located across the street from a large lake - perks could be swimming and boating. Call Joe at 262-689-****.
Original URL: http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/kid/799348133.html
This Ad prompted several CL Readers to respond in anger:
URL: http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/kid/799744251.html
URL: http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/kid/800093072.html
URL: http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/kid/800306851.html
URL: http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/kid/801046558.html
And Here is the West Bend Parents response to those Ads:
Apparently a person or persons have taken issue with what we posted regarding babysitter\nanny We are offering a private 2 bedroom newly remodeled residence, with all utilities, cable, and phone Included for $200 to $400 a month, in a wonderful area, with some lake living perks. Basically no additional living expenses. In exchange for some babysitting of our child, amount and times can be negotiated to fit schedules. Additional compensation given for meal preparation and cleaning if done. To answer who would consider this, let me see?? If I was a stay at home mom, and could take care of 1 more child and do some meal prep and cleaning and in doing so Have little to no monthly living expenses allowing spouse's income to be set aside - that is not a bad deal. So much so, I would consider doing it. This may not be for everyone but to the right person it could be wonderful.
Original URL: http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/kid/800663584.html
(Special Thanks to MB for picking this Winner!)
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Looking for a Young Mother's Helper (Sebastopol, CA)
Hello We are looking for a young mother's helper to come play with our almost 4 year old son while I am at home working on some projects. We are looking for an older child or young teenager that likes to play with younger kids and is looking for some baby sitting prep-experience. I will provide warm, helpful guidance and instruction, and jump in whenever needed. My son loves older kids and loves to play, sing, dance, build forts, read books, paint, etc. We, of course, would pay an hourly rate, depending upon age and skill level. If you know of an older child or young teenager that might be interested - please contact us. We live in downtown Sebastopol, off of Valentine - near the middle school. Thanks so much!
Original URL: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/nby/kid/800195144.html
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Looking for someone near Alexander and Buffalo (Las Vegas)
I am mother of two girls ages 8 and 13 I work full time early mornings in a casino I am looking for someone to come to my home at about 6:45am and take my 8 year old daughter to school by 8:45..This would be be mon-fri I would pay 35.00 a week for two hours for five days. Or if anyone has a child that goes to school at marc kahre and maybe i could drop her off at about 6:45 and the kids could go to school together..Please let me know if anyone is available. I will need this starting Aug 25th which is the 1st day of school. Thank You
Original URL: http://lasvegas.craigslist.org/kid/801307146.html
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Seeking Long Term Nanny in Parker, Sept 1st (Parker, Co)
We are seeking a full time nanny in our home for 3 boys - a 4 year old and (2) 2 year old twins. Hours needed will be 7:30 am to 5:30 pm Mon - Fri. We would like someone who will keep them active, learning and playing! Need someone with patience and willing to get down on the floor with them. Another VERY important item on our wish list is someone who will be long term to watch them grow with us! Our 4 year old attends Preschool down the street on Tuesdays & Thursdays 1 -3:30 pm and needs taken back and forth (within walking distance). We live on a culdesac where there are several other children in the same age group (its a fun neighborhood for them!)We have a nice backyard and live a few blocks from a park we visit often. We are offering 300.00 per week. We are a relaxed and laid back family. We believe in manners. YOU MUST HAVE OWN VEHICLE. We need someone to start on Sept 1st! We are seeking someone really great in a short amount of time!! Background check required. If this sounds like a good fit, please email us to set up an interview asap! Thanks for reading our post and for your interest!
Original URL: http://denver.craigslist.org/kid/798834651.html
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Nanny needed - (Live-out) (Clifton, NJ)
Live-Out Nanny needed in Clifton NJ for baby, 3 months old. Monday - Friday 7am - 6pm Offering $250/week + additional pay for evenings that we ask you to stay late. Needed as of early-mid September - ongoing..... Must be reliable, responsible, caring and compasionate. Apply today for immediate consideration. Please be prepared to share references.
Original URL: http://newjersey.craigslist.org/kid/800717155.html
(Special Thanks to those that Contributed!)
