Nanny Prices!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Should everyone make enough money at a full time job to live close to their work, have health insurance, a vehicle, and not worry about paying for food and basic utilities (including internet and cell phone)? Yes, I believe they should.

Should everyone make enough to single-handedly provide those things for themselves plus dependents? That's a harder question.

What seems to come up on this board over and over, though, is that nannies want to be seen as equals with their employers both as professionals and in socio-economic class. That makes sense since they work with them so intimately, and the disparities can be depressing. When yo work in an office, your boss's vacation home, Lexus, kids in private, lack of money worries, and more flexible schedule bother you less, because you can see a path to get there yourself, however fictitious that path may be in reality.

There is an argument to make that no one should earn more than they need, and that ethics would dictate providing a comfortable life for your employees, especially if you have one yourself. But there's also something weird in demanding that of working parents, but not, say, the owners of Marriott hotels.

No employee makes the same as their boss. When you compare a nanny’s salary to the parents, it’s not even close; it can’t be! I’m the nanny who asks the parents what they can afford and what the parents think the position is worth. I get a lot of answers in the range of $1-2k for worth and $200-1k for affordability. As long as what a family values the position at is higher than affordability and the family wants to make up the difference in other ways, I’m willing to give it a shot. I walk out of interviews when both numbers are low of value is low, but the family offers more “because they can’t seem to hire anyone for what they want to offer.” A family who values the nanny’s job as integral to family function treats a nanny well, while the others treat the nanny horribly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:ote=Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Team,

Daycare is not an option, I need more individualized attention for my child. Having a Nanny/BabySitter is the right fit for most parents. The prices just need to match.

Dear Poster,

What I'm reading is that you want and need a nanny, but you resent having to pay market rate for a nanny, either because you actually can only afford daycare, or because you believe nannies aren't worth very much money becaus their jobs are easy.

The issue is that you want individualized attention. That costs money. If your child has special needs, that costs even more money. Anyone who employs a nanny needs to understand a very basic fact: You must pay an actual living wage that allows the nanny to live in a safe neighborhood, pay all her bills, and live comfortably. No, not extravagantly, comfortably. A wage that makes her able to purchase all she needs and some things

No one has the right to demand nanny care when all they can afford is daycare. Let me say it a different way...A nanny is not obligated in any way to give you a childcare discount that makes HER financial life difficult or impossible. Lose your privileged attitude and be realistic about your finances.

Poster:

Making 15.00 an hour IS a living wage, albeit not a comfortable one! You are correct I do expect a Nanny at a Fair Market Price. I am judging fair market price by the countless jobs that pay 13.00 (which is minimum wage now) that is literate.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-much-you-need-for-rent_n_5942cc92e4b0f15cd5b9e2ee?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000037&utm_campaign=hp_fb_pages&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=parents_fb

When rent for a 2B/2b house in DC requires, on average, an hourly rate of more than $32, your statement about paying $15/hour or less for a nanny makes you sound intensely out of touch with reality, even if apartment rent demands an hourly rate that is 33% less. (About $22/hour, for the math deficient.)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ote=Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Team,

Daycare is not an option, I need more individualized attention for my child. Having a Nanny/BabySitter is the right fit for most parents. The prices just need to match.

Dear Poster,

What I'm reading is that you want and need a nanny, but you resent having to pay market rate for a nanny, either because you actually can only afford daycare, or because you believe nannies aren't worth very much money becaus their jobs are easy.

The issue is that you want individualized attention. That costs money. If your child has special needs, that costs even more money. Anyone who employs a nanny needs to understand a very basic fact: You must pay an actual living wage that allows the nanny to live in a safe neighborhood, pay all her bills, and live comfortably. No, not extravagantly, comfortably. A wage that makes her able to purchase all she needs and some things

No one has the right to demand nanny care when all they can afford is daycare. Let me say it a different way...A nanny is not obligated in any way to give you a childcare discount that makes HER financial life difficult or impossible. Lose your privileged attitude and be realistic about your finances.

