Anonymous wrote:Are you in DC? I'd be shocked if the basement got that much money...

We are in a very expensive area in DC. Nicer basements go for $2500 or 3,000 around here, but our kitchen is not high end and nor is the bathroom so I think we would rent for $2000 or a little less.

Can she become a housekeeper and nanny to get her more hours after kids go to school

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should pay her 2k per month if you’re wanting to keep her. Well 4k really but I’m giving you half that for room and board. I’d also help her get a drivers license.

Thanks! We are currently paying in between those amounts and while we love her… I think it might be too much… I worry that if we start paying her less or reduce her hours since in 1 year we will only need 2 hours per day, that she will leave.

I would keep her but let her know the plan to reduce hours so she has the option. If she’s able to stay for free or minimal rent and be part time or on call for sick days and holidays she might go for it. I’d much rather keep someone for free or low rent that I trust in my home and with my kids than try to rent the place out for more money. That piece of mind can’t be bought. Maybe you can throw in babysitting a few nights a week or a weekend a month to even things out.

Thank you. I totally agree that it’s ideal to have someone that I trust to be with my kids. Should she be working for free for those 10 hours a week we will need her for in 1 year?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You should pay her 2k per month if you’re wanting to keep her. Well 4k really but I’m giving you half that for room and board. I’d also help her get a drivers license.

Thanks! We are currently paying in between those amounts and while we love her… I think it might be too much… I worry that if we start paying her less or reduce her hours since in 1 year we will only need 2 hours per day, that she will leave.

I would keep her but let her know the plan to reduce hours so she has the option. If she’s able to stay for free or minimal rent and be part time or on call for sick days and holidays she might go for it. I’d much rather keep someone for free or low rent that I trust in my home and with my kids than try to rent the place out for more money. That piece of mind can’t be bought. Maybe you can throw in babysitting a few nights a week or a weekend a month to even things out.

Are you in DC? I'd be shocked if the basement got that much money...

Anonymous wrote:You should pay her 2k per month if you’re wanting to keep her. Well 4k really but I’m giving you half that for room and board. I’d also help her get a drivers license.

Thanks! We are currently paying in between those amounts and while we love her… I think it might be too much… I worry that if we start paying her less or reduce her hours since in 1 year we will only need 2 hours per day, that she will leave.

Anonymous wrote:I think loving dependable childcare is priceless, OP. You haven't said what your financial situation is though.

With tuition increasing by 1/3 when our youngest daughter starts school in 1 year, we will be tight if we keep the nanny (pay her current salary and don’t rent our basement).

You should pay her 2k per month if you’re wanting to keep her. Well 4k really but I’m giving you half that for room and board. I’d also help her get a drivers license.

I think loving dependable childcare is priceless, OP. You haven't said what your financial situation is though.

Anonymous wrote:So is she nannying in exchange for rent or do you also pay her? It’s not clear from your post what the total compensation is.

With school age kids a non-driving nanny isn’t helpful.

You are right, but for now DH and I are able to do all pick ups and drop offs

Yes, we pay her (and all taxes, insurance, etc…. This is not an under the table arrangement) of course. I am just interested in finding out how much does DCUM believes it’s fair in our circumstances (nanny and family living rent free in their own 2 bedroom apartment).

So is she nannying in exchange for rent or do you also pay her? It’s not clear from your post what the total compensation is.

With school age kids a non-driving nanny isn’t helpful.

1. She is a live-in and you cannot charge her rent because living in is necessary for her job.

Wait, you don't pay her a salary?

Our nanny lives in our basement (separate unit) with her whole family (husband and kids). They buy their own food, but utilities, internet and rent is free.

She takes care of my youngest daughter (4) from 12 to 6 M-F. She will also watch my two older kids 4 hours a week (after school when they don’t have activities). She does not drive, but our work is flexible so we can pick up, drop off and take kids to activities. She loves our kids and she is amazing with our little girl, but I am not sure we can afford this much longer. Soon my 4 year old will be in FT school and we might not need our nanny much at all.

We could rent our basement for about $1,800-2,000 and while we love our nanny (and her family), I am not sure I can keep justify the cost. I also don’t think she would stay if I asked her to start paying some sort of rent because she can probably find a cheaper option further away.

Thanks