Have you seen a CL ad (or Childcare Ad) worth sharing? Post it here, and please be sure to leave the URL of the Ad.
Some of these folks are just bat-shit crazy.
ReplyDeleteThat being said, am I missing what's wrong with the mother's helper wanted ad? That would be perfect for an 11 or 12 year old who wanted to babysit. I was all about wanting to babysit when I was that age- I read the Babysitter's Club books all the time. :) Anyway, I don't see anything wrong with that--the mom is going to be there. But maybe I missed something.
I don't know. If I was a mom perusing craigslist and came upon an ad that wanted another "child" to babysit their child? Hmmm? Nope. I wouldn't do it. Even with that mom there, it just doesn't seem right. Why not advertise for a high school student? At least they'd be better equipped at making desisions, should something possibly go wrong. It's almost like a "I'll pay you to play with my kid" thing. Creepy.
ReplyDeleteAnd the Las Vegas one? I was never great at math, but doesn't that come out to like $3.00 an hr or something? Friggin' ridiculous!
And the first one is really great!
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeletei think it's completely stupid that some of these ads even show up on here. there is nothing wrong with the mother's helper job. it would be perfect for a junior high aged child. that's pretty common around here. the older child plays with the younger child so the mom can get things done around the house.
ReplyDeletealso, ads are being posted with a whole lot of assumptions. like the mom who was looking for care close to her house on the other posting. it was just assumed that she wouldn't check references. why? because she didn't put a detailed plan of action in her CL ad? get real, people. when my kids went to daycare, i didn't even check home daycares that weren't in my zip code.
truth be told, i think this whole *CL ~ WTF?* series is worthless. come on guyes, were mocking people's cleavage and jumping on some SAHM who needs a mother's helper? this website is normally BETTER than this. it's a real step down, bothe content and taste-wise...
ack! sorry about the extra *e*s.
ReplyDeleteLindalou - why are you always so negative? I think they work hard as hell around here, and you've always got something nasty to say. If it's not to other posters, its to the administrators. I'm so sick of seeing you be ugly to people. You never have anything nice to say. Why don't you just piss off, eh?
ReplyDeleteI do not see anything wrong with a junior high age kid being a mothers helper. I babysat the neighbors kids at 12. I think it is a good way for kids to get "work experience" and learn to establish relationships with adults in order to get reference for other things down the line in life. The other ads are just rubbish though. $35 a week?? HA!
ReplyDeleteL@@k @ut! Lindal@u is g@nna r@ll her eyes at y@U! LMAO! @@
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm sure I will be raked over the coals, but I don't see anything wrong with the second one...where the mom wants to pay an older child to play with her small child while she's home. The child will be playing and happy...mom will be home, so what can go wrong?...and the wage can't be an issue because it's not yet mentioned.
ReplyDeleteThe first one also seems to be in the ballpark of something I think I might have accepted if, while I was young with small kids, something happened to my husband. Of course, there would have had to be NO rent, all meals included, for me and my kids...and a small salary. This is a full time job...so where is the person going to get clothes and school supplies, etc., for her kids? Although, if we were young and struggling and I had a husband who was working, I might consider this if the rent and utilitites were FREE. Or, maybe two (or more) college girls would want to live rent free and take shifts with the childcare? I do not think there should be any charge for rent or utilities though. The situation just seems to me like it could be a way out of a jam for the right person.
All the other ones are disgusting.
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteOMG...I did it again! I'm sooo embarrassed! Sorry Jane and MPP! It's like constantly mopping up milk after a two year old, huh?
ReplyDeleteI don't mind Mom.
ReplyDeleteMopping up milk? ... lol.
Do you have some peanut butter & jelly stuck in your keys or something? :)
I have a new computer. Does that count?
ReplyDeleteIt's a laptop...which also accounts for the sharp rise in typos!
