If you were a billionaire ...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

This thread is an excellent illustration of how little some parents value the care of their own child. It explains why they care only about how cheap can they be.

Then they're so shocked when something goes horribly wrong.

What on earth are you talking about? There are a wide range of salaries that still ensure the well-being of my children, and it's all still completely disconnected from my own income.

You sound like an entitled jerk.

Some parents in the news thought the same nonsense as you do. I feel sorry for your children, because we all know you get what you pay for.

I have an excellent (and happy) au pair. But feel free to feel sorry for my children anyway.

Doesn't everyone think their AP / nanny is oh, so happy? Ha, ha.

Her biggest complaint is boredom from being underworked. But we brilliantly hired someone who used to have an actually difficult job, not a childcare job, so of course she's happy.

Hmm. As if childcare couldn't be difficult at times. Lovely.

Maybe for your nasty children, but my children are smart and well behaved, the au-pair has no difficulties.

Oh, and before I forget? Kids who are experiencing a separation, divorce or other trauma or have special needs can be difficult. The kids are not nasty, but yes, it can make the situation more difficult for the nanny.

FYI a good parent will shield their child from trauma.... don't marry someone you can't stay married too etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

This thread is an excellent illustration of how little some parents value the care of their own child. It explains why they care only about how cheap can they be.

Then they're so shocked when something goes horribly wrong.

What on earth are you talking about? There are a wide range of salaries that still ensure the well-being of my children, and it's all still completely disconnected from my own income.

You sound like an entitled jerk.

Some parents in the news thought the same nonsense as you do. I feel sorry for your children, because we all know you get what you pay for.

I have an excellent (and happy) au pair. But feel free to feel sorry for my children anyway.

Doesn't everyone think their AP / nanny is oh, so happy? Ha, ha.

Her biggest complaint is boredom from being underworked. But we brilliantly hired someone who used to have an actually difficult job, not a childcare job, so of course she's happy.

Hmm. As if childcare couldn't be difficult at times. Lovely.

Maybe for your nasty children, but my children are smart and well behaved, the au-pair has no difficulties.

Oh, and before I forget? Kids who are experiencing a separation, divorce or other trauma or have special needs can be difficult. The kids are not nasty, but yes, it can make the situation more difficult for the nanny.

FYI a good parent will shield their child from trauma.... don't marry someone you can't stay married too etc.

How do you think a child can be immune to the break-up of his family unit? Every child I've known, wants a mommy and a daddy. Sorry.

Don't delude yourself.

[Anonymous]

It's interesting that so many MBs are horrified by the attitude that your nanny's pay be tied to your income, but isn't that always the first excuse we hear when things are tight? Nanny has to grin and bear it when her employers rationalize not giving a bonus since they don't get one. Nanny should he understanding come raise time if finances are tight. Nannies should be understanding when some single mom grossing 30k/year decides she wants a nanny for her kid and offers $2/hour.

[Anonymous]

Our nanny doesn't know our income, nor should she. It isn't related to her pay. She earns market rate (actually, above market because she is awesome and has been with us for awhile) and would continue to make that rate if I suddenly became a billionaire.

That said, if I did suddenly come into a billionaire dollars, I would give her a giant extra bonus and book the whole family on a fabulous vacation. If she wanted to join us, I'd pay her generously for fewer hours of work than her regular schedule, and pay for everything, including private rooms in five star hotels. If she wanted the time off, that would be fine too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's interesting that so many MBs are horrified by the attitude that your nanny's pay be tied to your income, but isn't that always the first excuse we hear when things are tight? Nanny has to grin and bear it when her employers rationalize not giving a bonus since they don't get one. Nanny should he understanding come raise time if finances are tight. Nannies should be understanding when some single mom grossing 30k/year decides she wants a nanny for her kid and offers $2/hour.

You are off your rocker. As a nanny, you are entitled to a reasonable salary. What the household income has no direct impact on your life. If you want a higher income, you need to choose a field that pays it. Most people do not get paid yearly bonuses or get more than a small COLA. If my husband wants a pay increase, he has to get a new job. If I want one, well tuff... not going to happen. We have never gotten yearly bonuses, husband got a small pay raise and I have gotten nothing in the past few years. You aren not entitled to a bonus, the family income or the perks they have due to their income. You are not their child, you are their employee.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Oh, and before I forget? Kids who are experiencing a separation, divorce or other trauma or have special needs can be difficult. The kids are not nasty, but yes, it can make the situation more difficult for the nanny.

And you'd be totally equipped to handle it, if those parents would just cough up the right percentage of their net worth, but if they won't, they'll get what they pay for, right?

No. I don't ask for a percentage of my employer's wage, as I consider it irrelevant. Either they will pay my minimum for what their position requires or they won't. Whether they can afford it, whether it curtails their vacations or discretionary spending, whether it means that they have to settle for a less expensive car, those aren't my business. However, I don't work for anyone who begrudges me my pay, because I earn it and I"m not going to be nickel and dimed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Oh, and before I forget? Kids who are experiencing a separation, divorce or other trauma or have special needs can be difficult. The kids are not nasty, but yes, it can make the situation more difficult for the nanny.

