Parents of twins/multiples how did you find childcare?

[Anonymous]

We have twin 9 month olds and a kindergartener and are struggling to find quality childcare (just like many others,yes). We have been ghosted the day before the job started when we thought we found the perfect nanny with great references. Right now we are managing with a part time college student babysitter who has been just decent, grandparents who live out of town visits and tag teaming while working from home. The twins are sleep trained and on a schedule so not extraordinarily difficult anymore.

I’ve interviewed and spoken with so many people from neighborhood groups, FB and friend referrals. Many are not interested /experienced with multiples, some only were interested in talking about salary and avoided actual care related discussions, only want cash and many were former au pairs that overstayed. Tried the au pair route but quickly realized that it wouldn’t be appropriate for babies.

I’m not willing to do daycare until age 2. The local daycare centers that we have checked out are not allowing parents inside and do not have cameras therefore it’s a nonstarter for our family.

The kindergartener is in camp full time and will be going to school in the fall but we need full time help with the twins. Any suggestions or tips on finding full time care? We are an AA family living in NOVA. We can afford max $25/hr and 2 weeks PTO. Thanks

[Anonymous]

I think the main issue might be cost. Most nannies want more for multiples. And you have an extra kid on top of that. I’m sorry childcare is so expensive. I am having sticker shock at having to pay 25 for an only myself..

[Anonymous]

You're not offering enough money. Keep in mind your older kid will get sick sometimes, will have days off from school, etc. Plus, only two weeks off of COMBINED sick and vacation time?

Crappy job offer. I don't blame people for not taking the job.

[Anonymous]

Do you have space for a live in? That may be how you can get the compensation higher.

[Anonymous]

25/hr isn’t enough for a nanny for multiples, I’m sorry. What about a home daycare with more relaxed rules allowing the parents inside?

[Anonymous]

Op here- the kindergartener isn’t included in the $25/hr rate. It would be extra if he was ever home and I should have included 5 sick days/year and a possible healthcare stipend. What’s a more competitive rate?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do you have space for a live in? That may be how you can get the compensation higher.

Yes, we do have space for a live in but haven’t found any candidates that are authorized to work in the U.S.

[Anonymous]

LOL You sound like a headache already. 3 kids with 2 9-month-olds but you want to pay $25/hr and demand cameras?

I can tell that it wouldn't be worth it and I haven't even met you.

[Anonymous]

Post your listing on enannysource.com. We found great live in candidates here. You need a live in at that price point. We also have multiples...some people love working with twins. Don’t be afraid to hire from another state. We hired people from Seattle and Ohio. Worked out great and they stayed for years.

[Anonymous]

So you’re 100% set on a nanny? My parents used an in home daycare provider for my younger sisters until they were like 2 or 3 then went to a center. Have you tried that route?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So you’re 100% set on a nanny? My parents used an in home daycare provider for my younger sisters until they were like 2 or 3 then went to a center. Have you tried that route?

Home daycares likely won’t have cameras so I bet that’s another hurdle for OP, who is looking for a unicorn situation

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:LOL You sound like a headache already. 3 kids with 2 9-month-olds but you want to pay $25/hr and demand cameras?

I can tell that it wouldn't be worth it and I haven't even met you.

The kindergartener isn’t included in the $25/hr rate. He’s in school full time. It would be extra if he was ever home and I should have included 5 sick days/year and a possible healthcare stipend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Post your listing on enannysource.com. We found great live in candidates here. You need a live in at that price point. We also have multiples...some people love working with twins. Don’t be afraid to hire from another state. We hired people from Seattle and Ohio. Worked out great and they stayed for years.

Thanks v much! I will post my ad on this site.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:25/hr isn’t enough for a nanny for multiples, I’m sorry. What about a home daycare with more relaxed rules allowing the parents inside?

+1

Most people I know pay $25/hr. fifteen years ago, for one well behaved child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:LOL You sound like a headache already. 3 kids with 2 9-month-olds but you want to pay $25/hr and demand cameras?

I can tell that it wouldn't be worth it and I haven't even met you.

The kindergartener isn’t included in the $25/hr rate. He’s in school full time. It would be extra if he was ever home and I should have included 5 sick days/year and a possible healthcare stipend.

So what's the rate for all three kids? And how do you decide on the "possible" healthcare stipend? How much would that be for?