Paying My Nanny and Her Duties

I have a friend who is a professional nanny (I believe through Mom's Best Friend) and she is $10/hr or more. If this person is truly a nanny and not just a babysitter, she should be more than able to handle a routine.

Sounds like a good routine, but I do wonder about the morning nap for a 2-yr old though. Does she actually sleep, or is this just "rest time." Most kids drop that morning nap by the time they are 18 months old.

I would address it with her when the kids aren't around to be a distraction.

However, bottom line is that if she can't or won't do what you're asking, I'd find a new nanny.

The pay is fine but if you're not happy with how she watches your children you should look into getting another nanny. You will drive yourself crazy!!

I went through 2 nannies until I found a great one. I think your pay sounds ok and you are not asking alot of her-- she has several hours each day where you are not asking her to do anything. My nanny prepares our evening meal during nap time and does light cleaning (dust and vacuums, keeps house tidy!) in addition to laundry. I used GoNannies.com and GreatAupair.com to find my nannies. Much less expensive than paying an agency, more work for you.

depends on experience and age I'd say. The going rate for TCU students in FTW is 7-8/hour, but I'd pay more for an older person...

I have had trouble getting people to follow my schedule and especially housekeepers. One tip my mom gave me is to say "I want you to..." or "I would like you to..." instead of Please... or I would like you to... those leave room for the person to think well, she'd like me to. I never thought of it that way before! : )

Good luck!
R.

I don't know about the pay- but what about a little bit of a flex schedule?
I am home full time w/ my kids and I do like order in my life, but kids don't always allow that!
Maybe you can agree on a TV show or a video that the kids can watch 2X a week? What about allowing them to go to a local story time or some other outing?
Some days it may be easier/more fun to spend the moring out and take longer afternoon naps- or vice versa. Maybe you could have a window-like "lunch between 11-12"?
I'm just kind of brainstorming here... Like I said schedules are nice, but I think it is easier to use it as a general go-by not something written in stone.

D.
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I think the pay sounds just about right. Actually, it sounds like she is getting quite a lot for the work she is doing. I think your schedule sounds excellent... is it posted where she can read it?, maybe she is forgetting b/c your daughters are so good :) If she is blatantly ignoring it, I'd sit down and say, "okay, do you have any suggestions on how we could alter the schedule to fit everyone's needs? Oh you don't? Okay then why don't we follow mine until we can come up with something better!" Of course if she does have suggestions, be open minded about it. Tell her it is very important that the schedule is followed and that if things don't change, you will need to find someone who is more compatible with your family's needs. I nannied for a while, and things were totally opposite, the kids ran amok and I couldn't really change it b/c the mom was okay with that. She should appreciate the schedule! Just talk to her and give her a chance first, she may think it's more of a "suggested" timeline, when she knows it's importance, she'll follow it if she wants to keep her job.

I agree with the mom who said say "I want you to" instead of "I would like you to".

Your pay is totally fine. That is very competitive pay. I do nanny work and that is a very reasonable rate. My daughter does that as well. She works for a childcare center at less than that an hour and way more children than 2 of them, they are expected to follow a schedule, I follow a schedule, and children need a schedule. Anyway, don't second guess yourself. You are paying a very good rate and your schedule is awesome. If she's a nanny she should have had a schedule set to show you already. My husband is a manager...you need to be stern, don't let her think she can do what she wants. Sit her down and tell her, you will give her a written warning and so forth. I just don't think you are being demanding. She's your employee, correct? That makes you the employer. The employer pays the employee to do what they have been told to do and taught to do. Get my drift?! lol
Just my personal thoughts...if you want to get rid of her, be sure and send me an email for an interview for my daughter...who will be 18 in February, has her own transportaion, tons of experience in childcare with references and is CPR/FIRST AID CERTIFIED. She'd love to get out of the daycare center. My Email addy is ____@____.com

Hi M.,
I think the pay is too low for someone that is really qualified and takes pride in her job. I pay $11.00to 12.00 an hour, and I also have a housekeeper everyday. I have a 2 and 3 year old. I have found that if they do not do what you ask them to do in the beginning they won't do it. My suggestion is to start looking for someone else and be very specific in the interview that your girls sch is required to be followed, and ask if they have any problems with that. That they are there for the girls, not housework or visiting with the housekeeper.
I then would tell her as the girls get older that you can discuss any changes in the girls sch , but that is what is required for now.
Remember you are the employer and you are paying for a service, and it in my opinion the most important money you will spend so remember that it may take few times to get the right person.
Good Luck.