How to explain the definition/pay of a nanny...

[Anonymous]

I am a nanny to three wonderful children, it's my drive in life - I absolutely love my profession and am so thankful for my employers. I make pretty decent pay, I am salary and make comparable pay to a teacher. I am from a small town in the south where many people confuse a nanny with a babysitter. Over the past three months, I've had five acquaintances from home contact me to ask what a nanny makes and how they can hire one but in the same breath, they mention needing a sitter - that alone shows me that they have no idea what my job is. They bluntly ask me what I make and if I'd take a very low pay from them. I'm wondering how I give them answers without seeming snotty. I know these people could never hire a nanny. I don't want to come off as a know it all who educates them about the differences in nannies and babysitters but I also hate that they think so lowly of me. Does anyone else have this issue? Any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

Thank them for their call, suggest care.com, tell them you are happy in your current position and don't give your salary (for your employers privacy) and give a range instead! Easy peasy.

[Anonymous]

I always give a range. I would give out my salary for my own privacy let alone my employer's. I think they seem to think a nanny is a babysitter and its almost a slap in the face to be asked to be their babysitter.

[Anonymous]

Care.com has lots of postings asking for full-time "babysitters". So irritating. They often want someone who will do everything under the sun but for really crappy pay.

[Anonymous]

I don't want to come off as a know it all who educates them about the differences in nannies and babysitters but I also hate that they think so lowly of me.

Look, there honestly isn't a huge difference between a babysitter and a nanny. I don't think saying you are a nanny gives you that much more clout even if there was a difference. Frankly, very few jobs have clout even those that require an education. What matters is whether you are happy doing what you are doing. If you are comfortable with your choice, you shouldn't feel the need to distinguish between 2 similar titles.

In terms of advice to family members or friends, you could probably share a good deal of useful information that doesn't involve your insecurities such as what type of questions to ask references, ask on the interview, how to spot a nanny that goofs off vs one that pays attention, and other aspects of the job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I don't want to come off as a know it all who educates them about the differences in nannies and babysitters but I also hate that they think so lowly of me.

Look, there honestly isn't a huge difference between a babysitter and a nanny. I don't think saying you are a nanny gives you that much more clout even if there was a difference. Frankly, very few jobs have clout even those that require an education. What matters is whether you are happy doing what you are doing. If you are comfortable with your choice, you shouldn't feel the need to distinguish between 2 similar titles.

In terms of advice to family members or friends, you could probably share a good deal of useful information that doesn't involve your insecurities such as what type of questions to ask references, ask on the interview, how to spot a nanny that goofs off vs one that pays attention, and other aspects of the job.

Wow. What an ignorant post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I don't want to come off as a know it all who educates them about the differences in nannies and babysitters but I also hate that they think so lowly of me.

Look, there honestly isn't a huge difference between a babysitter and a nanny. I don't think saying you are a nanny gives you that much more clout even if there was a difference. Frankly, very few jobs have clout even those that require an education. What matters is whether you are happy doing what you are doing. If you are comfortable with your choice, you shouldn't feel the need to distinguish between 2 similar titles.

In terms of advice to family members or friends, you could probably share a good deal of useful information that doesn't involve your insecurities such as what type of questions to ask references, ask on the interview, how to spot a nanny that goofs off vs one that pays attention, and other aspects of the job.

Stop embarrassing yourself, PP. You are a small, bitter little person who always posts the same thing. Get a little life for yourself, PP, and stop trolling. It is pathetic at your age.

[Anonymous]

OP just explain your job and give a salary range. You don't have to sound snooty or insult anyone - just tell them the truth.

I got my degree in ECE to teach preschool and be a nanny, so everyone from back home knows it was my chosen profession. Since I am in LA and work for a celebrity couple (no, I will not post who) hometown friends never confuse a nanny with a babysitter!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I don't want to come off as a know it all who educates them about the differences in nannies and babysitters but I also hate that they think so lowly of me.

Look, there honestly isn't a huge difference between a babysitter and a nanny. I don't think saying you are a nanny gives you that much more clout even if there was a difference. Frankly, very few jobs have clout even those that require an education. What matters is whether you are happy doing what you are doing. If you are comfortable with your choice, you shouldn't feel the need to distinguish between 2 similar titles.

In terms of advice to family members or friends, you could probably share a good deal of useful information that doesn't involve your insecurities such as what type of questions to ask references, ask on the interview, how to spot a nanny that goofs off vs one that pays attention, and other aspects of the job.

There is a difference between "babysitter" and "nanny." A babysitter is simply someone who does have experience with interacting with children but is not required to do anything acedimic with the chil(ren). When I "babysit" I am going to go and have fun (play games, watch movies, eat snacks etc.) and that is all! Yes, you are still supervising and should know and be certified in CPR and First-Aid. Therefore a babysitter rates is a lot cheaper than a nanny.

A "nanny" is a person who is expected to create a stimulating environment for children to help them develop socially, physically and cognitively. Most families ask for a nanny to either have a degree in Early Childhood Education, CDA or a substantial amount of training and experience working with multiple families and or as has experience as a teacher. Nannies don't just play all day, they in fact teach! They also have other responsibilities, ands therefore, should and do get paid more than a babysitter. My babysitting rate is not the same rate as my nanny rate. I am a nanny, have been a teacher and could still be if I'd like, my families are given a different amount (less) for babysitting on the weekends/date nights. So please, don't insult us!

[Anonymous]

I would let them know about the sites out there and or agencies. Then, I would just ask them what they are looking for and explain to them don't expect a babysitter to do or have the same responsibilities as a nanny. This should open the conversation for them to ask "well what's the difference?" Then, you can educate. I hate seeing parents create ads for "full time babysitters." Babysitters are not full time- yes, it may be reoccurring but not Mon-Friday 9-5. I think parents just say that so they can offer a lower rate and I wish people would stop agreeing to such low pay, when they're actually doing a "nannies" job. When parents offer $10hr for 2 kids and it's 7-5 that is crazy!!

[Anonymous]

Nanny here.

My opinion on the difference between a babysitter and a nanny is as follows:

A babysitter is someone who watches children once in a while. Usually not on a routine, predictable basis. The money that is earned while babysitting is used for stuff like going to the movies with friends. The house payments / new tires for the car / groceries / vaccines for the dog / etc. are all funded through other means.

A nanny is someone who watches children as a profession. This is their REAL JOB. They use the money they earn to pay their rent. And their car payment. And their water bill. And their dental bill. They don't have some other source of income that pays their bills.

A nanny has an ongoing expectation that the same amount of money will be coming in from week to week and month to month. Just like other adults do when they are employed at their REAL JOBS. Because being a nanny is a REAL JOB. A job done by grownups who live grownup lives.

[Anonymous]

This is a pretty good write up of the difference between a nanny and a babysitter - it doesn't speak to salary but to job descriptions.
http://info.homeworksolutions.com/blog/nanny-vs-babysitter-what-is-in-a-name