Why do SAHMs charge so much?

[Anonymous]

I have been curious about this for years. I see lots of SAHMs posting on care.com and sittercity.com, neighborhood listserves, etc about how they want to make some extra cash watching another child or two, usually on a part time or as-needed basis. Sounds great except it seems like their salary expectations are just out of whack. I don't think I have ever seen a SAHM asking for less than $15/hr, and many ask for $20+. Why would I pay you $20, or even $15 for that matter, to watch my kid AND yours? I would not pay that much in a nanny share! I really don't get it. There is a new drop in home day care in Alexandria and the woman wants $12.50 per hour - I could have a college babysitter come over and give her full undivided attention to my child for $12. I am not following the logic here...

[Anonymous]

Presumably you will be getting better care than with a babysitter. The SAHMs also take on more wear and tear on their homes/toys etc, and have to rearrange their lives to accommodate extra children as well. They lose many of the benefits of being a SAHM-taking kids to classes, going to the gym/store/friends house whenever they want, accommodating your child's nap schedule and making it work with their own child's, the list goes on.

Logistically, its just as difficult as a share and most likely you will get some freebies; snacks for your kids, baking projects that you don't pay for, an ice cream or cookie when the kids are out, little things that most nannies would be given petty cash or reimbursed for get kind of lumped together when a mom is buying for her kid too.

[Anonymous]

They value their time wanting to continue with a professional salary. I find it way to high and I will not pay that but obviously someone is or they wouldn't be demanding that much. Its basically a nanny share in the nanny's home. She can continue to do her stuff and just supervise your child.

[Anonymous]

What do you think would be an appropriate rate? If it were me, I'd charge you your half of a share ($9/hour) plus consideration for the wear on my home, meals I provide, and supplies I'd need. So I'd think $10-$12 would be appropriate, or I'd expect you to provide everything your kids needs during the day.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I would want to provide my kids what they need.. I'd rather know what they are eating etc. And honestly I would rather the person come to my home. I would expect to pay less to drop my child somewhere because that is more work for me. Basically, I'm comparing this against my college or grad school $12/hr babysitters who come to my home and pay full attention to my child. I would pay $8-9, probably, to a SAHM who also came to my house with her child. Now, to 15:18's point, this may just not be worth their time and I totally get that. I was a SAHM too for a little while and it may not have been worth my time (although $27 for three hours one afternoon when I wouldn't have been doing anything anyway.. maybe it would have after all?).

[nannydebsays]

Because a lot of them think that if they can keep their kid alive, they should get paid nanny rates for running a small family daycare.

Because they believe that the "wear and tear" and the loss of the freedom to do as they wish when they wish with THEIR child, means their clients should have to pay through the nose.

Because they decide, spur of the moment, that running a small daycare would be an easy way to make money, and they do no research at all on realistic rates.

Because they feel entitled to charge whatever they want with no basis on whether their skill set supports their fees.

Heck, the above sounds like what a lot of MB's here say about the nannies they meet! Entitled, self-indulgent, inexperienced, and unconcerned about the realities of providing quality childcare.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I would want to provide my kids what they need.. I'd rather know what they are eating etc. And honestly I would rather the person come to my home. I would expect to pay less to drop my child somewhere because that is more work for me. Basically, I'm comparing this against my college or grad school $12/hr babysitters who come to my home and pay full attention to my child. I would pay $8-9, probably, to a SAHM who also came to my house with her child. Now, to 15:18's point, this may just not be worth their time and I totally get that. I was a SAHM too for a little while and it may not have been worth my time (although $27 for three hours one afternoon when I wouldn't have been doing anything anyway.. maybe it would have after all?).

If you have a $12/hour college babysitter, what's the issue? If you want more than that, don't be surprised that it costs more.

[Anonymous]

nannydebsays wrote:Because a lot of them think that if they can keep their kid alive, they should get paid nanny rates for running a small family daycare.

Because they believe that the "wear and tear" and the loss of the freedom to do as they wish when they wish with THEIR child, means their clients should have to pay through the nose.

Because they decide, spur of the moment, that running a small daycare would be an easy way to make money, and they do no research at all on realistic rates.

Because they feel entitled to charge whatever they want with no basis on whether their skill set supports their fees.

Heck, the above sounds like what a lot of MB's here say about the nannies they meet! Entitled, self-indulgent, inexperienced, and unconcerned about the realities of providing quality childcare.

Let us know how you really feel...

[Anonymous]

Not every parent thinks that being the only child 24/7 is the best way to go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I would want to provide my kids what they need.. I'd rather know what they are eating etc. And honestly I would rather the person come to my home. I would expect to pay less to drop my child somewhere because that is more work for me. Basically, I'm comparing this against my college or grad school $12/hr babysitters who come to my home and pay full attention to my child. I would pay $8-9, probably, to a SAHM who also came to my house with her child. Now, to 15:18's point, this may just not be worth their time and I totally get that. I was a SAHM too for a little while and it may not have been worth my time (although $27 for three hours one afternoon when I wouldn't have been doing anything anyway.. maybe it would have after all?).

If you have a $12/hour college babysitter, what's the issue? If you want more than that, don't be surprised that it costs more.

I'm not looking to replace my college sitters with one of these women. It's just something I have noticed and was curious about.

[Anonymous]

Op again, I will say that I would love the convenience of a drop off day care and that I probably would have used, just not at $12.50/hr. Boy though if someone opened one at $10/hr it would be a gold mine.

[Anonymous]

Whatever. These SAHMs can ask for whatever they want. It doesn't mean anybody takes them up on the offer. They may have just decided that it is only worth it to them if they get $15-20/hour. Fair enough.

Of course I would never pay that much, and I'm definitely not alone, but that doesn't mean the women can't ask for it.

[Anonymous]

"Op again, I will say that I would love the convenience of a drop off day care and that I probably would have used, just not at $12.50/hr. Boy though if someone opened one at $10/hr it would be a gold mine. "

I'm happy to pay a SAHM $15 actually but on a drop in basis or for post-school hours to someone willing to do the "meet the bus" thing. If several SAHMs collectively offered services - or even just enough of them so that if one was busy one day you could call another, this would be an awesome option for the nanny sick or vacation days.

[Anonymous]

I worked for a family with two children and brought my 1 year old as well. I charged $16/hour. I was the best nanny they ever had. I have tons of experience with kids, a great education and a dedication to children. I never put my kid first. I re-arranged my child's schedule to work with the other kids. They got an energetic, engaging, loving and hard working nanny...I was also a SAHM. Most of my SAHM friends are so wonderful with their kids. They have a knack for spending quality time with children. So, that's why sometimes (not always) a SAHM can provide great childcare. Why would you not pay for that?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I worked for a family with two children and brought my 1 year old as well. I charged $16/hour. I was the best nanny they ever had. I have tons of experience with kids, a great education and a dedication to children. I never put my kid first. I re-arranged my child's schedule to work with the other kids. They got an energetic, engaging, loving and hard working nanny...I was also a SAHM. Most of my SAHM friends are so wonderful with their kids. They have a knack for spending quality time with children. So, that's why sometimes (not always) a SAHM can provide great childcare. Why would you not pay for that?

Exactly.