Nanny bringing along baby from another family she nannies..

[Anonymous]

My nanny (who I think is fabulous) splits her time between us and another family. On several occasions she has brought along the child from the other family while watching my kids. I really don't mind at all, and appreciate the flexibility for times when I need the help on days when she is watching the other child. However, I'm wondering if the other family and I should be adjusting her pay when she is watching our kids. I haven't done this yet, but since it's becoming more regular, should we work out a nanny share pay schedule when this does happen?

I think she's great and wouldn't want to upset her, but I'm not sure it's really fair to both families to be paying her our regular pay when she watches all 3 kids. any input from other families or nannies is much appreciated. thanks!

[Anonymous]

Why rock the boat?
Penny pinching = bad idea

[Anonymous]

If your child is being well cared for, why do you want to nickel and dime the nanny? Makes no sense to me.

[Anonymous]

OP here. She's earning $35/hr when she is watching both families' children. Is this normal? I'm not trying to nickel and dime anyone, it just seems this is why people have nanny share arrangements. Looking for advice here.

[Anonymous]

I think she is taking advantage. If you wanted to be in a nanny share, you would have arranged one, right? And you'd be paying less. A lot less. Also, have to ask--does the other family know she is bringing their child to your house?

[Anonymous]

No, 35 is not average. If she's better than average, however, shouldn't she earn better than average?

[Anonymous]

Nanny here. If OP came to me with this issue, I'd be replacing her. This is shameful, OP, IMO.

[Anonymous]

If its on days when its not your regular day, I can see paying extra for it. But if the nanny is bringing the other child on a regular schedule, then I think you should talk to her about reducing her pay those days. The other family can do whatever they want.

[Anonymous]

Hope you have another nanny lined up.

[Anonymous]

OP here. to answer some of the above questions, yes this is on my regular days she is bringing along the other child. The other family must know this, as they know her schedule with my children and ask her to watch their child on these days. It's also become a problem because we don't have enough car seats to accommodate all 3.

For nannies who are suggesting this is shameful, what is your reason? how do you justify your statement?

[Anonymous]

I interviewed nannies who wanted to bring their own child along, and in return they suggested a lower rate given they had their child with them. how is this any different, except this nanny is doubling her income?

[Anonymous]

She's driving children w/o carseats? That's a different story, OP.

[Anonymous]

If its once in a rare while in an emergency, I'd let it go but if it is becoming regular, you, the nanny and the other family should sit down and talk about some share guidelines etc. to make sure everyone is on the same page. Also does she do this on days you need help because you asked or does she also do it on your regular days. Again, if it's once in a while to come to your rescue, I'd let it go but if it's regular or not planned by you, I might say something. If your arrangement is slowly morphing into a nanny share, you should treat it as that.

[Anonymous]

OP here.. she is doing this on my regular scheduled days. the other family needs the help on their off days. again, I'm fine with this but its becoming somewhat regular.

[Anonymous]

I had 2 doctor parents hire me while I brought my own child. They paid me my regular high rates. They simply wanted the best care, and they could afford it.