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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]So my question is this then: we simply can't afford more than 15 an hour, so we've offered flexibility ability to do homework while the baby naps and lowered certain expectations around household chores to the point where there's nothing except playing with the baby when she's awake. That's it. So when I advertise a job, and by the way werr way the hell out in Suburban Montgomery County and not in downtown DC:, for $15 an hour and someone says yeah I'll take it, am I still a jerk for offering the job at $15 an hour? Do we not have[b] the right[/b] to ask for babysitting in the range we can afford offering flexibility but I'm still expecting some reliability?[/quote]

I'm sorry OP, this is just the reality of market economics. To answer your question, no you do not have the right to quality in home childcare at whatever rate you happen to be able to afford. You're paying on the low end, so you're attracting low end employees. The reliable, experienced, and engaged nannies can charge more than $15/hour for very part time hours and 2 young children, so why would they take your job? You're attracting the ones who can't find anything better.

My suggestions would be to stop referring to this person as a sitter. You need a regular part time weekly commitment, and that means you are hiring a nanny. Do not offer lowered expectations as a "perk" of the job. Go into this like a real employer expecting to hire a professional. Write a contract that outline the hours, the pay rate, and the duties and expectations. At a minimum this person should be leaving the house as neat as they found it, and being engaged with your children for the few hours they are working.

If you truly can't up the rate, and can't find someone professional and reliable, you should honestly consider whether or not you can afford in-home childcare. It is the most expensive form of childcare, and a luxury that not everyone can afford. Your children have the right to quality care, but it may need to be in a group setting. [/quote]

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