“My nanny has it easy. She basically gets paid to relax for two hours while my baby naps every day.”
“My partner and I need a babysitter this Saturday night. The kids will be asleep the whole time, so it should be a simple gig. Can we negotiate your rate?”
“Since you’ll just be feeding the kids and putting them to bed, could we pay you your usual rate while they’re awake, but half your rate while they’re sleeping? I mean, you’ll just be sitting there watching TV, right? Easy cash.”
“Alright, we can offer you $16/hour, but since the kids nap every day, we don’t pay for those hours. If you really need the money, we’re open to compensating you while they snooze, but you’d need to tackle some extra household chores during that time. We don’t feel right paying you to do ‘nothing,’ but we have plenty of tasks like laundry, sweeping, tidying up, and meal prep that need attention.”
These aren’t just made-up scenarios—they happen more often than you think. Parents, I understand where you’re coming from; childcare can be pricey. The notion of paying someone to stay at your home while your child is sleeping can be hard to accept. But here’s the reality: your nanny isn’t doing “nothing”—they are responsible for your child’s safety and well-being.
What happens if your child wakes up? What if there’s an emergency? That’s exactly why you hired a nanny: to ensure your child is safe and cared for even during nap time. Suggesting that they should accept a lower rate is not only unfair but also disrespectful.
Think of it this way: at your job, there are times when things slow down. How would you feel if your employer suggested a pay cut during those slow periods, even when you were still on the clock? It’s unjust and implies that your time has no value.
Unless a nanny can step out of the house (without the kids) to grab a coffee or lunch, they are not on a break. In reality, nannies rarely get a moment to themselves. Even when kids are napping, they remain on duty, often catching up on household chores. If they’re fortunate enough to finish their tasks, they deserve a moment to unwind. Let them watch some TV or simply relax. It’s a small price to pay to prevent burnout.
Parents, I’m willing to bet you don’t keep a constant pace with your kids on weekends. You likely take a breather or allow your children some independent playtime, possibly even turning on the TV. You might argue, “But this is a job, and you’re being compensated.”
That’s true; it is a job. However, it’s crucial to avoid unrealistic expectations for someone who is human, not a machine. Expecting a nanny to accept a reduced rate just because their workload appears light is not fair. I don’t want to come off as someone who shies away from hard work; I pride myself on my strong work ethic. Yet, I too need breaks, and I deserve to be recognized for my time and effort, even if it’s a simple babysitting gig when the kids are already asleep.
So, please remember: don’t downplay our role by saying it’s easy just because the kids are napping. Don’t ask for reduced rates during those quiet hours (unless it’s an overnight job, which is a different scenario). We are still working when we are in your home, even if it seems like we’re doing little. Your children depend on us, and it’s vital that we feel valued to prevent burnout; after all, it directly impacts your kids too.
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In summary, it’s essential to respect the value of your nanny’s work and ensure they feel appreciated. Paying them fairly, even during quieter times, helps maintain their well-being, which ultimately benefits your children as well.