And you'd be totally equipped to handle it, if those parents would just cough up the right percentage of their net worth, but if they won't, they'll get what they pay for, right?

No. I don't ask for a percentage of my employer's wage, as I consider it irrelevant. Either they will pay my minimum for what their position requires or they won't. Whether they can afford it, whether it curtails their vacations or discretionary spending, whether it means that they have to settle for a less expensive car, those aren't my business. However, I don't work for anyone who begrudges me my pay, because I earn it and I"m not going to be nickel and dimed.

You're describing a normal nanny-family relationship

One that a billionaire and thousandaire should both have with their nanny

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's interesting that so many MBs are horrified by the attitude that your nanny's pay be tied to your income, but isn't that always the first excuse we hear when things are tight? Nanny has to grin and bear it when her employers rationalize not giving a bonus since they don't get one. Nanny should he understanding come raise time if finances are tight. Nannies should be understanding when some single mom grossing 30k/year decides she wants a nanny for her kid and offers $2/hour.

Brilliant. Just brilliant. DCUM nanny employers can hate this all they want.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

How would you compensate your nanny if money wasn't a problem?

I would compensate her slighter higher than average for her skill level, experience, and our area of the country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's interesting that so many MBs are horrified by the attitude that your nanny's pay be tied to your income, but isn't that always the first excuse we hear when things are tight? Nanny has to grin and bear it when her employers rationalize not giving a bonus since they don't get one. Nanny should he understanding come raise time if finances are tight. Nannies should be understanding when some single mom grossing 30k/year decides she wants a nanny for her kid and offers $2/hour.

You are off your rocker. As a nanny, you are entitled to a reasonable salary. What the household income has no direct impact on your life. If you want a higher income, you need to choose a field that pays it. Most people do not get paid yearly bonuses or get more than a small COLA. If my husband wants a pay increase, he has to get a new job. If I want one, well tuff... not going to happen. We have never gotten yearly bonuses, husband got a small pay raise and I have gotten nothing in the past few years. You aren not entitled to a bonus, the family income or the perks they have due to their income. You are not their child, you are their employee.

You have reading comprehension issues my dear lady. I never said that I was entitled to anything. I said that I find it odd that you and others find it offensive that a nanny would feel entitled to a percentage of your income, but nannies are constantly told how their incomes are in fact tied to the health of their employers finances. It can't go one way and not the other. The reality is somewhere in the middle. Most nannies are not paid what they deserve. There is no reason that a woman with 10 years of experience in her field and a college degree, caring for what should be your number one priority, should be making less than $40k/year. Lots of middle class families expect these traits in their nanny, yet cannot afford $40k annually. Fantastic nannies, who could make 6 figures in certain areas, take these jobs because they love kids and aren't trying to get rich. Our income is inherently tied to yours, like it or not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Our nanny doesn't know our income, nor should she. It isn't related to her pay. She earns market rate (actually, above market because she is awesome and has been with us for awhile) and would continue to make that rate if I suddenly became a billionaire.

That said, if I did suddenly come into a billionaire dollars, I would give her a giant extra bonus and book the whole family on a fabulous vacation. If she wanted to join us, I'd pay her generously for fewer hours of work than her regular schedule, and pay for everything, including private rooms in five star hotels. If she wanted the time off, that would be fine too.

Your nanny knows your income, and more about you than you realize.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Our nanny doesn't know our income, nor should she. It isn't related to her pay. She earns market rate (actually, above market because she is awesome and has been with us for awhile) and would continue to make that rate if I suddenly became a billionaire.

That said, if I did suddenly come into a billionaire dollars, I would give her a giant extra bonus and book the whole family on a fabulous vacation. If she wanted to join us, I'd pay her generously for fewer hours of work than her regular schedule, and pay for everything, including private rooms in five star hotels. If she wanted the time off, that would be fine too.

Your nanny knows your income, and more about you than you realize.

No. She doesn't. I'm certain of this.

I understand why you'd want parents to believe that you have some imaginary superpower that allows you to know all their personal business.

Dream on.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

This thread is an excellent illustration of how little some parents value the care of their own child. It explains why they care only about how cheap can they be.

Then they're so shocked when something goes horribly wrong.

What on earth are you talking about? There are a wide range of salaries that still ensure the well-being of my children, and it's all still completely disconnected from my own income.

You sound like an entitled jerk.

Some parents in the news thought the same nonsense as you do. I feel sorry for your children, because we all know you get what you pay for.

I have an excellent (and happy) au pair. But feel free to feel sorry for my children anyway.

Doesn't everyone think their AP / nanny is oh, so happy? Ha, ha.

