What do I charge if I'm my best friend's live-in nanny?

Information for Nannies

What do I charge if I'm my best friend's live-in nanny?


Tepot42 09-18-2007, 1:26 AM
So, I've been helping out my best friend with her 13 month old, (officially as a nanny) while she's been transitioning from breaking up with her son's father, and living in a new place with a roomate, and starting to work again. At first, I of course wanted to help her out with the difficult time, and as she's my best friend, I consider her son my nephew. She found out she is pregnant again with her new(ish) boyfriend and she is planning on moving in with him before the new baby comes. Right now, due to finances, I"ve been quite lenient with her payment, since i didn't feel right taking money from her, but her EX has been paying me, at a rate she used to be paid to watch her friend's 8 month old, which was 35/day. We used that sum, not knowing any better, to pay me. Now she has a job and I am working REALLY long hours, due to her work schedule. Some days are as long as 14 hours. I did work out that they would pay me 35 every 8 hours, which is several dollars under the minimum wage in my state. So I am wondering what I should be paid currently, and what SHOULD happen when we transition to a live-in situation with a brand new baby. She won't be working of course, right before and for at least the maternity leave time after the new baby comes. Also it's confusing, because her EX wants to split the childcare evenly. So what happens when we have two fathers paying me, and what is the pay for newborns. OBVIOUSLY this is really confusing, but if anyone has any suggestions or ideas, any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

The confused Aunt-nanny.

Re: What do I charge if I'm my best friend's live-in nanny?


Chosen7Stone 09-22-2007, 9:18 PM
First things' first -- you are way too close to this family to have any hope of an actual employer-employee relationship.

Secondly, if you're a live-in nanny, it means you still get paid, but have no reponsibility for rent or utilities.  Some families even take care of the nanny's food, but I don't know how it would work amiably in your situation.

My recommendation?  Calculate what you need to subsist monthly -- how much is your monthly car payment? any other bills? insurance? -- then add 10-15%.  That's what you should get monthly, AT A MINIMUM.

Lastly, you need to put some kind of limit on your hours.  i.e. "A maximum of 8 hours/day, and a rate of $7/hour for every hour over that."  Put some limits in place -- you may be a friend...but in this position, you're the nanny, NOT THE MOM.  Don't do mom's job for her, pregnant or not, especially if you're being paid pennies to do so.

I understand that you're in a close relationship with her -- her best friend -- but she's obviously got some judgment and common sense issues...don't let her thoughtlessly take advantage of you.  She probably cares a great deal about you, and is appreciative of your willingness to take such a proactive role in her life -- but remember you have one, too.

*Love in Christ from Mary*
1 Peter 2:4-5

Vote my agency, Seminole Sitters, the "Best Overall Business" in Tallahassee for the 2007 Tally Awards at EverythingTallahassee.com!!!
2006-2008 (©) babysittingforums.com | used cars

Powered by Community Server, by Telligent Systems