Poster:

Making 15.00 an hour IS a living wage, albeit not a comfortable one! You are correct I do expect a Nanny at a Fair Market Price. I am judging fair market price by the countless jobs that pay 13.00 (which is minimum wage now) that is literate.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-much-you-need-for-rent_n_5942cc92e4b0f15cd5b9e2ee?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000037&utm_campaign=hp_fb_pages&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=parents_fb

When rent for a 2B/2b house in DC requires, on average, an hourly rate of more than $32, your statement about paying $15/hour or less for a nanny makes you sound intensely out of touch with reality, even if apartment rent demands an hourly rate that is 33% less. (About $22/hour, for the math deficient.)

The problem with your analysis is if everyone provided liveable wages, those costs would be pushed directly onto the consumers. Can you imagine paying 25.00 for JUST A hamburger @ Mcdonalds. How about going to the grocery store and buying milk for 10.00? If everything increases in price, is the initial 'livable' wage..... still liveable?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:ote=Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Team,

Daycare is not an option, I need more individualized attention for my child. Having a Nanny/BabySitter is the right fit for most parents. The prices just need to match.

Dear Poster,

What I'm reading is that you want and need a nanny, but you resent having to pay market rate for a nanny, either because you actually can only afford daycare, or because you believe nannies aren't worth very much money becaus their jobs are easy.

The issue is that you want individualized attention. That costs money. If your child has special needs, that costs even more money. Anyone who employs a nanny needs to understand a very basic fact: You must pay an actual living wage that allows the nanny to live in a safe neighborhood, pay all her bills, and live comfortably. No, not extravagantly, comfortably. A wage that makes her able to purchase all she needs and some things

No one has the right to demand nanny care when all they can afford is daycare. Let me say it a different way...A nanny is not obligated in any way to give you a childcare discount that makes HER financial life difficult or impossible. Lose your privileged attitude and be realistic about your finances.

Poster:

Making 15.00 an hour IS a living wage, albeit not a comfortable one! You are correct I do expect a Nanny at a Fair Market Price. I am judging fair market price by the countless jobs that pay 13.00 (which is minimum wage now) that is literate.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-much-you-need-for-rent_n_5942cc92e4b0f15cd5b9e2ee?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000037&utm_campaign=hp_fb_pages&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=parents_fb

When rent for a 2B/2b house in DC requires, on average, an hourly rate of more than $32, your statement about paying $15/hour or less for a nanny makes you sound intensely out of touch with reality, even if apartment rent demands an hourly rate that is 33% less. (About $22/hour, for the math deficient.)

Sorry... I don't agree with all jobs paying a livable salary. I am not here to pay for your bad career decisions honestly, nor will I support the fear mongering to elevate your salary.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Team,

Daycare is not an option, I need more individualized attention for my child. Having a Nanny/BabySitter is the right fit for most parents. The prices just need to match.

Dear Poster,

What I'm reading is that you want and need a nanny, but you resent having to pay market rate for a nanny, either because you actually can only afford daycare, or because you believe nannies aren't worth very much money becaus their jobs are easy.

The issue is that you want individualized attention. That costs money. If your child has special needs, that costs even more money. Anyone who employs a nanny needs to understand a very basic fact: You must pay an actual living wage that allows the nanny to live in a safe neighborhood, pay all her bills, and live comfortably. No, not extravagantly, comfortably. A wage that makes her able to purchase all she needs and some things she wants.

