The Nanny Service
More and more often, traditional families are learning to live with both parents at work. Single parents are gone more than they like, because they're the only breadwinner in the family. Still, parents seek ways to raise their children well.
Many parents are choosing to use the nanny service, rather than drop their children off at daycare every day. One advantage to having a nanny is the security children feel when they are in their own home.
Is a nanny a good choice? What are some things to consider?
Live-In Or Live-Out Nanny?
- Live-Out Nanny
A live-out babysitter earns anywhere between $6 and $18 per hour. This nanny makes more than a live-in nanny, because things like room and board aren't provided.
Why such a variance in pay rates for the nanny service?
- A nanny will be paid more if you have more children.
- A nanny will be paid more if you live in a certain area. In a large city, the cost of living will be higher. Your nanny will need more in order to live than if you lived in a small town where the cost of living is lower.
- Live-In Nanny
When a family hires a live-in nanny, they will pay the nanny anywhere from $250-$850 a week. A live-in nanny is usually paid less than a live-out nanny because more is provided for the live-in nanny.
When Hiring A Live-In Nanny, Be Sure To Do Several Things Before Finalizing The Contract.
- Agree upon living quarters---which room will the nanny be staying in?
- Agree upon transportation---will you be providing a car?
And Always, Before Hiring A Nanny---
- Do a background check
- Check references
- Talk several times with the nanny
- Watch how the nanny interacts with your children
- Decide whether you want someone with a degree
- Decide whether you prefer a man or a woman
What Is The Difference Between A Nanny For The Nanny Service And An Au Pair?
A Nanny---
- Has often chosen being a nanny as their career
- Doesn't require supervision
- Can be hired to live either outside the home, or inside
- Is expected to care for children and household tasks which relate to children
- Works 40-60 hours each week
- Can be young or not-so-young
- Might have a lot of experience, and might not have much experience.
An Au Pair----
- Is young
- Is a foreign exchange student often here because of a program to exchange cultural information
- Works 45 hours a week or less
- Usually has limited experience when it comes to child care
- Can't be solely responsible for children who are less than three months old
- Receives room, board, pocket money and family relationship instead of wages
The phrase "Au Pair" comes from the French. It means "on par". The au pair is to be treated as one of the family. The nanny service they provide will be at par with your expectation level.
