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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]PP 07:17 — you nailed it! Thank you!

AP is not cheap as any childcare is not cheap, but it is a reasonable option for some. I think what OP wanted to say is that AP costs more than $4/hr or the advertised total cost by agencies. Agree with that.

We had nannies for close to 10 years (3 kids) and nannies ran us about $42-45K per year with taxes and all for about 47 hrs/week with purely business hours coverage. I could probably now find a person with flexibility to cover breaks/pre/after hours reliably if I’d pay similar amount per year. I think my APs cost me about $32-35K per year including family vacations (my choice! Worth it!), fancy gym membership (again my choice! I host BPs and that’s what makes them happy), car insurance, taking them out every time we go out, etc. Our first BP became truly part of our family, and this is priceless. Somehow I never got that bond with either of our our 4 nannies...

I totally get that this was my choice, and I have to confess I started the AP route because of advertised cost and the fact that I needed someone reliable to take kids to the after school activities, and flexibility. I stayed because of the experience, loving my BPs, and honestly not wanting to search for alternative child care. My friend who hosted APs for 2 years switched to after-school nanny. That works for her best. We are privileged to have options. My BPs are happy, not think of themselves as servitude labor, and happily enjoy all their perks. They were able to buy whatever they want as they have 0 day-to-day expenses and bills. They actually don’t understand why other APs constantly complain that they don’t have money...

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I am a nanny who works 45 hours per week and it costs my employers closer to $70,000. My point being that the AP program is significantly cheaper than hiring a nanny. The AP can also be more convenient for split schedules and a great way to introduce your kids to other cultures! Also, as you are doing, having a BP when you have young boys can be a great experience as well. I am in full support of the AP program, but it is significantly cheaper than hiring an experienced nanny, both of which have their benefits! 
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