Try this little exercise:

1) Determine your childcare budget.
2) Do some research and find out the following information:
a) What is the monthly NET wage you can afford to pay?
b) What does it cost to rent a 2B/2b apartment within 30 rush hour minutes distance of your home?
c) What does the average apartment described above cost for all utilities, including cable and internet?
d) How much is insurance for a renter with a car, and how much does health insurance cost per year?
e) If you were single, how much would you spend on groceries, medical needs, self-care, clothing, gas and car maintenance, occasional meals out, and one decent vacation a year, plus saving 5-10% of your net income toward retirement and a few minor indulgences every year?
3) Add up all the expenses in #2 and add 10% for things you overlooked. Is that dollar amount slightly less than your yearly childcare budget plus 30% to cover the actual GROSS wages plus your employer costs?
4) If the answer to #3 is yes, then you can probably afford to support a 3rd adult off of your HHI. Congratulations, you should look for a nanny!
5) If the answer to #3 is no, then you cannot afford a nanny. Look for daycare openings near you.

No one has the right to demand nanny care when all they can afford is daycare. Let me say it a different way...A nanny is not obligated in any way to give you a childcare discount that makes HER financial life difficult or impossible. Lose your privileged attitude and be realistic about your finances.

Dear Team,

It is not that I feel I am entitled to a nanny. The issue that I am trying to push is simply that the cost of nannies is HEAVILY inflated, and nannies only job security is that foreign workers are illegal to hire. Many foreign workers, illegal or otherwise, have probably a higher level of education than the community college nannies here, and are so much cheaper. I find it hilarious that nannies push to have the highest salaries possible while using fear tactics (pay what you get) and over-hyping their roles (singing i am a little tea-pot, and 'playing' with kids).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Team,

Daycare is not an option, I need more individualized attention for my child. Having a Nanny/BabySitter is the right fit for most parents. The prices just need to match.

Dear Poster,

What I'm reading is that you want and need a nanny, but you resent having to pay market rate for a nanny, either because you actually can only afford daycare, or because you believe nannies aren't worth very much money becaus their jobs are easy.

The issue is that you want individualized attention. That costs money. If your child has special needs, that costs even more money. Anyone who employs a nanny needs to understand a very basic fact: You must pay an actual living wage that allows the nanny to live in a safe neighborhood, pay all her bills, and live comfortably. No, not extravagantly, comfortably. A wage that makes her able to purchase all she needs and some things she wants.

Try this little exercise:

1) Determine your childcare budget.
2) Do some research and find out the following information:
a) What is the monthly NET wage you can afford to pay?
b) What does it cost to rent a 2B/2b apartment within 30 rush hour minutes distance of your home?
c) What does the average apartment described above cost for all utilities, including cable and internet?
d) How much is insurance for a renter with a car, and how much does health insurance cost per year?
e) If you were single, how much would you spend on groceries, medical needs, self-care, clothing, gas and car maintenance, occasional meals out, and one decent vacation a year, plus saving 5-10% of your net income toward retirement and a few minor indulgences every year?
3) Add up all the expenses in #2 and add 10% for things you overlooked. Is that dollar amount slightly less than your yearly childcare budget plus 30% to cover the actual GROSS wages plus your employer costs?
4) If the answer to #3 is yes, then you can probably afford to support a 3rd adult off of your HHI. Congratulations, you should look for a nanny!
5) If the answer to #3 is no, then you cannot afford a nanny. Look for daycare openings near you.

No one has the right to demand nanny care when all they can afford is daycare. Let me say it a different way...A nanny is not obligated in any way to give you a childcare discount that makes HER financial life difficult or impossible. Lose your privileged attitude and be realistic about your finances.

Dear Team,

It is not that I feel I am entitled to a nanny. The issue that I am trying to push is simply that the cost of nannies is HEAVILY inflated, and nannies only job security is that foreign workers are illegal to hire. Many foreign workers, illegal or otherwise, have probably a higher level of education than the community college nannies here, and are so much cheaper. I find it hilarious that nannies push to have the highest salaries possible while using fear tactics (pay what you get) and over-hyping their roles (singing i am a little tea-pot, and 'playing' with kids).

