Raises for Nanny

Hi, I believe that childcare is like any other profession and an employee should have a performance review (type meeting) with discussion of expectations of the upcoming year, the benefits and yes, salary. If you really like this person and want to continue with her it would be best to be up front with her and not "wait until she brings it up". If she gets the point that she feels she has to bring it up she may feel unvalued and it could cost you more in the end. Maybe extra pay isn't the issue for her..maybe one more day of vacation/sick time or other benefit would be something you could discuss.

If you feel that the 1/2 to 1 hour you come home early often is a benefit to her, you might want to see how she views it. If she is perfectly happy to stay for her scheduled time but you tell her to go home early, she may not view that as a benefit like you do. I think that if my boss lets me leave a bit earlier than I planned, it's nice, but I don't look at it as "extra" money.

I hope this helps. Good luck!!

as a former nanny myself- i would of never asked for a raise. i also found that my employer's raises and perks were one of the reasons i stayed with the family for five years. i felt they respected me as a professional.

N.,
Sorry no advice for you but seeing that all you already do for her.... I wish I was your nanny. But really it sounds like you do alot already. If you pay her a fair amount, I think that you don't need to give her a raise unless she asks.

Hi there

we faced this problem recently. I called the agency we found her from and got some advice. We offered a quarter per hour raise and she countered a LOT higher. It was very uncomfortable. we love her and didn't want to look elsewhere but she told us that all of the nannies in our area get a certain amount. I was speechless. I'd offer a raise, probably a minimal one, but be prepared if she wants a lot more! Just know how you would handle it if she asks for more. Good nannies are hard to find...and they know it!

Of course, we caved in. It's pretty hard fiscally. But on the other hand, our son is so happy with her.

To be honest with you I am not sure if you take taxes but if you do an automatic raise I personally think you will SPOIL her. A big problem with alot of nannies is that their previous employers do the things that you are describing and then it is very hard for other people to find reasonable nannies. Just my opinion though.

Hi N.,
Maybe it is too late to respond, but I think you might have a case of the tail wagging the dog. My husband and I overpayed and did other things similar to what you are doing for your nanny. Our situation spiraled out of control because we were so generous. We have a great nanny now, and after a year, my husband probably will suggest a cost-of-living raise, rather than some arbitrary amount. If you are at all anxious, I would step back and evaluate your relationship with this caregiver. How YOU feel about her matters also. Yes, good nannies are hard to find, but they are out there. You deserve to be happy as the mother, too.
Amy S.

Everyone deserves a raise, even if it's only $25 per week.
Especially if your child likes her. It really is hard to find good and trustworthy people to watch kids now days.
I'm a daycare (home)provider and I love doing this but it's also nice to know your appreciated when you do a great job.
Your child should be your answer to your question. If your child really likes her and then you like the way she is that's the answer.
Example such as if I take my child to a restuarant and the waiter or waitress treats him like he's a person they will get more than the average tip, but if they act like they don't want to be bothered by him they get less.

She definately deserves a raise. I am a former nanny of 2 boys and a yearly raise is appropriate. I would suggest from .50 an hour to $1.00 for the raise or more if you think she deserves it. The other things that you do for her tells her you appreciate her throughout the year but does not compensate for the yearly monetary appreciation. As you said they are "perks."