tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post4613112690096555287..comments2024-03-19T03:27:24.068-04:00Comments on I SAW YOUR NANNY: ...."she will live free, it's a trade off"Leigh Raymerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18210572527823459842noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-24781889420815559442018-02-28T16:26:00.009-05:002018-02-28T16:26:00.009-05:00This makes the most sense to me.This makes the most sense to me.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14708192497317573734noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-71304156059780254852017-04-27T01:04:22.504-04:002017-04-27T01:04:22.504-04:00I think this is a great idea for parents that who ...I think this is a great idea for parents that who work and need a babysitter, not a nanny. I think there is a distinction in the level of work a nanny is expected to do vs a babysitter. I'm really not understanding why a babysitter should be paid $15/hr. How can that be a reasonable rate when you work at Walmart and your income is only $15/hr? How can someone be expected to pay a sitter more money than they receive? If you work a full 40 hrs/week you are expected to pay your sitter $600 per/week? Thats so ridiculous. I don't know how babysitting rates became so inflated. These are unlicensed and licensed child care providers wanting to receive the same pay? Just crazinessAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05838161280502696106noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-14383284505430792412016-08-31T14:10:54.207-04:002016-08-31T14:10:54.207-04:00If you babysit 3 kids.cook and clean..in exchange ...If you babysit 3 kids.cook and clean..in exchange for room to pay rent..50 hrs a week..eat 5x a week..shower..dont get one really..so no money..at all..and cant pay a 56.00 dollar phone bill..is this fair..no money for candy or cokes or wash my clothes..never leave the house..what do u think is fair..and this is my son and his wife..i was a nanny in 2013 for them..no money then either..im an idiot..or im really praying for Gods accountability..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-74962799739562956782016-06-29T02:19:57.796-04:002016-06-29T02:19:57.796-04:00Gee's it is really simply and fair. Just figur...Gee's it is really simply and fair. Just figure out how much your rooms fair market value is worth and deduct it from the nanny's salary. If you are paying them $15 X 20 hours = $300 x 4 weeks = $1200 a month. <br /><br />And your rooms worth is $700 and amenities is another $125 totals $825 a month - $1200 = $375 is what you should pay them monthly. <br /><br />Its fair because you are paying for their service. They are paying you for your amenities, board and rent. Just like they would have to do if they did not live with you. <br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12887638718626526832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-23503178902424611072016-06-29T02:18:06.150-04:002016-06-29T02:18:06.150-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12887638718626526832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-82239593783746534772016-06-29T02:13:20.763-04:002016-06-29T02:13:20.763-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12887638718626526832noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-62792216510723762682011-03-19T09:24:43.397-04:002011-03-19T09:24:43.397-04:00Anonymous said...
I would factor in how much rent ...Anonymous said...<br />I would factor in how much rent you would charge for the room she's staying in including utilities, then tack in a little extra to that amount for food. <br /><br />Then, decide on a fair hourly wage. This wage shouldn't be changed depending on how many of your kids she's watching etc. (though if you ask her to babysit other people's kids/friends at the same time you should pay overtime) because the fact is she has no control how many kids are there, and sometimes watching one kid can be more trouble/intensive than watching two because two kids entertain each other, while when it's one kid the babysitter is put in the spot of constant entertainer...Also, definitely DO NOT charge less just because you're there with her. Babysitting is infinitely HARDER when a parent is present because it makes babysitting into a Big Brother situation, impossible to discipline the kids because whenever there's a problem the kid will always run to mom or dad first rather than the babysitter, and this always makes the babysitter look bad because she can't keep the kids away from mom and dad while they're busy working...<br /><br />Anyway, long story short decide on a wage (I'd say no less than $12/hr for babysitting two kids in Austin) and at the end of the week or month calculate how much you would owe her. Subtract rent from price and give her whatever is left over.