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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]This is one case where I agree with the irritating poster who is always pointing out the difference between nannies and sitters. To me, a sitter doesn't do laundry, she basically just sits, keeps the kids safe and maybe puts together dinner. That would be worth $10-15/hr, depending on the age and experience of the sitter.

You are looking for a part time nanny who will take more responsibility, like laundry and guaranteed meal prep. This would be more expensive, $15-18/hr in DC,  likely on the higher end because a PT nanny is harder to find than a FT one.

Try writing a detailed job description and advertising for a PT nanny and you may have better luck in candidates. You may have to hire and fire a few to get the perfect match because good nannies are hard to find, but they are out there. Good luck.[/quote]

I am a part time nanny and I totally agree with this.  There is  a world of difference between what I do and what their sitter does.  I am paid $20 an hour (have been with them for 6 years) and typically work 15-20 hours per week.  I do much of what you described with the exception of laundry.  I cook dinner, clean up, load/unload dishwasher, take trash out, help with homework, help with showers, take them to practice and a few other things.

It's not all that easy dealing with kids that age.  They were much easier when they were toddlers.  They are mouthy and resistant to any kind of chores or responsibility.  It's hard to "make" them do things, especially if the parents don't back you up.  I'm not saying this is true in your case, just offering another perspective.

Because I'm in charge of all this, I know I'm not the kids "favorite" anymore.  I feel much like you with the constant battling.  They would much rather hang out with the summer sitter.  She is fun and let's them do anything they want to do.  The eat junk, don't shower or do summer homework, and the house is a mess when MB comes home.  I'm not sure how much they pay her,  I think its $15 an hour.

I love the kids but I'm working for MB, not them.  You need to find someone with the same approach.  Someone who loves them and will have fun with them, but someone who has a backbone also.   Also, make sure to tell the nanny what is expected of her.  MB gets really upset about their sitter but will never say anything.  Communication is key.

Good luck![/quote]

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