I have been a nanny for my current family for just about 5 months now. It is more of a mothers helper position then a nanny. For the most part, either the M or DB are home when I am with the kids. They are 2 boys, the youngest just turned 1 and the older boy just turned 4. The older boy has mild to moderate autism, but will grow out of it if we continue to help him develop. I make 9 dollars per hour, in the Fort Worth, Texas area. I fold all laundry and put it away, and clean all baby bottles on a daily basis. I clean up after baby and 4 year old, and do all other things related to children mostly by myself, unless the older child is being particularly difficult. The only assistance I often require is getting him to eat, since they prefer to bribe the child rather then discipline him. I am not willing to force feed him. My parenting philosophy is different from theirs in this way. I work about 35 hours a week, and am going up to 50 the end of this month. I work 7 days a week. I have no set day with an entire day off, and my schedule is not very consistent, but I always get plenty of hours. My question is, how do I go about asking for a raise? I currently make 9 per hour, and would like to make 10. This is the lowest wage I have ever accepted, but when I initially took this job it was extra income, not my main supply. I don't want to leave this family, but I will have to without a higher wage. I am starting my second year of college the end of August, and the extra money to put away in savings would make me feel much more secure. I have 3 years of experience and the going rate in my area is 13.50 for 2 children with 2-5 years of experience. I am currently renewing my CPR/First aid certification since 1 year old is getting more curious. In addition, it will give me an advanced child care certification as well. Any advice would be much appreciated!!