<br /><br />Remember that while she is asking to live with you, this is also a babysitter you trust, the kids like, and she knows your family well. And she wouldn't have to be put in the situtaion of asking to live with you if you didn't want her to work for you in the first place, so taking that into account I'd be generous with the wage. It's a surefire way to show her how much she's appreciated. This coming from an EXTREMELY underappreciated nanny.<br /><br />Mar 12, 2011 5:11:00 PM<br /><br />repost for anonymousunderappreciated nannynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-59444473549035603642011-03-19T00:00:02.614-04:002011-03-19T00:00:02.614-04:00I am a mother who has hired nannies in the past (m...I am a mother who has hired nannies in the past (my own children are older now) and I agree that the younger nannies I hired were very immature at the time. My two, no make that three biggest challenges with him were reliability, punctuality and talking on the phone. My children didn't get much interaction with these girls, they were put in front of the T.V. a lot while the Nanny read a magazine, did her homework or talked and talked on the phone. My last Nanny was in her late 30's and was very responsible. Her work ethic was so much more than the young girls. She was a great cook, always tried to do a great job for me and truly cared for my child like it was her own.<br /><br />I advise everyone to try an older Nanny if you can. Ideally one not older than a Sr. Citizen of course. Ha!!!!Anitanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-58476816682939033192011-03-18T00:28:57.191-04:002011-03-18T00:28:57.191-04:00@MissMannah: I have to say I agree that employing ...@MissMannah: I have to say I agree that employing an older nanny is better. I have used college girls in their 20's and middle-aged woman and the college girls all possessed similar traits. During the interview, they told me up front what their rate was which was usually at the highest market rate in our area at the time. Rate was usually discussed first and after I agreed on their rate, they didn't seem too interested in the rest of the interview. It was kinda like, "Whatever...!" after that. What did they think my child was..a cash cow?? Plus, these younger girls were typically late and called in sick often. Some even had boyfriend issues they brought to work and some even snuck their friends into my home on occasion. These younger girls also would have their cell phones practically glued to them the whole day and would always sneak in to check their Facebook multiple times during their shift.<br /><br />I now employ a 43 yr old nanny and she is a breath of fresh air. She has a much better work ethic indeed and never acts like she is entitled to anything just because someone told her she is. She takes her job seriously and treats it just like any other job..not simply babysitting. She has the most important childcare experience one can have..she has raised 5 children and they are all very successful which speaks for itself on what type of care my own child will receive. <br /><br />Sure younger girls are more energetic and for an older child, could play a "big sister" type role in a child's life. But for a younger child, i.e., infant, toddler, pre-school, etc...I would go for an experienced mother any day. Come on..how many twenty somethings have ever really potty trained someone on a full-time basis??? No, little brother and sisters don't count. <br /><br />If I ever have to look for another nanny, I will most definitely only consider hiring someone no younger than 27. But this is simply my opinion based on my own personal experiences. These experiences are where I derive my perspective from. If I had had different experiences, I am sure my perspective would be different just like yours is MissMannah. :)Nanny Franny in Atlantynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-54757494004370031612011-03-17T21:25:53.146-04:002011-03-17T21:25:53.146-04:00Boston Parent, I find your assessment of younger p...Boston Parent, I find your assessment of younger people to be very insulting. A younger person has no "real" childcare experience because she doesn't have her own children? What about a middle-aged woman who never had children but has been working in childcare for 20 years? Does she have any "real" experience?<br /><br />I started working in daycares when I was 18 and took my first nanny job when I was 22. (I'm sure you're already appalled.) My boss at the time told me I was the best nanny she'd ever employed, she'd had one aged late-20s and one aged early-40s. She said I had a better way with children and knew what I was doing better. Oh, and she was in her mid-40s and wasn't the least bit embarrassed to ask for parenting advice from me.MissMannahnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-10246440786466785322011-03-17T16:49:12.874-04:002011-03-17T16:49:12.874-04:00nycmom- the phrase, "You Get What You Pay For...nycmom- the phrase, "You Get What You Pay For" must have some merit or else it wouldn't have stuck for so long. This phrase is basic common sense that applies to everything in life. Not just the nanny profession.