https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Wed, 06 May 2026 10:08:18 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745372 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 14:56:00 +0000 macintosh 2745372@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The way my center does pricing, they lower the rate as the child get less older, because they have a bigger staff to child ratio. I was told the sibling discount is 10% off the older child, so it's really not that big of a discount. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745371 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 14:54:22 +0000 MrsBrewer 2745371@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yup so all in all, I think I was being naive in all honesty. I'm glad I asked here, before I sounded like a complete jerk to my babysitter..... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745368 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 14:48:27 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2745368@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Truth Bombs: thanks for clarifying. I realized I forgot to say about the 10% applying to the older child, or at the very least just to one child. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745360 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 14:35:04 +0000 MrsBrewer 2745360@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T.H.O.U.: oh for sure on the extra (unseen) costs! I mean my baby sitter was telling me this morning when I dropped my daughter off, that she was at Walmart last week, and bought her a bubble gun thing, and a new Bubble Guppies water bottle for her to keep there, because she knows how much she would love it. It's the little things like that, that make me want to stay with her for sure. I guess I just needed to hear it from you ladies, and I need to take a step back and look at it from and outside point of view. </p> <p>@Truth Bombs: I agree, I really shouldn't compare it to my income at all, childcare rates obviously don't change whether I make minimum wage, or 6 figures. I think this is just a more internal struggle rather figuring out costs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745355 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 14:21:38 +0000 Truth Bombs 2745355@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: Day care typically discounts 10% off one child (the older cheaper child), So that would work out to $95 per day in your case. I really wouldn't expect your childcare provider to discount beyond that for all the reasons @Mrs. Goose: mentioned. It sounds like your research is showing you that you'll have a hard time beating this per diem rate anywhere else so I would be careful about refusing to pay more than $75, $85, etc because you may leave yourself in the lurch. While I understand your math on you making $18/hour, that's not really the concern of your child care provider (whether that be a nanny or a center), they are working hard and deserve a fair rate for the service they provide you, regardless of what your income is. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745352 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 14:15:09 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2745352@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>From another perspective, in her home she also has the extra utility costs, wear and tear on her home, extra use of cleaning supplies, hopefully extra baby-proofing gear/supplies etc. </p> <p>I think larger daycare centers are able to offer the 10% off sibling discount but for a small operation like that, 2 kids versus 1 kid probably really is at least double the work. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745345 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 14:03:48 +0000 MrsBrewer 2745345@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit7: Thanks for writing that out, that sounds so much better! (and this is why I ask you ladies here! hahaha) I mean she knows already that we have a tight budget, so I don't think it will be a surprise to her at all. I'm just nervous with the all or nothing kind of thing where I would have to walk away if she wouldn't agree. </p> <p>I mean to put it into perspective, I make $18/hour at work, so paying the baby sitter $12.50/hr (after taxes) is basically breaking even. </p> <p>@Mrs. Goose: Thanks for your input, and I see exactly what you mean, plus an infant does take a lot of your attention! I just want to be fair, and know that she is appreciated for caring for my children. </p> <p>@Bluebonnet: I most definitely will investigate all options first before having further conversations about it. I'm just starting to look now, and it looks like this is average now in the area for costs. Now I'm rethinking going back to work after baby 2..... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745337 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 13:52:19 +0000 Bluebonnet 2745337@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: Before you have another conversation with her, investigate all your other options so you understand what your options are if you can't agree on price. If she's your best option (based on price and fit), and she is firm on her price, you need to understand your other options. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745335 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 13:51:55 +0000 Mrs. Goose 2745335@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: just chiming in to say I provide home care for one other including mine and will be taking their second kid next year along with my second. I wont/wouldn't provide a multi kid discount, because a body is a boy and takes the same amount of supervision despite being a sibling and takes the space of another kid who she could potentially have and would be charging full price. Multi kid same family discounts don't make sense to me. It would just be double cost for me. Mine is $45/day and it's a pretty good deal considering how many hours a day everyday I care for their child. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745333 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 13:51:17 +0000 Littlebit7 2745333@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: I wouldn't phrase like that. Because then it's like she's the one doing you the favor. I'd phrase it as, "ok Sarah, I know you stated your rate was $100 per day for two kids. My husband and I were discussing it and we'd really love to continue this childcare relationship with you going forward, but that just isn't in our budget. We could do 70-80 per day (or whatever number you come up with)." She either says no and you have to walk away or she's willing to work her numbers. With either scenario no one has to have hard feelings because everyone stuck to numbers that were reasonable for them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745328 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 13:46:16 +0000 MrsBrewer 2745328@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit7: My other friends either have a nanny or in-home, my one friend sends her daughter to a day care center and it's $89/day so definitely more than what I'm paying. </p> <p>But I never thought about it that way with it being in her home, and having the risk. I guess I was thinking about it out of convenience for her, you know? </p> <p>I think the more I'm looking into rates and whatnot, the more I'm seeing this as being reasonable (at $100/day) I guess it's just shell shock for me! eek..</p> <p>Do you think I would be out of line asking for a "multi kid discount"? I just don't want to offend her honestly. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745324 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 13:35:55 +0000 Littlebit7 2745324@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: ah gotcha. I read you your last comment as the reverse. That no one you know pays less than $50 a day. What settings are your friends kids in? In-home? Traditional daycare? Nanny?<br /> Also I think having someone else kid in your own home also brings some element of risk to the equation. She's not licensed, probably doesn't carry personal liability insurance etc (although maybe she does...who knows!). not saying that's your problem at all...but just making a point that since she's at her own home doesn't necessarily mean it should be less expensive for you or that's it's easier on her. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745312 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 13:15:45 +0000 MrsBrewer 2745312@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@2littlepumpkins: Good to know about the multiple kids discount, and 10% sounds reasonable. That can always be a suggestion.</p> <p>@T.H.O.U.: I totally get that adding a baby in is extra work, I really do! I'm not sure about an extra incentive? I mean I always have for sure guaranteed hours for her (2 full days a week), and truthfully if anything she has left me high and dry multiples times in this past year and a half. But that being said, I still want to use her. Very true about it just coming down to cost, feelings aside. I just don't know how to bring up the conversation again, because I don't want her to feel underappreciated by me offering her less, you know? I feel like this is just uncharted territory for me.</p> <p>@Littlebit7: I mean I totally get that looking at it from an hourly rate perspective. But I guess I'm just comparing it to what I know my other friends and family are currently paying in similar situations and it's definitely higher. Plus it's at her house, not in my own home, I have bought all the supplies that she needs to have at her house (high chair, pack n play, extra car seat, etc) so I feel like it's not quite an "in-home daycare" situation. idk... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745290 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 12:18:46 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2745290@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Littlebit7: Good point! Make sure you do some research of what its going to cost for care for an infant and toddler in your city. Can you find someone you would trust for $75/day? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745286 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 12:07:30 +0000 Littlebit7 2745286@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yeah i mean even though it's under the table, assuming it's an 8 hour day....that's $5 an hour that you were paying her. Even at $100 a day to 12.50 an hour which is still reasonable (I pay $20 an hour for part time). I'd go to her with a max you'd be willing to pay but also be ready to walk away if she says no. Maybe do some research in your area about what it might get cost to go elsewhere too. $100 still feels like a deal to me. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745285 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 12:02:59 +0000 T.H.O.U. 2745285@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A few things. </p> <p>One she may feel a bit underpaid if she hasn't raised her rates in over a year. Now that you are loyal to one another I think its customary for a small raise. Also, adding a baby to the mix really is a lot of extra work. Plus limiting in what you can do around the house being limited by diapers, bottles, naps, baby-proof toys etc. </p> <p>Second, I'm sure she would welcome the conversation if you just let her know what your max would be for both kids and just let her know that if she can't do that rate, you will be forced to look elsewhere. Sometimes its not about feelings but about just plain costs. </p> <p>Third, is there any other incentive you could offer her? Something like a guaranteed number of hours per week? Maybe you watch her kids one night a week? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745277 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 11:47:15 +0000 2littlepumpkins 2745277@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Daycares and preschools and private schools usually do about 10% off for siblings. So I could see that being a reasonable argument or offering about $90/day. I guess I'm the odd one out but I think $75 is too low. I wouldn't take another child, an infant, for only half price. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745245 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 10:58:22 +0000 MrsBrewer 2745245@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bookwormmama: That's a very good point, she has been watching my daughter consistently twice a week since Nov of 2015. So about 1.5 years now! Which is an extra $400/month for her! I would definitely meet her 1/2 way and do the $80/day. But I know my husband is going to give me push back for sure. But I will just have to tell him that I trust her, and I know she loves our daughter, and she knows her routine, which is huge. It's hard to find good care! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745236 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 10:50:14 +0000 bookwormmama 2745236@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: I totally get the awkwardness! It sounds like it is worth it to bring it up, because you said you'll have to stop using her or stop working if she charges that much. Also, even though she had no income before, she has probably gotten use to having that money and it may inconvenience her more to lose all the income/find a replacement than to cut her price down $20/day. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745209 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 10:17:13 +0000 MrsBrewer 2745209@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@bookwormmama: Yea I pretty much just asked her what she had in mind. and She had mentioned that she had watched twins in the past, and she charged $50 for each child. It's a great idea to come back and try to negotiate. For me it's totally awkward, and I hate discussing rates/money...because I want to be fair, and I trust her 100% with my kids. She didn't work before starting to watch my DD, she was a SAHM and her kids are school age (10 &amp; 13) so she had no income coming in before it.</p> <p>@LBee: I do live in a very low COL area, and everyone of my working parent friends, no one even pays $50/day per child for in home care. Another thing is that this is "under the table" so tax free, and we can't use FSA money for it, so it's all after tax money that we are using to pay her. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745160 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 09:31:35 +0000 LBee 2745160@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: I think I would probably break it down in terms of hourly as opposed to just a base daily rate. I think that might help both of you get on the same page. Without knowing the hours, I'm inclined to say unless you are in a VERY low COL area that you were getting a bargain with $50/day. I don't think you are crazy to say that you will pay her an additional $x an hour, but I do think her charging $100 per day (depending on hours) also isn't too outlandish. Assuming you use her for 8 hours, that's $12.50 an hour, which I think is fairly standard in a normal cost of living area. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745157 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 09:23:51 +0000 bookwormmama 2745157@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MrsBrewer: did you just ask her what the cost would be? Or was it a discussion with you suggesting a price first? If she just told you a price, maybe you could let her know that your max for both would be $75-80/day and you really can't afford $100/day for both kids. She might be willing to work with your budget more in order to keep the income and not have to worry about replacing the income. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2745130 Thu, 08 Jun 2017 08:45:03 +0000 MrsBrewer 2745130@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Ugh, just finally had the talk with the babysitter, and she said $50/child/day......so no "discount" on having 2 there......yikes.....I honestly don't think it will pay for me to work.... She seemed very firm on the price too.</p> <p>Or we may have to find a different caregiver. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2706088 Sun, 05 Mar 2017 10:43:19 +0000 just_ju 2706088@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think $75 sounds reasonable, especially considering your area. Congrats on #2! :grin: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2705854 Fri, 03 Mar 2017 21:39:49 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 2705854@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>$75 sounds reasonable to me! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2705852 Fri, 03 Mar 2017 21:35:44 +0000 Anagram 2705852@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Not sure what the going rate is for in-home care in your area, but we pay $15/hour for 1 kid and $18 for 2 kids for our nanny, and she has a guaranteed 45 hours a week. In our area, part time care usually is paid a higher hourly rate.</p> <p>So yeah, maybe $75 for you is reasonable. Or $80? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/babysitternanny-pay#post-2705726 Fri, 03 Mar 2017 15:44:19 +0000 MrsBrewer 2705726@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So I work part-time and I bring my daughter to the babysitter 2x a week. She only watches my daughter, and has 2 school aged kids of her own. I pay her $50/day to watch my 20 month old, and have paid her this amount since she started when my DD was 6 months! She's awesome, and provides great care for her!</p> <p>I'm pregnant with #2, and she said she would love to watch both of them for me when the time comes. We haven't talked about pay yet though....I guess what would sound fair?</p> <p>Do you automatically have to double the amount since I'm adding another LO? Would like $75 be fair? I know when all is said and done, I will talk with her about it. But in the meantime, I'm just gauging to see what others think, or if you have been in a similar position. </p>