You Too Can Afford a Nanny

Parents from past generations tend to think that Nannies are for the rich and famous crowd that have an extra wing on their house for the Nanny to reside in. Well, times have changed.

There are many benefits to having a Nanny. Convenience, would be top on my list! I remember the Day Care days when we would often have the 6:00am Executive Board Meeting in the master bathroom regarding who would stay home today to care for our sick baby. I also remember getting a cranky baby up, fed and dressed hours before he wanted to do any of the above. I also remember watching my watch during late afternoon meetings to make sure I got out in time to make it to the day care without paying a late fee. And lastly, I remember the horrible feeling of leaving my child in a room jammed packed with little ones, all needing much more attention than the two caregivers could possibly dole out.

How I wish someone had given me the advice I am about to give to you!

O.K. you say, so there are great rewards to having your child at home in a low ratio environment. But, I don’t have room for a Nanny. Did you know that most Nannies do not live with the family? We place more live-out nannies by a ratio of about 30:1.

Well, I only have one child and couldn’t possibly afford a Nanny. True, the going rate for most Nannies starts at about $500/week and goes up for (a) hours over 40 in a week, (b) 3 or more kids, (c) heavy housekeeping. But there are several things you can do to lessen the financial burden.

1. Nanny Share with another family. Choose a family that has beliefs consistent with your own and whose children are close in age to and get along well with your own children.  It's also helpful if the family lives in close proximity to you. Make sure to have conversations regarding the care of your child(ren), how to handle sick children and your beliefs on discipline, prior to starting a Nanny Share arrangements.

2. Hire a Baby-Sitter or Mother's Helper rather than a Nanny. A baby-sitter has no formal training and will not be prepared to provide an educational atmosphere. These are things that may not be necessary to you, or that you may be able to supplement or provide to your sitter.

3. Hire a Nanny or Baby-sitter that is bringing their own child(ren) with them to your home. This is sort of an adaptation of the family child care home provider -- but it is in your home. There are many caring individuals out there that have decided to be "Stay at Home Parents," but they still need some income, and don’t want all of their income to go to paying for childcare for their children. Make sure that your children and the caregivers children get along well. Discuss the issues of sick children in advance with the caregiver, so that you all know what to expect. If you are clear about your concerns and expectations in advance, you will reduce the likelihood of problems later.

As always, no matter what you choose, follow your instincts - but not your fears.  And treat your child care provider with the utmost respect -- he or she deserves it!

Shari Schroeder is the mother of sixteen-year-old Jason. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources, is the President of Parent’s TIME-OUT, Inc. in Phoenix, Arizona and the author of The Nanny Hiring Kit. She can be reached at 480-460-1200.

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