I agree with LL on this one. I find the whole CL series annoying and silly. It was interesting once or twice, but now it is becoming something that dominates the webpage at times. Sure, some of the ads are ridiculous rates of pay. But others just aren't that obviously bad. A mother's helper home with a Mom to just play with a 4yo. What's so bad about that? Isn't much of babysitting just paying someone to play with your kids, especially if they are older? And I'm not getting what is so inherently awful about the first ad either. It doesn't specify how many hours the nanny has to work to get almost free rent and living expenses. Perhaps the house in question would normally rent for $1500 a month and nanny only has to work 20 hours a week - so she would be making the equivalent of $15/hour. Also, perhaps the nanny can have her child with her and save on childcare expenses too. Maybe not, but who knows since so much of the ad is vague.
ReplyDeleteI also believe people should be free to post whatever ads they want. If they are ridiculous and completely out of market, presumably no one will take the job and the family will learn they need to pay more. Who has the time to read all these ads and then find things to nitpick? I thought the goal of ISYN was to look out for situations that might endanger kids with everyone - SAHP, WOHP, nannies - working together toward that goal. I feel like sometimes it becomes just a complaining session for nannies, particularly this CL series. I don't think there is anything wrong with nannies having a place to complain and empathize. We all need that at work at times. I just did not think that was the purpose of ISYN. I vote for getting rid of the CL series or at least relegating it to a less prominent, clickable section of the page instead of the same place as the nanny sightings.
NYC mom---
ReplyDeleteI do not think this site has become a disposal site for complaining nannies. That is an offensive statement. IF nannies write in a all it is because this site is a great venue to glean ALL sides of opinion--- nannies and parents alike. If you are irritated with it, read the titles of the posts and use your own good judgement.
As for what you said in regards to what you said about reading the CL ads.. obvioulsy YOU have the time. Again, I ask you to read the title-- if you don't find intrest in it move on to another post.
I personally am enjoying the Craigslist sections of the blog, simply because where I live there are ALWAYS tons of ridiculous posts and I finally have someone to share them with.
ReplyDeleteIf it doesn't interest you, move on. I would also like to point out that I would much rather read about Craigslist WTF? or Perspective & Opinion than "Bad Nanny" sightings anyday. Bad Nanny sightings mean that some innocent child is being abused/ mistreated by their nanny (I understand that not everyone who sees a child being mistreated by their nanny posts it here and simply because the administators have not received any bad nanny sightings doesn't mean that there weren't any).
Maybe I'll catch flack for this, but truth be told, the Bad Nanny sightings don't always intrigue me simply because I rarely know where they are talking about (Slope Park, etc) and there is really never anything I can do about the situation. At least with P&O, Guest Columnists, Rants and Craigslist, I can contribute something meaningful to the conversation. I rarely feel like I can truly make any contributions to a "Bad Nanny" sighting, other than "Oh, I hope the parents see this! That poor baby!"
Maybe it's just me.
fishermans wife
ReplyDeletei agree with you. if I'm not mistaken, a few weeks ago they did a survey on whats most popular and what everyone likes best, and perspective and opinion came out the winner, i think. i also prefer a column i can give advice for. sometimes i don't always know what to say, or be able to relate to a post about some kid getting hurt. and i kind of like the craigslist ads too. they are funny, and sad at the same time, like i can't believe some of the people are actually allowed to reproduce!
I think you kind of missed the idea behind what I was saying, and misrepresented my points. When referring to time it takes to read the ads, I was not referring to the time it takes to read the ads selected for the CL series. I was referring to the time it takes to peruse hundres of ads from multiple different cities. Also, I never said this site has become "a disposal site for complaining nannies." I said "I feel like sometimes it becomes just a complaining session for nannies, particularly this CL series." Some threads DO get derailed by one group (moms or nannies) posting about topics other than the original, or by people personally attacking others. That's not really a debatable issue and one that most would agree is not ideal. Also, "if you don't find intrest (sic) in it move on to another post" could be said in regards to *anything* posted here. It's not a meaningful response to the idea that some posts may detract from the purpose of ISYN. It's just a knee jerk response that doesn't really add validity to your post. We are allowed to have different opinions without making attacks personal. I notice that when both LL and I express not liking the CL series, we both get personalized insults from a vague moniker. This also detracts from any point you might be making which I'm sure is not your goal. Finally, the idea that "IF nannies write at all . . . " also reflects not really reading many threads on here of nanny sightings. I can guarantee that many, many nannies read and post on ISYN as shown by mutliple monikers with "nanny" in them, people relaying their experiences as nannies, and nannies posting in rants/raves/perspective/opinion. In fact, if you read the threads you'll see that it may even be a majority of nannies who post on ISYN, some moms, and very few nanny employers.
