Negotiating with Nanny/Houskeeper

Updated on June 07, 2010
W.S. asks from Pasadena, CA
11 answers

I have had a Nanny/Housekeeper come to my house for the past 9 weeks since just before the birth of my second child. She comes to my house on Mon/Fri from 10-6 to help with the kids and house (like laundry and dishes, etc.) and every other Thurs to clean my house. On Thurs., after she cleans my house, she's done for the day. During the day until 3pm, my son is in preschool, and I try to make it so she's exceedingly rarely ever watching 2 kids. I pay her $12/hr on Mon/Fri and $125 for the Thurs. Now, she's asking me if she can come early on every other Fri., like around 7:30am to clean my house instead of coming on the Thurs, but she wants me to pay her the same. To me this amounts to paying her almost $22/hr for that Friday while she thinks she's doing the same amount of work as 2 days so wants the same. I'm not sure what to negotiate as a fair rate for that day.
As it is with the Mon/Fri days, my newborn still sleeps a lot, and I see my nanny on her phone a lot or even asleep when my daughter is sleeping. I pay her $12/hr for the full days because that's what the other woman she works for pays her. As it is with the Thursday housecleaning, she's taken progressively less and less time in cleaning the house, she's forgotten to do things, leaves rags and cleaning supplies out, and doesn't do things that my last housecleaner did for $100. She brought up this date change thing before I could sit down with her and review with her what I expect (like doing things around the house instead of talking on the phone or sleeping, plus cleaning the whole house and picking up after herself). Also, as it is, my recovery has been much better than I expected plus I may not go back to work, so I may not even keep her past the summer. She is really a sweet person and has a very nice way with my children. I just want her to be more efficient and thorough in her time in my house, but not pay her more than I'm making when I work! What do you think, Moms?

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J.D.

answers from Reno on

Hey there - - it's tough. My son's nanny started with us when he was only three months old. I pay her $15/hour, three days a week. It's hard to come home from work and find the baby's laundry hasn't been done, or the dog's water bowl is empty; however, it's great to find a happy, loved, secure baby! I have a separate cleaning lady and pay her $70 to clean the house when no one is home. Good luck!!!

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H.H.

answers from Killeen on

I think time to get a new Nanny/Housekeeper. She showing her true colors now. There is no way she can clean your whole house in 2 1/2 hours- that's crazy and she is taking advantage of you. Would you talk on the phone or sleep on the job? She doesn't sound very professional. I would just find a really good housekeeper to come 2x a week and forget about the nanny part.

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K.D.

answers from Dallas on

I would just sit down, and explain to her your expectations and go from there. If you want her there on Thursday. Go with that. You have to remember you are the employer.

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T.W.

answers from Los Angeles on

My suggestion is to have a direct conversation with her and perhaps even give her a list of things you need done on a weekly basis so she can do a check off or get someone else. The only issue is do you need someone who a great nanny or a great housekeeper because for the amount you are paying you cannot expect for her to be a supreme at both. You may want to look into a company like Molly maids or someone who comes in a few times a week and have her as a part time nanny or start interviewing again and maybe you will find that person who loves cleaning and kids and who will work for $20,000 or less a year. I am not being sarcastic in any way I looked into the same thing and it is costly for the employer but the employee don't get paid much or have benefits.

C.C.

answers from Visalia on

hello,
ima professional house keeper. to clean a house and according to how big your home is, it takes about 4 hrs of good house cleaning from top of fridge to microwave, window sills, cobwebs. i clean a house where there is a nanny and she watches soap operas while we clean and watch the 3 yr old and trying to keep the cleaning products from him. make a do do list and insructions if she fails to complete, fire her.

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S.H.

answers from Los Angeles on

I think she's asking too much and you should talk to her. To me personally it's ridiculous to be paying her $22/hour... but that's just me. Even if you work in a bank u dont' get paid that much! I know there are nannys that get paid like 3-4K/month but they are almost live ins and do EVERYTHING and the parents aren't home. She probably wants to come in early on fridays so she can go to work somewhere else on thurs. You are paying her too much $125/day. There are other loving qualified nannys/housekeepers who will work for MUCH MUCH less- even $70/day. You just have to ask around.

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J.B.

answers from Los Angeles on

you shouldnt have to negotiate with her. if she doesnt like the pay she can go else where. if she had an issue with these days she should have brought it up way before now. i would tell her gently things that shes missing doing with the cleaning and if she gets upset about it then i think its time to find a new housekeeper.

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M.T.

answers from Dallas on

Hi again. You are paying her very fairly. This gives more insight on the more recent post. I'm sure you've resolved this by now but I wouldn't combine the thurs friday thing. Also it might be a good idea to make a checklist for the cleaning & give a fresh print of that every week to be completed. You could edit it to include different detail jobs each week & definitely walk around with the list in your hand checking each task!

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Option#1 -- Tell her no. Friday morning won't work for you. Ask her to keep doing the cleaning on Thursdays. It will be her choice.
Option #2 -- Can she clean the house in 2.5 hours for $125? How long does it take her on Thursdays now? Divide the $125 by the # of hours she cleans on Thursdays and pay her that amount per hour for 2.5 (7:30-10)
Option #3 -- If need be, find another house cleaner for O. day per week.

Good luck!

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K.K.

answers from San Diego on

Hello, I think she is getting a pretty good deal right now. It sounds like most of her duties are related to keeping the house straightened up.
Good luck with your precious family.
K. K.

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C.H.

answers from San Diego on

Quit your job and stay home with your baby. then just have someone come in to clean if you need it. you'll miss having these years raising your child if you're not there and she is.

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