<br /><br />After reading your post, I think the error in your ways is that you seem to be hiring young women to care for your children. I am an older nanny, in my early 40's and cannot fathom how any parent could hire someone under 25 to care for their children. If someone hired me at that tender age, I would have agreed that they were indeed nuts. The younger generation has self-entitlement issues that us older folks never had. Also, when you are that young, you probably don't have any of your own children yet and thus no real childcare experience to bring to the table. Sure, perhaps you watched someone else's children, but until you have your own, you will never really "get it" on how to properly care for any child. It's the 20 somethings that will call the parent at work saying, "Help!! I don't know what to do!!" A person who is already a parent has the knowledge and experience to deal with JUST ABOUT ANYTHING that happens in caring for a child. <br /><br />When I was in my early 20's, I was too immature, had no real hands-on, real life childcare experience or work ethic to properly care for any child. Now as a mother who has already raised my own children and have lots of life experience to boot, I can offer way more than any young 20 something can. <br /><br />I think nycmom, you should consider an older nanny. Preferably a parent. So what if these 20 somethings have a college degree? A college degree means squat in the nanny world. What does mean something is someone who will be on time, not call in sick often (have an excellent work ethic), be mature, patient, compassionate and a great communicator. Even if someone had a Ph.D, but possessed none of these traits, I would not consider them as a childcare provider. The nanny profession is nothing like the corporate world.Boston Parentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-14716277986630281462011-03-17T09:12:43.798-04:002011-03-17T09:12:43.798-04:00I very much disagree with "you get what you p...I very much disagree with "you get what you pay for" when it comes to nannies/sitters. Of course, if you are paying a ridiculously low number, then yes, you are clueless. However, if you are paying market rates locally with good raises, bonuses, and respect I do not think offering more for the initial salary results in better care in any reliable way. I have actually found the worst childcare to be from the sitters who have asked me for the most money. These are usually new college grads, with a very overblown sense of their skills/worth in the childcare market. I have tried hiring these young women several times, falling for the concept that "you get what you pay for." Nope. No relationship (again, within normal range). I actually think true professional, experienced nannies know the market salary well and don't ask for excessively high starting salaries. They ask for competitive rates, do a great job, and earn the higher salaries quickly. It's usually people desperate for cash, entitled, or clueless who think they can ask for rates well-above the norm. I found this was then followed by various other forms of entitlement: coming late (some bus or train was *always* behind), wanting to leave early, excessive sick days for things like a "headache," refusal to do basic tasks like cleanup after the kids, little knowledge of healthy food prep for kids, and lots of texting/phone/computer. <br /><br />Cali Cali, glad if you found someone great and I absolutely think you should pay her as much as you can comfortably afford. However, I think the concept that paying well above market rates results in better care, simply because you pay more, is false. Any nanny that would take a job with bad pay, then take her resentment out on the kids was never a nanny who was going to do a good job anyway! Come on - who would employ someone they lived in fear would mistreat their kids if they weren't paid enough? That is not a healthy dynamic.nycmomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-37681095484282244552011-03-17T02:40:07.717-04:002011-03-17T02:40:07.717-04:00Who really cares if someone thinks you are "o...Who really cares if someone thinks you are "overpaying" your nanny? Trust me, there is no such thing as overpaying a nanny. <br /><br />I am a parent who employs a wonderful nanny full-time, live-in. She is a wonderful tenant as well. She is clean, quiet, and lives a drama-free life. She is great with my sons. She interacts w/them, takes them on fun outings, and teaches them ABC's, Nursery Rhymes and how to make crafts. She always picks up the toys, washes any dishes used and even loads/unloads the dishwasher periodically for the family.