You keep saying the same thing over and over again. I (as well as others) simply do not agree with you. I wanted (and hired) a professional nanny whom I could run a full background check on (not possible with foreign nannies), had a college degree and teaching experience. I certainly want the sameeducated and experienced background in a nanny that I would expect in a preschool teacher. I am not interested in the cheapest nanny for my kids! We understand what you are saying and simply disagree! You can continue to write the same thing on every thread on this forum until hell freezes over and parents will continue to disagree with you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Team,

Daycare is not an option, I need more individualized attention for my child. Having a Nanny/BabySitter is the right fit for most parents. The prices just need to match.

Dear Poster,

What I'm reading is that you want and need a nanny, but you resent having to pay market rate for a nanny, either because you actually can only afford daycare, or because you believe nannies aren't worth very much money becaus their jobs are easy.

The issue is that you want individualized attention. That costs money. If your child has special needs, that costs even more money. Anyone who employs a nanny needs to understand a very basic fact: You must pay an actual living wage that allows the nanny to live in a safe neighborhood, pay all her bills, and live comfortably. No, not extravagantly, comfortably. A wage that makes her able to purchase all she needs and some things she wants.

Try this little exercise:

1) Determine your childcare budget.
2) Do some research and find out the following information:
a) What is the monthly NET wage you can afford to pay?
b) What does it cost to rent a 2B/2b apartment within 30 rush hour minutes distance of your home?
c) What does the average apartment described above cost for all utilities, including cable and internet?
d) How much is insurance for a renter with a car, and how much does health insurance cost per year?
e) If you were single, how much would you spend on groceries, medical needs, self-care, clothing, gas and car maintenance, occasional meals out, and one decent vacation a year, plus saving 5-10% of your net income toward retirement and a few minor indulgences every year?
3) Add up all the expenses in #2 and add 10% for things you overlooked. Is that dollar amount slightly less than your yearly childcare budget plus 30% to cover the actual GROSS wages plus your employer costs?
4) If the answer to #3 is yes, then you can probably afford to support a 3rd adult off of your HHI. Congratulations, you should look for a nanny!
5) If the answer to #3 is no, then you cannot afford a nanny. Look for daycare openings near you.

No one has the right to demand nanny care when all they can afford is daycare. Let me say it a different way...A nanny is not obligated in any way to give you a childcare discount that makes HER financial life difficult or impossible. Lose your privileged attitude and be realistic about your finances.

Dear Team,

It is not that I feel I am entitled to a nanny. The issue that I am trying to push is simply that the cost of nannies is HEAVILY inflated, and nannies only job security is that foreign workers are illegal to hire. Many foreign workers, illegal or otherwise, have probably a higher level of education than the community college nannies here, and are so much cheaper. I find it hilarious that nannies push to have the highest salaries possible while using fear tactics (pay what you get) and over-hyping their roles (singing i am a little tea-pot, and 'playing' with kids).

You keep saying the same thing over and over again. I (as well as others) simply do not agree with you. I wanted (and hired) a professional nanny whom I could run a full background check on (not possible with foreign nannies), had a college degree and teaching experience. I certainly want the sameeducated and experienced background in a nanny that I would expect in a preschool teacher. I am not interested in the cheapest nanny for my kids! We understand what you are saying and simply disagree! You can continue to write the same thing on every thread on this forum until hell freezes over and parents will continue to disagree with you!

I disagree with both of you. I also only hire legal nannies and all four of ours over a 10-year period had some college. One had a degree, and one finished her degree a couple of months after we hired her. The pay range is still $18-$22/hr to start for most nannies, and it is not "necessary" to pay $25/hr+ for a good nanny.

[Anonymous]

People are defining “good nanny” differently.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:People are defining “good nanny” differently.

+1 Totally agree.

If you’ve never actually experienced a really good nanny you have no idea what you are missing. Anyone can say that their nanny is good but until you’ve experienced different nannies you’ll never truly understand why some nannies can demand more.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Team,

Daycare is not an option, I need more individualized attention for my child. Having a Nanny/BabySitter is the right fit for most parents. The prices just need to match.

