Anonymous
Post 04/08/2017 11:00     Subject: Big Law attorney turned.... nanny?
Anonymous wrote:I'm currently a big law associate and T14 law graduate. I've been aching to be a SAHM since my first child was born, and we're finally in the financial position to make it a reality. My DD is in school full time and I have an August '16 DS. Money will be fairly tight on just my husband's income (he is a tenure-track professor). Therefore, I'm toying with the idea of trying to find a second baby to nanny in tandem with caring for my son. Basically a nanny share, except the nanny is also the mom to one of the babies.

I would prefer to host, as I have a large home, located close to child-geared amenities, and I already have two of everything (cribs, high chairs, etc.) thanks to my DD. I also have plenty of toys and would have a stocked fridge, etc. (Not to mention, if I'm going to be AH it's nice to be in my own home!) However, I'd also be open to travel, since I know not having to deal with drop-offs is a big advantage of having a nanny.

I have two questions and am looking for insight: (1) what rate do you think I could charge the family (relative to market), and (2) how should I "sell" this set-up when searching for an employer/family (nanny-share, nanny but I bring my child, or very, very small in-home daycare)?

I assume that having my son with me would be viewed as a negative, and my education level as a positive. I'm wondering if they can balance out so that I can charge close to market for a one-on-one setup? But I have no idea if that's reasonable.

For more background - my experience with children consists of caring for my own kids (4 year old and infant), working as a teacher through Teach for America before law school, and working part-time as a nanny/babysitter throughout my teen years. I've read the 5,000,000 books and articles on early childhood development, toddler discipline, baby care, etc. etc. that most educated parents read. I do NOT have a degree in early childhood education or a related field. However, I think my strength as a nanny would be that I have a background similar to MB and therefore my approach and child-rearing style would more closely mirror what the MB would do with her own child. I would treat the second baby the way I treat my own - as much language exposure as possible, outdoor time daily, different sensory activities, outings to the park/library/music class/etc., providing nutrient-rich, organic meals, lots of floor time, etc.

Thanks for your thoughts!



Education: not relevant.
Experience: being a parent is typically not considered experience. Teach for America isn't babies, so again, not relevant. In the DC area, "babysitting" was almost never counted as experience when I was interviewing. The majority of families were only interested in my actual nanny experience.
Reading articles: Not particularly relevant.

When I say relevant, I mean it wouldn't be considered a perk. Nannies are expected to read articles and books. It was never considered a bonus in my interviewing experience.

At most, you're looking at $10/hr.

I believe your desire to be a SAHM is clouding your judgment on what the situation will actually be like. You will never want to run errands with your DS? Meal prep while he plays in a high chair nearby? What if DD is sick? Snow day from school? Delayed start to school? While your husband might handle those things now, when you're a SAHM, those things will probably be put on you.

You should look into other work to supplement your income (NOT a MLM pyramid scheme)
If you like driving, look into Postmates or Amazon Prime Now.
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2017 10:33     Subject: Big Law attorney turned.... nanny?
Also, check the laws of your state. Previous posters are incorrect that a single unrelated child in your home requires a license. More than one might. DCUM moms are not your audience for this service. They're more concerned about how much cleaning the nanny will do at their house than anything else.
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2017 10:28     Subject: Re:Big Law attorney turned.... nanny?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I definitely would NOT do this if it's for 200-300/week. I was thinking closer to $15/hour ($3000/mo for full time). That would be enough extra cash to continue finish paying down my student loans and have some breathing room in our budget.

I can look into the adjunct thing. I really don't want to do legal work on the side.

My ideal would be to find someone who has an older child who goes to my DD's school and a baby who needs care, so that they'd be on the same schedule as us and live/commute to our area.


You're not going to get $15/hr with your own kid, in your own home, with zero experience and relevant references. Set your expectations closer to $1 over minimum wage.


FTR - I don't have zero experience. I was a nanny throughout high school and college for two families who would both give me glowing references. That said, I get your point. And I would not be interested for $9/hr. Maybe $12/hr if they're doing full time; I'd have to think about it.


How long ago was high school and college? Did you bring your own baby along on those jobs?