<br /><br />I know a nanny like this is a blessing. I NEVER would take her for granted. EVER. She is a gem and I want her to be compensated properly for what she is worth to my family.<br />I live in San Diego, CA and the going rate for a live-out nanny currently runs about $15 p/h whether on or off the books. This rate applies to one child, for two the rate would perhaps be $17-18 p/h. Again, these are live-out rates. Well since I want my nanny to be paid well, I pay her $23 p/h along with rental expenses paid, utilities paid, all food paid as well as all toiletries provided. I provide her with her own cell phone with unlimited text messaging and I also pay 1/2 her car insurance since she uses the car to transport my sons. My husband and I are considering purchasing her a new car, but are still on the fence about it as we are not sure which type of car would be best for her. <br /><br />I once had a nanny who I thought I was getting a "great deal" with and Boy, did I ever learn my lesson. She was a live-out and I only paid her $13 p/h for my two sons, an infant and a toddler. I thought I was the lucky one, to get such a great deal. Ha!! I had a nanny who didn't show up half the time, was late 3/4 time and didn't pick up the toys or sweep the crumbs off the kitchen floor.<br /><br />I learned the hard way that the cliche, "You get what you paid for.." really is right on. <br />When someone is working for you and they are not happy about the pay, your children will suffer the most. I guarantee it. As a mother, I have had to sacrifice a lot to pay my nanny what I do. However, if I ever underpaid my nanny, she probably wouldn't care how well she treated my kids. Why would any parent put their children in such a position????<br /><br />When I read the bad nanny sightings on this blog, I am pretty sure the parents are underpaying the nannies. Blame them. Not the nannies.Cali from Calinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-34803149392984187402011-03-16T02:17:32.961-04:002011-03-16T02:17:32.961-04:00I have a friend in Austin who nannied part-time wh...I have a friend in Austin who nannied part-time when she was in school - also in Austin. She charged $15/hr for two kids. Since your nanny wants to live in, I think it's fair to lower the rate a bit. I'd suggest $10/hr or $150/wk. That's enough to cover any incidentals she has, along with a little bit of fun money. If she wants to make more, well, she has five other days that she can work. <br /><br />You might consider paying her a slightly higher rate ($12-15/hr) for additional hours because she can make that elsewhere. <br /><br />I would worry less about what other people say about how much you are compensating your nanny and more about what they say about how your nanny treats your children - assuming you want to listen to other people. I've found that nannies who are treated better tend to be happier and feel more respected, which trickles down to the kids.N is for Nannyhttp://www.fivegoodthingsdaily.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-9565455751214535002011-03-13T14:05:23.195-04:002011-03-13T14:05:23.195-04:00To former swiss nanny now trophy wife said...
Au...To former swiss nanny now trophy wife said...<br /> <br />Au pairs are currently paid $195/week for 45hours of childcare. With program fees the cost to the family is $347/week.<br /><br />There is also an EduCare program available with several agencies where au pairs are paid $146/week for up to 30 hours of childcare. With program fees the cost to the family is $274/week.<br /><br />There have traditionally been "summer au pair" options also so it is not unreasonable to compare the costs to an au pair since that is essentially what OP is seeking.<br /><br />These numbers are pretty much exactly what "A mom too" said in her original post.nycmomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-46736248242640036052011-03-13T03:46:44.155-04:002011-03-13T03:46:44.155-04:00$150 a week plus room and board. That is the minim...$150 a week plus room and board. That is the minimum you should pay. Any less is insulting to the person who you trust with your most precious and important "possessions." You do not want this person to feel that she is not valued. Take care of her!!!Lolanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-4266475099695012932011-03-12T21:25:24.563-05:002011-03-12T21:25:24.563-05:00If you are having the same nanny working the same ...If you are having the same nanny working the same amount of time as last year, you have to pay her at least the same wage...if not more. So what if everyone said you overpaid? You have to ask yourself if it was money well spent. If you think it wasn't, maybe consider getting someone different this year so you can pay her less. In my city, if I were in this situation, I'd probably ask for about $75-$100 weekly on top of room and board because