Dear Poster,

What I'm reading is that you want and need a nanny, but you resent having to pay market rate for a nanny, either because you actually can only afford daycare, or because you believe nannies aren't worth very much money becaus their jobs are easy.

The issue is that you want individualized attention. That costs money. If your child has special needs, that costs even more money. Anyone who employs a nanny needs to understand a very basic fact: You must pay an actual living wage that allows the nanny to live in a safe neighborhood, pay all her bills, and live comfortably. No, not extravagantly, comfortably. A wage that makes her able to purchase all she needs and some things she wants.

Try this little exercise:

1) Determine your childcare budget.
2) Do some research and find out the following information:
a) What is the monthly NET wage you can afford to pay?
b) What does it cost to rent a 2B/2b apartment within 30 rush hour minutes distance of your home?
c) What does the average apartment described above cost for all utilities, including cable and internet?
d) How much is insurance for a renter with a car, and how much does health insurance cost per year?
e) If you were single, how much would you spend on groceries, medical needs, self-care, clothing, gas and car maintenance, occasional meals out, and one decent vacation a year, plus saving 5-10% of your net income toward retirement and a few minor indulgences every year?
3) Add up all the expenses in #2 and add 10% for things you overlooked. Is that dollar amount slightly less than your yearly childcare budget plus 30% to cover the actual GROSS wages plus your employer costs?
4) If the answer to #3 is yes, then you can probably afford to support a 3rd adult off of your HHI. Congratulations, you should look for a nanny!
5) If the answer to #3 is no, then you cannot afford a nanny. Look for daycare openings near you.

No one has the right to demand nanny care when all they can afford is daycare. Let me say it a different way...A nanny is not obligated in any way to give you a childcare discount that makes HER financial life difficult or impossible. Lose your privileged attitude and be realistic about your finances.

Dear Team,

It is not that I feel I am entitled to a nanny. The issue that I am trying to push is simply that the cost of nannies is HEAVILY inflated, and nannies only job security is that foreign workers are illegal to hire. Many foreign workers, illegal or otherwise, have probably a higher level of education than the community college nannies here, and are so much cheaper. I find it hilarious that nannies push to have the highest salaries possible while using fear tactics (pay what you get) and over-hyping their roles (singing i am a little tea-pot, and 'playing' with kids).

You keep saying the same thing over and over again. I (as well as others) simply do not agree with you. I wanted (and hired) a professional nanny whom I could run a full background check on (not possible with foreign nannies), had a college degree and teaching experience. I certainly want the sameeducated and experienced background in a nanny that I would expect in a preschool teacher. I am not interested in the cheapest nanny for my kids! We understand what you are saying and simply disagree! You can continue to write the same thing on every thread on this forum until hell freezes over and parents will continue to disagree with you!

I disagree with both of you. I also only hire legal nannies and all four of ours over a 10-year period had some college. One had a degree, and one finished her degree a couple of months after we hired her. The pay range is still $18-$22/hr to start for most nannies, and it is not "necessary" to pay $25/hr+ for a good nanny.

The lawyer pays his nanny $14/hr.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
Dear Team,

It is not that I feel I am entitled to a nanny. The issue that I am trying to push is simply that the cost of nannies is HEAVILY inflated, and nannies only job security is that foreign workers are illegal to hire. Many foreign workers, illegal or otherwise, have probably a higher level of education than the community college nannies here, and are so much cheaper. I find it hilarious that nannies push to have the highest salaries possible while using fear tactics (pay what you get) and over-hyping their roles (singing i am a little tea-pot, and 'playing' with kids).

You can make the same argument about lawyers - your only job security is that foreign lawyers are illegal to hire.

Educated foreign nannies that are legal to hire are no cheaper than American-born nannies.