Of course it's not recent experience, but having had two babies in the last 5 years, I'm obviously up-to-date with infant/toddler care. I would also have references from my current job which can speak to other important qualities like punctuality, dependability, professionalism, organization, etc.

Just to be more clear, I would not treat this as a casual thing. I would not do any personal errands or tasks during the week. I would have a structured routine for the kids (outdoor time twice/day, one sensory activity/project per day, home-cooked organic and baby-friendly meals, etc., weekly outings to the library/music class/etc.). Yes, it sounds like what I'm describing is a home daycare, although given the 2 to 1 ratio, it's still the personalized experience of a nanny.

It seems like the consensus is I'm not as appealing a candidate as I thought I would be for this. I won't lie - I'm a little surprised. I seriously considered hiring a nanny for my son when I went back to work, and I ultimately settled on daycare, because at the end of the day I couldn't grapple with paying that much more for a nanny, when most of the people I was interviewing had only high school degrees. I'm not saying that someone with a high school degree can't be a great nanny; just that I didn't feel confident enough in the people I was meeting to shell out $18/hr for 50+ hours per week. I would have viewed someone like myself as an attractive option.

But I won't fight the consensus. If people won't pay it, they won't pay it.
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2017 10:28     Subject: Big Law attorney turned.... nanny?
OP you only have to find one family to agree to this. The women on DCUM are notoriously against something like this but it hasn't been my experience in real life. I also disagree with the assessment that your education and intelligence don't make you more marketable. My ability to communicate, to sell myself and my skills, and to teach the children and offer an interesting perspective makes me very attractive to families who care about those things. They are relived to meet a true professional, who can communicate with them as a peer and they don't have to worry that I lack common sense or will misunderstand instructions. My education also says something about my work ethic, which people definitely pick up on.

I would say that the way you go about setting this up and selling it will make a big difference in the rate you receive. If you are willing to travel to their house, you can take a higher rate. $15 is definitely acheiveable. Make sure you are CPR/First aid certified, do some babysitting to get some great references, and put some thought into how you will structure your services. What do you have to offer? What kind of experiences will you provide your charges? Will you make homemade babyfood? Do you speak a second language? Find your selling points.

If you would rather do this in your home, you will likely need to lower your rate a little to offset the convenience. But it can also be a plus. Set up an area of your home like a daycare or preschool. Be able to take parents on a tour so they can see what a great time their kid will have there. Know the parks, activities, and playgroups in your area and sell those to interested parents.

You don't need a general consensus to do this successfully. Just one willing family who sees your worth. Best of luck!
Anonymous
Post 04/08/2017 07:52     Subject: Re:Big Law attorney turned.... nanny?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I definitely would NOT do this if it's for 200-300/week. I was thinking closer to $15/hour ($3000/mo for full time). That would be enough extra cash to continue finish paying down my student loans and have some breathing room in our budget.

I can look into the adjunct thing. I really don't want to do legal work on the side.

My ideal would be to find someone who has an older child who goes to my DD's school and a baby who needs care, so that they'd be on the same schedule as us and live/commute to our area.


You're not going to get $15/hr with your own kid, in your own home, with zero experience and relevant references. Set your expectations closer to $1 over minimum wage.


FTR - I don't have zero experience. I was a nanny throughout high school and college for two families who would both give me glowing references. That said, I get your point. And I would not be interested for $9/hr. Maybe $12/hr if they're doing full time; I'd have to think about it.


How long ago was high school and college? Did you bring your own baby along on those jobs?
Anonymous
Post 04/07/2017 23:23     Subject: Re:Big Law attorney turned.... nanny?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I definitely would NOT do this if it's for 200-300/week. I was thinking closer to $15/hour ($3000/mo for full time). That would be enough extra cash to continue finish paying down my student loans and have some breathing room in our budget.

I can look into the adjunct thing. I really don't want to do legal work on the side.

My ideal would be to find someone who has an older child who goes to my DD's school and a baby who needs care, so that they'd be on the same schedule as us and live/commute to our area.


You're not going to get $15/hr with your own kid, in your own home, with zero experience and relevant references. Set your expectations closer to $1 over minimum wage.


