Holiday bonus and general package--how are we doing?

[Anonymous]

Our PT nanny has been with us for almost 2 years. We pay $17.50/hour for 2 kids, 1 of whom is in school for most of the time she's here, with no laundry and minimal clean-up and cooking (i.e. she picks up after the kids some, and makes them both breakfast, but no cooking for the family). We give paid federal holidays, 3 weeks vacation/personal leave, and guaranteed hours--so it winds up being more like 4-5 weeks PTO counting federal holidays. DH thinks this is more than fair and has the idea we are paying more than most people he knows. I am not sure that's the case and think most people are paying more like $18/hour for 2 kids. I feel pretty sure he will agree to giving her a raise to that amount since it's only 50 cents an hour, but I wonder if we are really paying her what she's worth--she is great with our kids, has been incredibly flexible and reliable, and has all of the qualities we wanted in a nanny, plus has now been working for us for a while.

Last year we were more financially strapped and gave a bonus of $250 plus a few small gifts. I am also wondering if this seems fair, or if we should up the bonus to closer to a week's pay (which I think will be tough to convince my DH since neither of us gets a bonus at all).

Also, even if we start paying her $18/hour, I feel like we might need/want to add something else--she has indicated she doesn't really need a stipend for health insurance, so I'm wondering if we should buy her a SmartTrip card every month (she Metros to us), or just increase her pay?

I appreciate any honest, helpful feedback.

[Anonymous]

She DOESN'T watch two kids. She watches one. Why you give her three weeks vacation is beyond me. She doesn't even do kids laundry. I don't think you need to give her any more than you gave last year, don't think she needs a raise, and don't think you should give her metro fair.

She's got a sweet deal here.

[Anonymous]

That is very good pay. Not shockingly good, but I would say that you are on the higher end of the market. Yes, most pay more in hourly for part-time, but that is because most part-time work doesn't come with nearly the benefit package you are offering. A raise to $18 would probably be appreciated, but you don't need to worry about more than that. If you really want to get a Metro pass or something, I am sure she would appreciate it, but I seriously doubt she is shopping around for a better compensation package. If you are a good boss in other ways (appreciative, supportive, communicative, and considerate), then she is probably thrilled!

[Anonymous]

OP, if you are happy and trust her witb your children, tjen nothing else counts. Are your children safe and happy with her? If so, what more do you want?

[Anonymous]

Yeah if you wanna give her a 50 cent raise go for it. She's getting a good deal already.