ReplyDeleteSince others seem to enjoy the CL series, then perhaps keeping it is the way to go. I still think it should be a separate section from the nanny sightings and opinion. I think the opinion section is helpful and enjoyable too. It actually can be helpful to nannies in caring for kids and moms in being good employers. I don't think the CL series adds that kind of value to the site.
I don't see anything wrong with the first ad. Sure, this would not work for any nannies who are single, but it WOULD work for a family where there's another adult earning an income. FWIW, a nicer 2BR in my area rents for about what an average nanny takes home (about $2,000 / month).
ReplyDelete1. I didn't see anything "ugly" in what LL said. She was just stating her freaking opinion. And I don't see anything wrong with the mother's helper ad either.
ReplyDelete2. Fisherman's wife: I agree with you. I like the CL posts a lot. If nothing else, it opens people's eyes to the fact that CL is good sometimes, but sometimes it is the "lost and found of shi*" (to use a quote from one of my favorite films, Sleepers, with Brad Renfro.)
3. nyc mom, "a disposal site for complaining nannies" and "a complaining session for nannies" means essentially the same freaking thing. Let's not play word games. You don't think nannies should complain here. Why not? Why can't they? Why should there be a separate section? Do you want them to drink out of a different water cooler too? Geez. Holy Salazar. I think this is a great forum for nannies, so that they can complain, vent, whatever.
I am ALWAYS shocked at the CL ads in my area that read"looking for sitter for tonight".
ReplyDeleteWho on Gods green earth leaves their precious children with someone they have just met a few hours prior on CL? Who does that?
And I am not talking about a mothers helper, I am talking about the parents who are going out!
The CL segment is entertaining to some.Of course we all have different opinions.
No ones arm is being twisted to read it though. If you find it pointlees or unworthy of ISYN, why not skip it?
Jane & MPP post plenty of other things to keep us all occupied.
I use Cl to find babysitting jobs, which has been good so far. The problem with advertising on CL when you are a nanny is that you get replies that start like this:
ReplyDelete"Do you have positions for both children? Where are you located and how much do you charge?"
"What are your rates?"
"Where are you located?"
And my favorite:
"I read your e-mail and will call you sometime this week."
Since when do nannies have "positions" to care for more than one child? Why would our "location" matter, if we are providing care in your home?
The speech I love hearing from parents that contact me through CL:
"We are undecided if we want a nanny or daycare".
The ads I think are funny are the "nannies" looking to provide care in the families home or the provider's home. If you provide care in the family's home, you are a nanny. If you provide care in your own home, you are a childcare provider, not a nanny. JMO. Honestly, CL isn't that bad, just depends on what you are looking for.
missdee, I am a nanny and I care for my charge in my home. Why? Because mom works form her home and does not want and distractions.
ReplyDeleteThere are many different circumstances which a nanny might work under.
I am sure I just interpreted it wrong but it almost sounded as if being a childcare provider was some type of demotion.Maybe it was the,not a nanny,statement.IDK
anyhow,just thought I'd let you know that some of us nannies do work from our own home at our employers request.
sydney white,
ReplyDeleteI think the term is used differently by different people. I think a "nanny", to me, means someone employed by the family, i.e. someone who works for them. A nanny, to me, can care for the children out of her home,but for me, personally, I feel if a nanny is doing that, she would be better off to view the family as her "clients" and not view herself as an "employee," i.e. "nanny." I feel if it is your home, your liability, there is so much responsibility on you that it just makes more sense to consider yourself self-employed. But one may not want to do that if they don't want to pay a self-employment tax.
