She doesn't need to justify anything to you. She may want better than what she sees at the library story time. |
I just paid $24 for my apple! Do I get a cookie?!? |
Of course she doesn't. I don't care what she does. It's important to remember that she started the thread, not I. From what she described, nothing seems exceptional. |
It's human nature for different people to have different priorities. For some it's price, but not for all. |
Of course not. For some, it's a priority to be able to say on an anonymous forum: "I am highly paid. I can afford to pay whatever". Different strokes. She asked for input based on the run-of-the mill job description she posted. She received input that a run-of-the-mill nanny fits a run-of-the-mill rate. If she posted exceptional qualifications, she would have been recommended to pay an exceptional rate. |
What she considers to be exceptional, you might not. Who cares? Everyone should and will, do what's best in their own situation. |
Well said. |
The employed nanny you want is probably already getting $25/hr. |
Wow what a great deal! making over $3000 take home and only working 4 days a week. OP I think you are paying above average but if you can, go ahead. Just watch out for the "super nanny" and "christine guzman types" cause they are out there. |
Who's she? |
About $20/hr. Two weeks paid vacation, federal holidays, guaranteed hours, 4 sick days, 3 personal days. Help with health insurance is always appreciated but not required. |
The job is no longer available. |
OP, you sound very generous and well-intentioned and thoughtful. One thing I have learned the hard way over many years of employing nannies is that you do NOT want an employee who feels you can be taken advantage of. And I don't necessarily mean financially--but someone who slacks off on the job, doesn't take initiative, tidies up for the first few weeks and then stops, that sort of thing. Someone who doesn't take you seriously. The problem I see is that you are setting yourself up to be perceived as that kind of employer. You are wildly overpaying (I agree with others that I would not start at more than $18/hour), and you are paying for hours not worked which is unnecessary. We have hired a couple wonderful nannies at about 32 hours a week and it worked out fine. One was in school and the schedule was perfect for her. I think there are many ways to show your nanny you greatly appreciate her and all the work she does for you and your child. For example, we like to give generous year-end bonuses (a couple weeks pay), and we always give our nanny money and a gift for her birthday. These are gifts she knows she can count on, but they are also understood to be a heartfelt thanks from us. There's also lots of information on this forum about the kind of employers nannies appreciate--honest, respecting of the nanny, offering her leeway in terms of how she cares for the child(ren), not forcing her to work when she is sick or when your kid is throwing up, etc. Money is part of the package--a hugely important one, sure, but there are other factors that build respect between parent and nanny and help make it a great relationship. I wouldn't structure the pay how you are thinking of structuring it because I personally do not think doing so will get you a better nanny, or even, necessarily, a very good one. It will get you an entitled nanny, and I promise you that's not one you want. I think you are bending over backwards and you don't need to do that to find an outstanding nanny. Best of luck! |
Any parent may have higher/different standards than others. I imagine that most parents believe they have a "wonderful" nanny. What I see these nannies doing in the playground, makes me wonder if these parents have any real knowledge of child development. After all, don't children need more than just a warm body? |
I would, and have, ask for $20/hr gross.
Find a nanny you like and see what her rate is! |