FTR - I don't have zero experience. I was a nanny throughout high school and college for two families who would both give me glowing references. That said, I get your point. And I would not be interested for $9/hr. Maybe $12/hr if they're doing full time; I'd have to think about it.


You are not being a nanny. You are basically a babysitter in your own home. The child will probably go on your appointments, outings with your friends, etc. A nanny is in the child's home. Most expect a nanny to come to them as its easier. No one is going to pay $12 an hour in your home with you two kids in less they are desperate. Your older child will need to be picked up/dropped off to/from school and care. There are tons of teacher days and holidays. Most people need 9-11 hour care given the commute.


I wouldn't go to appointments or meet friends during the workweek. It wouldn't be appropriate. I would treat it like a job, like any other nanny.

I also said in my OP that I would be willing to work out of their home (as long as I could bring my son there).
Anonymous
Post 04/07/2017 22:29     Subject: Re:Big Law attorney turned.... nanny?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I definitely would NOT do this if it's for 200-300/week. I was thinking closer to $15/hour ($3000/mo for full time). That would be enough extra cash to continue finish paying down my student loans and have some breathing room in our budget.

I can look into the adjunct thing. I really don't want to do legal work on the side.

My ideal would be to find someone who has an older child who goes to my DD's school and a baby who needs care, so that they'd be on the same schedule as us and live/commute to our area.


You're not going to get $15/hr with your own kid, in your own home, with zero experience and relevant references. Set your expectations closer to $1 over minimum wage.


FTR - I don't have zero experience. I was a nanny throughout high school and college for two families who would both give me glowing references. That said, I get your point. And I would not be interested for $9/hr. Maybe $12/hr if they're doing full time; I'd have to think about it.


You are not being a nanny. You are basically a babysitter in your own home. The child will probably go on your appointments, outings with your friends, etc. A nanny is in the child's home. Most expect a nanny to come to them as its easier. No one is going to pay $12 an hour in your home with you two kids in less they are desperate. Your older child will need to be picked up/dropped off to/from school and care. There are tons of teacher days and holidays. Most people need 9-11 hour care given the commute.
Anonymous
Post 04/07/2017 22:20     Subject: Re:Big Law attorney turned.... nanny?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I definitely would NOT do this if it's for 200-300/week. I was thinking closer to $15/hour ($3000/mo for full time). That would be enough extra cash to continue finish paying down my student loans and have some breathing room in our budget.

I can look into the adjunct thing. I really don't want to do legal work on the side.

My ideal would be to find someone who has an older child who goes to my DD's school and a baby who needs care, so that they'd be on the same schedule as us and live/commute to our area.


You're not going to get $15/hr with your own kid, in your own home, with zero experience and relevant references. Set your expectations closer to $1 over minimum wage.


FTR - I don't have zero experience. I was a nanny throughout high school and college for two families who would both give me glowing references. That said, I get your point. And I would not be interested for $9/hr. Maybe $12/hr if they're doing full time; I'd have to think about it.
Anonymous
Post 04/07/2017 22:17     Subject: Big Law attorney turned.... nanny?
Anonymous wrote:In your home is not a nanny, its a home day care. And, your kids will be there. No one is going to pay you $3000 a month for one child who will be shagged along with your kids and life. You need a license to do it in your home. At best you get $200-300 a week for one child.


Only one other child would be there for the vast majority of the time.

But if people aren't willing to pay it, they aren't willing to pay it. That's exactly what I'm trying to get a sense of.
Anonymous
Post 04/07/2017 22:11     Subject: Re:Big Law attorney turned.... nanny?
Anonymous wrote:I definitely would NOT do this if it's for 200-300/week. I was thinking closer to $15/hour ($3000/mo for full time). That would be enough extra cash to continue finish paying down my student loans and have some breathing room in our budget.

I can look into the adjunct thing. I really don't want to do legal work on the side.

My ideal would be to find someone who has an older child who goes to my DD's school and a baby who needs care, so that they'd be on the same schedule as us and live/commute to our area.


