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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]If you're in DC, $20/hr grossed up to pay taxes for just one infant is definitely somewhat above market - for that, you should be able to get somebody truly amazing.

That said, I don't think you should pay her for hours she is not actually working. That just gets a little weird - what if she wants to do something on her day off, like a class or another job, but feels like she can't? If what you want is for her to be on call on that day, then just arrange it that way with her.  Or just fold the pay for those extra 8 hours into the hourly rate for 32. Another idea might be to put that extra 8 hours into a retirement account for her.

[/quote]

Op here. We aren't expecting her to work those extra 6 hours. We won't need her for more than 34 hours. I read and spoken to a few friends and neighbors and they said its harder to find a nanny who is ok with working and being compensated for under 40 hours a week. This is why although she will only ever need to work 34 hours/wk, we will pay for 40 so she gets FT pay.

So basically she roll be paid for 6 free hours she never worked. [/quote]

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!  [/quote]

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