you're right, getting a second job would be best. But Austin is more expensive than where I live so maybe $150 would be more reasonable?MissMannahnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-58974799499661678542011-03-12T19:01:59.280-05:002011-03-12T19:01:59.280-05:00I agree with Raquel that watching children when a ...I agree with Raquel that watching children when a parent is in the home is much harder. Like Anon stated, the child always runs to Mommy or Daddy and since they are usually working in an office in some part of the home, they get their work interrupted and it makes the nanny look like she is not doing her job. Nannies who work in these situations should command a higher hourly rate vs. a nanny who has the kids on her own. Many families try to persuade the nanny to accept a lower than market rate by stating,"I will be here the whole time in case you need help." Ha!! Then they get frustrated when the child keeps interrupting their work time. Also, many of these parents tend to interfere with the nannies duties and it can be a huge hassle.<br />I also agree that nannies should make the same amount whether a child is asleep or awake. I get low balled all the time by parents who try to negotiate a reduced rate for overnights. I say, "NO way!" I work for two nanny agencies and when I tell them that families try to do this to me, they tell me not to do it. Work is work. Do McDonald's workers make double for working the "lunch" rush hour? NO. Legally and ethically, nannies need to be paid the same amount of money whether the child will be asleep or awake. I always have wondered why parents don't get this.Nanny Franny in Atlantynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-50587486602493292472011-03-12T02:19:30.284-05:002011-03-12T02:19:30.284-05:00Please let me know where you can get an au pair fo...Please let me know where you can get an au pair for $200 a week, you knucklehead!former swiss nanny now trophy wifenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-38724188644361512442011-03-11T23:39:26.409-05:002011-03-11T23:39:26.409-05:00I am surprised how many people do not actually ans...I am surprised how many people do not actually answer the OP's question... there are many factors taken into account. First, living and food. Figure out how much you would rent out where she lives. I don't know the going rate in Austin so I'll just provide the questions to consider...<br /><br />Does she have a bedroom across from you and share a bathroom with the kids? Depending on your area that's a much lower end of rent. Does she have her own private guesthouse, or a room with a bathroom away from the family? That's much higher. Figure out that number.<br /><br />Next, subtract that number, plus your estimated cost of her food from her hourly wages per month.<br /><br />I would personally not factor in the changes in your child's habits. One of the frustrating parts of being a nanny is when the parents adjust hours/wages according to the kid's schedule changes due to age. Part of providing stability means you might just wait it out if your son is napping while you're working.<br /><br />Bottom line: So what if you're over-paying her. First, it is unfair to ask her to take a pay cut for no other reason than that, and secondly, it sounds like she is a family friend if she wants to live with you, so if this set up works for her and your family and you're financially secure enough to pay her above the going rate, I don't think it should matter.dSeattle nannynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-84839971467520028462011-03-11T22:15:34.434-05:002011-03-11T22:15:34.434-05:00I think since you are going to be working from hom...I think since you are going to be working from home on some days, you should offer her a higher salary than what is the "going rate." Why?? Nannies who must work along with parents who telecommute must deal w/the added pressures of a parent around to advise/criticize, etc..them as well as endure being watched or at least feel as if they are being watched the whole time. It is a lot more stress to deal with vs. working on your own, with 100% autonomy. Also, don't assume that just because your child will be napping, her job will be "easy." I see this on CL all the time, people claim that since you will be watching a sleeping child, then you should get paid less for it. Bogus. Responsibility is responsibility...NO EXCEPTIONS!!!! How does the parent know the child won't wake up for a drink..or because he or she had a nightmare or heard a loud noise outside??! Also, if there were an emergency such as a natural disaster or an intruder broke in, the caregiver is still and always will be 100% liable regardless.