The Definition of a Nanny
The International Nanny Association defines it as one that is employed by the family on either a live or out basis to undertake all tasks related to the care of children. Notice that the definition stresses child care and not so much the domestic tasks that are related to it although it can be part of it. If you want help that will also do chores and other domestic tasks like gardening and gourmet cooking try advertising for live in couple jobs.
If you are a nanny you must realize that salaries for child care vary greatly in the world and that the more civilized the country is that more you are likely to be paid for it. Whether you have just become a Nanny or have been doing it for years it is wise to consistently check to see if you are being paid on par with other nannies in the neighbourhood.
It is also important to recognize that a nanny is not a babysitter. What is the big difference? A nanny is a perm ant contracted position whereas the babysitter is classified as temporary, part time or occasional help. It is an odd job.
The irony is in that some countries pay their babysitters more than they pay their nannies. The rule of thumb is that if you are being paid less than fifteen dollars an hour you are probably not making a decent salary as a nanny. In fact it means that you are being paid less than the average babysitter per hour.
Sometimes your salary as a nanny can be determined by how many kids the nanny is watching. The nanny should not be expected to take care of five kids for the same price that she does one child. Yet that is exactly what happens to many hapless nannies. One family employs her and then the entire neighbourhood dumps their kids on one nanny. It is like getting a daycare for free. This is where it becomes important for the nanny to stand up for herself and demand a fair wage. There are also organizations that will assist the nanny in being paid a fair wage as well.
The benefits of having a nanny or live in couple are numerous and include economy, less exposure to viruses, more control over the child’s education and peace of mind. If you value a nanny then you will also value her enough to pay her what she is worth. The same goes for those couple jobs that you advertised for online or in the newspaper.