If you are a nanny who works out of your home, is the employer still required to pay your ss and workers comp etc, in the event that you injure yourself? It sounds so confusing to me to have that set-up, just in the event of a problem. But if it works for you, hey, more power to you. Again, I personally, would prefer to have the families be my "clients" if I worked out of my own home, just so that I could call the shots in every event. I myself am self-employed (not as a nanny) and I pay 15 percent self-employment tax as well as all state and federal but for me it's worth it because I am my own boss and do not work for anyone.
Glad your situation works for you, though.
I agree with some of the first comments - I don't see anything wrong with the mother's helper ad. It would be perfect for a teen or pre-teen. It sounds like the mom would be there the whole time in case anything goes wrong. I know a 12 year old who works as a mother's helper and also baby-sits sometime.
ReplyDeleteI think it's easy enough to discern who's a nanny, no matter what home they work out of.
ReplyDeleteTo me, not to knock babysitters, but they are not "professionals". They are childcare workers that perhaps work for multiple families. And I also believe they don't command the same salary or respect that a nanny does.
A nanny is one that goes that extra step, and has chosen children to be her life, her career. Not something just to "earn a few bucks" doing. They take the time to be CPR certified, take childcare classes, and whatever else they can to bump themselves up the pay grid.
If you are someone that sits on a park bench, chatting on a phone and ignoring your charge, to me, you are not a nanny. You are nothing more than a neglectful babysitter.
And if you are a nanny that has all of the qualifications I mentioned, or more, and you work for a family that doesn't pay you well, or uses you for housekeeping duties, or treats you like garbage, then you are a nanny that is being abused and should get the hell out and find a family that will treat you with the respect you deserve!
UMass,
ReplyDeleteI hate getting into these back and forth ridiculous petty exchanges. But I guess I hate being accused of things I did not say more. A site for complaining nannies does not equal a thread that becomes a complaining session (for nannies, moms, or otherwise). One is a comment on ISYN as a site and nannies in general. The other is a specific comment on CL WTF posts and that they become complaining sessions - which they often do since their entire purpose is to point out ridiculous nanny job offers. I'm sure if you try to turn my comments into a critique of nannies in general you will be very successful and rally lots of support since people hate feeling personally threatened. However, it is absolutely not what I said. I said there is nothing wrong with complaining about work, but that threads that become derailed by that are not productive to the purpose of ISYN. I stand by that statement. I get frustrated with my job sometimes. I get frustrated with my kids sometimes. I would not come on ISYN and turn a post into either of those. Of course, everyone is entitled to write whatever they want and maybe I'm wrong about the purpose of this blog, but I truly thought the goal was pointing out situations where kids are at risk or improving our ability to care for kids. I do not think that flaming, personal attacks, personal agendas, or derailing posts are helpful in that regard. But I think you and I may have different opinions on that. Perhaps the fact that you like to pepper your posts with unrelated comments means you are sensitive to this topic and feel defensive, thus your need to attack me.
I have a nanny. I treat her well. She treats my kids well. I respect her completely as a person and employee. Your attempts to make it seem like I don't do either are ridiculous. How is your relationship with your nanny? Or do you not have one? There aren't many current full-time employers of nannies who comment on this blog (I can't think of more than a few who do so regularly). But I'm sure if you want to be really nasty and attack us while rallying nannies to your cause, you can manage to drive us all away. Of course you'd be losing an important perspective in the nanny/employer relationship, but if that would make ISYN a more comfortable place for you, go for it. I've seen you participate in flaming other posters in the past and if trying to be hurtful to others makes you feel better, then the I guess my perception of the goal of ISYN won't mean much to you.
I don't flame other posters. I wasn't trying to be nasty, sorry to come across that way, nyc mom.
ReplyDeleteAnd I don't pepper my posts with unrelated comments at all.
