nanny question?

Question

I nanny for a family with 3 children ages 4, 4, and 7. They warned me early on that the 7 year has special needs and issues. He's emotionally disturbed, violent and has the metal capabilities of a 4 year old. They get dropped off at my home around 5:30 am and stay until usually about 6 pm. Though sometimes they tell me they will be "a little late" and not pick them up until 9!!! I maybe young and without children of my own, but that doesn't mean I don't need time for my husband and personal business! They are currently paying me $1000/month Gr. Well the children are starting school in September. They will be in school from 8 until 3:30pm. I will have to feed them breakfast and get them to school. After I pick them up they would like ME to do homework with the kids. And if the 7 year old gets sent home (which inevitably he will -- we went through this with summer school) I will be the one to pick him up. Also there will be holidays, and early release days. They want me to take a paycut.

And watch the kids for only $700. I can watch 3 different kids at my regular rate of $75/per child and make $900! Should I negotiate or tell them my finances won't allow me to take a cut like that at this point. Or am I being unreasonable? I live in central texas (killeen) What would you pay?? Thanks

I've heard nothing but good things from them-- so I don't think they're looking to get rid of me. I mean I understand where they're coming from we're going from 12 hours to 5. But these are REALLY tough kids that require a lot of above and beyond time and effort. I guess I'll see how the first month of school goes at $700 then if its not what I want or need atm I'll give my 2 weeks and be gone. Thanks all.

Answer 1

I am a nanny,education and experience aside, 1000 dollars a month is not enough. Whether they are in school or not. The fact that you work with twins and a special needs child for well over 12 hours a day , 50 bucks a day is highway robbery. Also, just because you don't have the children during the school day, doesn't mean you are not working, you have to be on call and available at anytime to pick up the children. As far as I can see you are severely taken advantage of. I am not sure where you live, but I would contact a nanny agency in your area and try to find a new position.
Good Luck, and stick up for yourself!

Answer 2

I would say that you need to negotiate with the parents. Do you enjoy watching these kids? Are ALL of the kids going to school? If so, then that's good. Tell the parents that the 700/month will be fine, but that each time you have to go pick one or however many up from school that it will add $5 onto your cost for that week. If all 3 have to come home then it's 15 bucks for that day extra. You need to make sure and remind them that they are getting out good having you keep their special needs child. Not very many people will keep a special needs child in their home. You are obviously a very caring person. But as for the parents of the kids...idealy, them being in school every day, a $300 per month cut is a pretty good deal I'd say. But whatever decision you make, it'll be the right one for you. Good luck!

Answer 3

I'm a nanny for 2 young kids- the 5 yr old is in school 7 hours a day and the 1 1/2 yr old sleeps 1/2 the day away! I have NO responsibilities except to the children. I work 46 hours a week and make $600 a week. There are definitely better jobs for you out there. I agree- find a nanny agency and register with them- you'll have your pick of lots of great families.

Answer 4

It sounds like these people should not have had kids if they pawn them off on you from 5am till 9pm!
Maybe that is why the older son has developmental issues.
But bottom line: NO way!
Tell them that if you are to be a tutor for homework and will be expected to handle school problems (picking him up early) there will be a different fee schedule. Just tell them you have your fees set up differently for added responsiblilities. Say that the price before was for you to be in your home all day and that there are cost increases needed to cover gas and your added responsibilities. You are not a teacher or a tutor.
Also you MUST insist on a late pick up fee. More than 15-min late costs them by the 15min increments! ALL daycares do that! I have to pay 10$ per 15min that I'm late! That should curb it. Also are you charging enough to cover meals? If they stay till 9pm they get dinner from you don't they?

I agree set up a fee schedule for those times the kids stay home or need to be picked up early.
Replacing a Nanny is very hard on the kids and family, they will work with you. But don't let them take advantage of you. Check around and see what daycare facilities are charging for school age kids.

Answer 5

Wow!! I think you're totally underpaid! I live in Houston & pay $840.00 per month for my nanny (who only works 7 hours a day for 2 days a week) and I only have one child and he's not even mentally/emotionally disabled! If you really like your gig, I would try negotiating your price, but I'm here to tell you that you can make more- there's a big demand for what you do- maybe you should go through an agency for placement- I use MBF (Mom's Best Friend) household staffing agency. They have offices in Houston, Austin & Dallas (unfortunately, not Killeen), but if you're really interested, they could probably point you in the right direction. I know I went off on a tangent there, but I hope it helped at least a little.

Answer 6

You should tell them you will have to negotiate. I would tell tehm that you will charge per trip to school ( so it is extra if the 7 yr old get sent home early) and that they will pay extra for the school hours the 7 yr old in at your house instead of school. Then tell them you could make 900 from 3 other children but you are willing to give them a family discount. Do not take flat rate unless it benifits you. The older one may be at your home more one month than the next, so figure that in too.

Answer 7

$1000 a month is a good salary for a nanny for a regular 8-9 hour day so I suppose this couple feels they want to get more out of you by either having you work later and take on more responsibility.

A salary cut means they are somehow not satisfied with your performance and perhaps feel they're paying too much (it might be a way of them forcing you to quit as well).

If you want to risk it, ask them for overtime pay for any time worked over 8 or 9 hours per day. At least you can make a little extra while they stay out late. They will probably tell you to take a hike or, they may secretly start interviewing other candidates.

In general, it seems to me this job is on the verge of over as you and they aren't fully satisfied with the situation. YOu might want to start looking at other options. Next time you probably should be clear about your limits, perhaps asking for a contract delineating hours, benefits, overtime, etc.

Answer 8

$1,500 per month minimum and do not include driving kids anywhere - they should arrange that - that way you can save wear and tear on your car and tell them your insurance will not cover a business insurance policy. That way, too, you can add a full time child to be at home with you all day and make more $.
Few know that insurance companies might not cover passengers in your car when it's used as a business - like a taxi service - without a business insurance policy - unless they want to pay for that policy (not cheap). IRS allows about 50cents per mile - just fyi

Answer 9

If the job isn't suiting your needs than get a new job.

And if you stick with this job you should let them know that any days you have to pick the kid up early from school you will charge extra.

Answer 10

watch some different kids... i live in killeen too. my babysitters watch my 4 step kids for $150 a week =) but they are cool like that.