<br />I wish parents would stop charging less for overnights and nap time. It is my biggest pet peeve in the nanny profession. I charge the same rate for sleeping times as I do for awake times. Overnights are NEVER reduced 50% just because the child will be asleep the whole time. My God...children are so unpredictable..how can anyone guarantee they will be knocked out the whole night? Some children even sleep worse when they know the parents are not in the home.<br />That being said, if you live in a nice area then you can probably afford to offer your nanny an above average salary. Plus, remember you should offer her more $$ to compensate for only offering her 15 hours a week. As a nanny, I usually charge more for people who don't offer me many hours. For example, one family once only needed me 10 hours per wk. I charged them #$15/Hr. Another family offered me 35-40 hrs per wk and I charged them only $12/Hr.<br />As for room and board, you are free to deduct within reason, but I think you should think about what your post said. It said people are telling you that you overpaid your nanny. <br />To have a person that can love your children while you cannot, to take care of their physical as well as emotional needs and one who your children love as well..well that is truly priceless. If you can work each day w/out worrying for one minute that your kids are in good hands, then no amount of money can truly buy you that peace of mind. <br />Remember: Us nannies have a high level of physical manual labor, the ultimate amount of liability and an extreme amount of patience to do the job we do.<br />You can low ball your car salesman, your appliance salesman..and even the flea market vendor.<br />But NEVER EVER lowball a nanny.Raquelnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-60122982407003275372011-03-11T20:46:10.249-05:002011-03-11T20:46:10.249-05:00Very few people could actually fully support thems...Very few people could actually fully support themselves working just 15 hours per week. Because this job is less than half time, I don't see why OP should have to be the nanny's sole source of income. Summer should actually be an easy time to find part time work, with all the kids out of school. <br />That having been said, for an education major who has good rapport with your kids, it makes sense to pay well. I think $150 per week would be reasonable.Mom-of-1noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-83536786135851467002011-03-11T17:02:05.790-05:002011-03-11T17:02:05.790-05:00It's interesting, because I've seen all th...It's interesting, because I've seen all these craigslist wtf ads offering free/reduced rent in exchange for child care and not realized that that's not totally illegal. I'm living in Ontario (Canada) and people hiring live-in caregivers here are legally allowed to deduct a maximum of $370/month for room and board - less if the nanny doesn't eat three daily meals at the house.<br /><br />Ignoring that, however, since it's totally different in the States. Figure out how much you think is reasonable for room and board, figure out how much you would pay a part time nanny who isn't living with you (yes, a live-in will likely end up doing some extras, but as long as you're reasonable wrt the room and board charge, she's still getting a good deal considering all the expenses involved in living out), and then deduct room and board from the wage. Just my two cents.lmurphhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12509587493005368306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-79582962499707507382011-03-11T14:08:37.034-05:002011-03-11T14:08:37.034-05:00Figure out what the going rate for a live out nann...Figure out what the going rate for a live out nanny for two children in your area and then deduct $2-5 dollars from that. <br />If she works extra hours or late nights you should pay her as if she is live out. And her 15 hours must be paid even if she works less. <br /><br />Being a live in from what I hear can be challenging since you can't just do whatever you want and you have to deal with the family's issues even when they have nothing to do with you. There is also a since of guilt that overcomes you when your home and off the clock.<br /><br />You can't offer her just room and board.Bostonnannynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32916951.post-48869330678783836862011-03-11T13:59:31.104-05:002011-03-11T13:59:31.104-05:00$15 an hour plus free room and board is overpaying...$15 an hour plus free room and board is overpaying if the going rate for a live out sitter is that much in your area. Her hourly rate should be LESS than the going hourly rate in your area, considering she doesn't have any food or lodging expenses. She is working for you PART TIME but living with you FULL TIME. An AuPair makes $200 a week plus free room and board, but as someone employing an AuPair, you end up paying about $350 a week (if you include agency fees, car insurance, her cell phone, cable box in her room, the classes she has to take, plus food).a mom toonoreply@blogger.com