"San Dimas High School football rules!" -bill and ted's excellent adventure
Oops. sorry. I think I just peppered.
:)
NYC mom
ReplyDeleteHow do you know who's an employer and who's a nanny, and how do you know that we are a rare breed? Just by going on the monikers? Yes, I'd say there were more than a few that have 'nanny' something or other in their title... but there are many others that don't.
Anyway, I'm not coming to anybody's defense here, but I would like to say that anytime you have a post, and then people specifically commenting on that post and that's all their doing... that's BORING! I love reading the little anecdotes that "pepper" some of the comments written by other posters, unless of course it's a serious post, and it gets hugely derailed. That makes it more interesting around here. And if you ask me... this whole conversation is just that, interesting. Who wants to leave 38 comments on a thread just about CL? Boring.
Oh, and umass, you are very funny. More pepper, please!
to the Mrs.:
ReplyDeleteyou are too kind. I'll bet Aquaman would really dig you.
Aquaman is so freaking hawt. I wish there would be a CL ad that says,
"Looking for a personal assistant. Please contact Aquaman at Superhero Headquarters." Man, I would not care how much it freakin paid. I'd work for Aquaman for free, for sure.
:)
I guess I'll just have to look aquaman up! Thanks, umass!
ReplyDeleteHi! First time poster but long time enjoy-er of ISYN.
ReplyDeletePersonally, these ads sicken me. Many of them are asking for what amounts to domestic servitude.
I think it is important, essential even that there be a forum here to showcase the obnoxious, unrealistic and downright immoral working conditions some people wish to create for their child care providers. It is a context too (not the only one, but an important one) for the bad nanny sightings because while these might be extreme cases I think that degrees of this kind of behaviour are not as uncommon as we think.
Linda Lou and NYC Mom,
ReplyDeleteWere you aware that you can Donate to ISYN?
Advertising, networking, researching and blog upkeep would all be so much easier if we had financial support.
Thanks.
jane,
ReplyDeletewhy was post adressed only to the two of us?
I love reading the CL ads. I mean it isn't anything about a nanny sighting, but I think the different things and articles put on this blog keep it interesting. Some of the sightings are pretty sad and yes, it can be sad reading some of the CL postings, but some of them are just plain funny :)
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJust.... beautiful! I love this site!
ReplyDeletei love it too. i wouldn't be here if i didn't...
ReplyDeleteAre you sure about that Lindalou?
ReplyDeletecc
ReplyDeletemind your own business
damn mimi, why you got to get your nose all bent? I was nice to you in your adoption thread.
ReplyDeleteIt's not the fact that the mom wanted an 11-13 year old mother's helper to play with her kid so she could get stuff done. I did that when I was 12. I wanted to be a real babysitter, but I didn't have the wisdom to deal with a crisis situation. But reading picture books with a three year old while here mother did some housecleaning worked well.
ReplyDeleteWhat is weird is that the mother posted this on Craigslist. The position I had 10 years ago was with a friend of the family who attended our church. She knew i wouldn't teach her precious baby swear words or bully her. I can't see a mother really being comfortable allowing her kid to be influenced by some other kid she doesn't even know. I mean, wouldn't it be better to see if any of the moms in your kid's preschool had older kids? You could observe the younger child and observe the mom in playdates and even meet the older child on occasion before bringing that older child in as an influence on your own child. It's the craigslist part that's weird.
Lurker,
ReplyDeleteThat's an excellent point! (One that went right over my head until you pointed it out, I must admit.)I also would not have hired a stranger over the internet. For that matter, there is now possible way in hell I would let my own teenager answer such an ad.
These are the sort of narsty people who nickel and dime their way through life and who expect people to work under conditions they themselves would never even consider. Why is it ok to offer below poverty-line wages to people who work in childcare, when in no other industry would this be acceptable? It devalues the important work child care of care providers AND parents.
ReplyDeleteThey want Mary Poppins for $2/hour. Unreal. Arses.
http://portland.craigslist.org/flag/?flagCode=16&postingID=805924568
ReplyDelete