You're not going to get $15/hr with your own kid, in your own home, with zero experience and relevant references. Set your expectations closer to $1 over minimum wage.
Anonymous
Post 04/07/2017 22:09     Subject: Big Law attorney turned.... nanny?
In your home is not a nanny, its a home day care. And, your kids will be there. No one is going to pay you $3000 a month for one child who will be shagged along with your kids and life. You need a license to do it in your home. At best you get $200-300 a week for one child.
Anonymous
Post 04/07/2017 21:22     Subject: Re:Big Law attorney turned.... nanny?
Anonymous wrote:It could work, OP, but no one can say if you would like caring for a second baby. I met a woman at library story time who was doing it and did seem involved and caring toward the other child. Get your CPR training (the full day course for daycare owners) and set up the rooms in your house that you would dedicate to the children. You will need to make initial investments into a double stroller and extra crib.

It would be a TON of work. Remember that nannies go home at night and generally get a good night sleep. Being the mother of a newborn, you may not.


Thank you!

We already have two of everything. We just need to get the second seat for our Uppababy and a new crib mattress.

I would definitely get CPR training (I was certified many years ago, when I was a high school life guard. I could definitely use a refresher).

Just to clarify though - my son was born last August, so he'll be around 13 months when I start this arrangement. That said, yes, it'll definitely be exhausting! (I think it'll be exhausting regardless - I can already tell DS is going to be much more physical than my DD ever was).
Anonymous
Post 04/07/2017 21:19     Subject: Re:Big Law attorney turned.... nanny?
It could work, OP, but no one can say if you would like caring for a second baby. I met a woman at library story time who was doing it and did seem involved and caring toward the other child. Get your CPR training (the full day course for daycare owners) and set up the rooms in your house that you would dedicate to the children. You will need to make initial investments into a double stroller and extra crib.

It would be a TON of work. Remember that nannies go home at night and generally get a good night sleep. Being the mother of a newborn, you may not.
Anonymous
Post 04/07/2017 21:12     Subject: Big Law attorney turned.... nanny?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:OP here -

That's definitely the plan (to be as frugal as possible).

I came up with the nanny idea because, if I can host at my house, it would be a fairly easy transition to have another baby around. I'm already going to be home all day, doing baby-geared things. A second baby would be more work than one, but it would also make the day more challenging (in a good way) and more fun. I LOVE babies. It seems like a great way to bring in cash doing exactly what I would already be doing all day. Maybe it's because DS is my second child, or because I'm used to being a WM, but I don't view sharing my time with two babies as a detriment to my son. It's a playpal for him! The only big downside is not having that extra time with DD, but she loves her school and she's starting to get into after school activities naturally. She also stays up later so I could still have quality time with her in the evenings.

So would you consider getting a license? Depending on where you live, you might need to, anyways.


If it became a bigger thing where I watch multiple kids (besides my own), yes. I would think (hope) I don't need a license to watch a single child. Definitely something I need to confirm (as well as general liability/insurance issues).

What town?


I'm actually not in the DC area anymore. We moved when my husband got his current job (one year ago). I'm posting on here because I don't know of a comparable forum for my area. We are in a major city though.
Anonymous
Post 04/07/2017 21:05     Subject: Big Law attorney turned.... nanny?
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:OP here -

That's definitely the plan (to be as frugal as possible).

I came up with the nanny idea because, if I can host at my house, it would be a fairly easy transition to have another baby around. I'm already going to be home all day, doing baby-geared things. A second baby would be more work than one, but it would also make the day more challenging (in a good way) and more fun. I LOVE babies. It seems like a great way to bring in cash doing exactly what I would already be doing all day. Maybe it's because DS is my second child, or because I'm used to being a WM, but I don't view sharing my time with two babies as a detriment to my son. It's a playpal for him! The only big downside is not having that extra time with DD, but she loves her school and she's starting to get into after school activities naturally. She also stays up later so I could still have quality time with her in the evenings.

So would you consider getting a license? Depending on where you live, you might need to, anyways.


If it became a bigger thing where I watch multiple kids (besides my own), yes. I would think (hope) I don't need a license to watch a single child. Definitely something I need to confirm (as well as general liability/insurance issues).

What town?