Lastly, there is no such thing as "heavily inflated." Nanny rates are what the market will bear. What drives the market is irrelevant.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Sadly all the points are made.

1. Nannies here make people believe that their pay should be 'livable' which means it is above minimum wage. However, many daycare employees, that perform almost identical jobs make minimum wage and do the same amount and type of work. That nannies on this board somehow feel they deserve more because the clientele they are catering to can afford it.

2. The nanny profession is not accredited, does not have any type of board certification or any real legal governance requirement. The reason is simple, the work they are performing is what typical mothers or babysitters would perform. The only difference I could find is that a Nanny may have a prior routine she performs for a child, WHILE a babysitter seeks guidance from a parent regarding routines. Routines include activities, songs to sing (i am a little tea-pot), and other methods of entertainment. Let me be honest and blunt, even a BARBER gets an accredited certificate and LICENSE to cut hair!

Did you know a DAYCARE has more requirements than a NANNY (there are none <--). Want to know why? The reason is simple, the state considers their care in the same field as a BABYSITTER!!!

3. Want to know what scares a nanny the most! The fear of their job being outsourced to an illegal. BTW. Not all illegals are uneducated. Many of them come from poor countries but have more college experience than many of the nannies here, who may have gone to community college, or received some pay-for-profit nonaccredited certificate.

We heard you. Now please stop repeating yourself. I do not agree with you.

#2 is Factually correct

Let us discuss how you try to quantify your blue collar job beyond that of a babysitter, who is provided a list of items to perform.

1) Feel free to create a Nanny Accreditation Test/Certificate/Degree. Parents DGAF, unless they want to argue how nanny wages should be really low because "anyone can be a nanny".

2) Why I am not considered a babysitter: I don't need to be given daily lists. I don't feed kids and put them to bed for the night so I can feed my face and play on my phone for 4 hours on a Saturday night. Instead, I show up 5 days a week, 10-12 hours a day, and help you raise your child. I advise you on behavior issues, suggest it's time to consider making changes in schedules, lead you and your child through potty training, help your child navigate friend troubles, help with homework, plan menus and cook balanced meals and snacks, coordinate activity schedules for multiple kids, plan out free play as well as learning activities for each day, change diapers, soothe hysterical toddlers or teens, and generally give my all to the task of guiding your children on the path to becoming genuinely good people. I do all of this as your partner, and I support and enforce the parenting decisions you make. I also love your kids, even when their behavior stinks to the point that YOU don't want them around.


I also sing a damn good rendition of "I'm a Little Teapot", read the same book to your toddler 20 times a day, play cars/dolls/pretend for hours while following your child's directives and teaching them to take turns being in charge. I do art with your kids that focuses on progress, not perfection, and I help them make gifts for you when it's your birthday or another holiday. I help them learn how to handle being angry/sad/out of control in positive ways, and I listen to them when they talk and give actual thoughtful responses. I listen to you when you are overwhelmed or when you question if you are parenting "right", and offer you reassurance as well.

No one forces you to hire a nanny who is worth $20/hour or more. Hire whoever you choose to hire, and accept that your children will be influenced by that person's attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors.

The INA actually has a credential exam.

[Anonymous]

I'd hate to be the trolls nanny

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'd hate to be the trolls nanny

Seriously. Or anyone he/she works with. Assuming the troll actually is a lawyer, I’m sure he/she is the kind that is rude to paralegals and administrative assistants and anyone else the troll considers to be lower status. You can’t be that disdainful about the work other people do and not have it come off in how you treat them.

-lawyer MB

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'd hate to be the trolls nanny

Seriously. Or anyone he/she works with. Assuming the troll actually is a lawyer, I’m sure he/she is the kind that is rude to paralegals and administrative assistants and anyone else the troll considers to be lower status. You can’t be that disdainful about the work other people do and not have it come off in how you treat them.

-lawyer MB

Totally agree!