Sitter vs. Nanny

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yikes, I'm a highly paid nanny who does whatever I think is the best thing for the child. Parents who want me, tell me they specifically depend on me for that reason. They often discuss what their doing, and ask if that's the best thing.
Does that mean I am not a nanny, in your opinion?

You've described yourself exactly as NannyDeb did - someone who does what the parents want while offering advice, ideas, etc. I don't see any way in which you could logically argue that her definition is invalid.

No, I personally do not do anything, because I was "told" to. I do only what I determine is best. But that's just me, maybe.

MB here - In that case, I would not consider you to be a good nanny. My kids are my kids and I expect a nanny to follow my and DH's instructions. Of course we have regular conversations when she has thoughts or suggestions, and we trust her judgment to make good decisions for our child when necessary. But if she never did what we asked of her and only what she decided to? We'd replace her very quickly.

The important question is:
Why did you choose the wrong person in the first place?
Revolving door nannies have negative consequences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's different to everyone. In general, a nanny has more job related knowledge, is more experienced, and costs 20-30/hr. A sitter is usually closer to 15/hr.

These are 2013 rates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's different to everyone. In general, a nanny has more job related knowledge, is more experienced, and costs 20-30/hr. A sitter is usually closer to 15/hr.

These are 2013 rates.

Yeahhhh, base pay for hourly workers hasn't actually changed that much since then. The numbers above are an accurate ballpark.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's different to everyone. In general, a nanny has more job related knowledge, is more experienced, and costs 20-30/hr. A sitter is usually closer to 15/hr.

These are 2013 rates.

Yeahhhh, base pay for hourly workers hasn't actually changed that much since then. The numbers above are an accurate ballpark.

My wages increase every year, just like everything else. Did you hear today how the DC area rental market is skyrocketing off the charts, even Silver Spring, which used to be a modest area.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Bump

You're bumping a more than 2 year old thread to perpetuate a "sitter vs. nanny" debate?

That's pretty sad.

I agree it's unfortunate that so many people here still don't know the difference.

And newbies here still don't know the difference.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's different to everyone. In general, a nanny has more job related knowledge, is more experienced, and costs 20-30/hr. A sitter is usually closer to 15/hr.

Agree. Good nannies can easily be $30+ per hour in the DC area.

[Anonymous]

This post is old, why are we dredging this up again?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This post is old, why are we dredging this up again?

If you understand the difference between a nanny and a sitter, move on. Not every thread needs to be to your liking.

[Anonymous]

To me- Sitters meet basic needs for short periods of time. Nannies help raise children. They are different but both respectable jobs.

There is nothing wrong witb being "just" a babysitter if that pays the bills, it's just a different job with different challenges. I'm a nanny because I can make a living wage doing it (and because I like it!) not because being a babysitter was some shameful thing I had to move on from.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To me- Sitters meet basic needs for short periods of time. Nannies help raise children. They are different but both respectable jobs.

There is nothing wrong witb being "just" a babysitter if that pays the bills, it's just a different job with different challenges. I'm a nanny because I can make a living wage doing it (and because I like it!) not because being a babysitter was some shameful thing I had to move on from.

Well said.

[Anonymous]

So since this thread has been dredged up yet again . . . . . What would you all call me?

I work about 14 hours a week for one family, and I work about 6 hours a week for another family.

Family one, I pick up the kindergartner at school at 2:30, then we pick up the three year old at preschool at 3. Then we go home. The oldest child has karate class from 4:30 to 5:30, so I take them both to that. Then we go home and I make dinner for the three of us. Then I give them baths and put them to bed. The parents get home at 9:30.

Family two, I arrive at their house at 3:20 p.m. and let their dog out to potty. Then the dog and I walk to the bus stop to wait on the kids. The school bus arrives and the 4th grader and 2nd grader get off the bus. The next 30 minutes is: walk back home / potty / snack / how was your day / text MB. The next 45 minutes is homework. At 5 we start getting ready for karate and leave at 5:15 for karate class. I drop them off at karate and head home. DB meets the kids at karate before their class is over.

It doesn't seem to me that what I do with either family is really enough hours to call it a nanny position. But it sure is more responsibility than just sitting on the couch watching TV with the kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So since this thread has been dredged up yet again . . . . . What would you all call me?

I work about 14 hours a week for one family, and I work about 6 hours a week for another family.

Family one, I pick up the kindergartner at school at 2:30, then we pick up the three year old at preschool at 3. Then we go home. The oldest child has karate class from 4:30 to 5:30, so I take them both to that. Then we go home and I make dinner for the three of us. Then I give them baths and put them to bed. The parents get home at 9:30.

Family two, I arrive at their house at 3:20 p.m. and let their dog out to potty. Then the dog and I walk to the bus stop to wait on the kids. The school bus arrives and the 4th grader and 2nd grader get off the bus. The next 30 minutes is: walk back home / potty / snack / how was your day / text MB. The next 45 minutes is homework. At 5 we start getting ready for karate and leave at 5:15 for karate class. I drop them off at karate and head home. DB meets the kids at karate before their class is over.

It doesn't seem to me that what I do with either family is really enough hours to call it a nanny position. But it sure is more responsibility than just sitting on the couch watching TV with the kids.

Number of hours doesn't distinguish. Frequency and level of care do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's different to everyone. In general, a nanny has more job related knowledge, is more experienced, and costs 20-30/hr. A sitter is usually closer to 15/hr.

Here's the difference. Learn it.

Bump.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's different to everyone. In general, a nanny has more job related knowledge, is more experienced, and costs 20-30/hr. A sitter is usually closer to 15/hr.

Here's the difference. Learn it.

Bump.

Seriously, get a life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A sitter watches your kids while you go out to a movie. A nanny effectively raises and tutors your kids while you're gone. A nanny is a safety supervisor, a tutor, a cook, a housekeeper, and a nurturer all in one. Big difference.

Well, one of the many differences between mom and me is that I don't do housekeeping.