Her biggest complaint is boredom from being underworked. But we brilliantly hired someone who used to have an actually difficult job, not a childcare job, so of course she's happy.

Hmm. As if childcare couldn't be difficult at times. Lovely.

Maybe for your nasty children, but my children are smart and well behaved, the au-pair has no difficulties.

I'm a nanny, not a parent. Even smart kids get sick and when they are miserable, they can make the nanny's job difficult. Even the most well-behaved child can have a bad day. Even the most perfect child in existence will try to assert his or her independence. I'm glad that your children are perfect, and I'm glad that the au pair has yet to have any issues. But they can happen.

Ok, so you want a super easy job with high pay... good luck with that. Part of your job is dealing with that stuff. Its the job you choose. Maybe you need a new line of work.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

This thread is an excellent illustration of how little some parents value the care of their own child. It explains why they care only about how cheap can they be.

Then they're so shocked when something goes horribly wrong.

What on earth are you talking about? There are a wide range of salaries that still ensure the well-being of my children, and it's all still completely disconnected from my own income.

You sound like an entitled jerk.

Some parents in the news thought the same nonsense as you do. I feel sorry for your children, because we all know you get what you pay for.

I have an excellent (and happy) au pair. But feel free to feel sorry for my children anyway.

Doesn't everyone think their AP / nanny is oh, so happy? Ha, ha.

Her biggest complaint is boredom from being underworked. But we brilliantly hired someone who used to have an actually difficult job, not a childcare job, so of course she's happy.

Hmm. As if childcare couldn't be difficult at times. Lovely.

Maybe for your nasty children, but my children are smart and well behaved, the au-pair has no difficulties.

I'm a nanny, not a parent. Even smart kids get sick and when they are miserable, they can make the nanny's job difficult. Even the most well-behaved child can have a bad day. Even the most perfect child in existence will try to assert his or her independence. I'm glad that your children are perfect, and I'm glad that the au pair has yet to have any issues. But they can happen.

Ok, so you want a super easy job with high pay... good luck with that. Part of your job is dealing with that stuff. Its the job you choose. Maybe you need a new line of work.

If childcare is super easy, why are so many kids growing up with so many problems? Just visit your local high school if you care to see for yourself. If you think alcohol, drugs, depression, bully behavior, eating disorders, etc., aren't rampant in every HS, think again.

Try to look past your little nose. I suspect you justify low nanny wages with your ignorant attitude. Very few children are getting good care. And it's never cheap unless someone is doing you a BIG favor. Good luck to you and your child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

This thread is an excellent illustration of how little some parents value the care of their own child. It explains why they care only about how cheap can they be.

Then they're so shocked when something goes horribly wrong.

What on earth are you talking about? There are a wide range of salaries that still ensure the well-being of my children, and it's all still completely disconnected from my own income.

You sound like an entitled jerk.

Some parents in the news thought the same nonsense as you do. I feel sorry for your children, because we all know you get what you pay for.

I have an excellent (and happy) au pair. But feel free to feel sorry for my children anyway.

Doesn't everyone think their AP / nanny is oh, so happy? Ha, ha.

Her biggest complaint is boredom from being underworked. But we brilliantly hired someone who used to have an actually difficult job, not a childcare job, so of course she's happy.

Hmm. As if childcare couldn't be difficult at times. Lovely.

Maybe for your nasty children, but my children are smart and well behaved, the au-pair has no difficulties.

I'm a nanny, not a parent. Even smart kids get sick and when they are miserable, they can make the nanny's job difficult. Even the most well-behaved child can have a bad day. Even the most perfect child in existence will try to assert his or her independence. I'm glad that your children are perfect, and I'm glad that the au pair has yet to have any issues. But they can happen.

Ok, so you want a super easy job with high pay... good luck with that. Part of your job is dealing with that stuff. Its the job you choose. Maybe you need a new line of work.

If childcare is super easy, why are so many kids growing up with so many problems? Just visit your local high school if you care to see for yourself. If you think alcohol, drugs, depression, bully behavior, eating disorders, etc., aren't rampant in every HS, think again.

Try to look past your little nose. I suspect you justify low nanny wages with your ignorant attitude. Very few children are getting good care. And it's never cheap unless someone is doing you a BIG favor. Good luck to you and your child.

No, I never said that I want a super-easy job. I don't take positions with only one child, because I know I would be bored out of my mind. I have training to help kids learn to cope with ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, EMI, etc. and I'm more than willing to work with a child who exhibits symptoms. I've worked with several kids who need extra tutoring to bring them up to grade level. I've worked with kids dealing with divorce, death of a parent, and other trauma. My point was that even when kids are wonderful angels most of the time, there will be days that things won't go well. In my experience, nannying is difficult because I know that eventually I will leave, and I struggle every day to not allow myself to let boundaries slide, to not love my charges too much. Nannying is not just my job, it's my passion, but that doesn't mean it's not difficult at times.