My thoughts about nanny wages

I recently worked with a family who used the Williamsburg Nanny Agency on a previous occasion. They had been delighted with the nanny who unfortunately had to leave to move to a different state. During our first meeting I explained that the hourly nanny rate they could expect to pay for a professional nanny was a minimum of $12 to $14. Experience has taught me that its better to manage a client's expectations by being upfront and telling the truth.

I could tell they weren't keen on the idea of paying more than $10 per hour but I explained that in the case of hiring a nanny the old adage of 'you get what you pay for' could never be more true. Anyway, to cut a long story short I sent them eight strong candidates with excellent nanny experience and they ended up hiring a nanny they found on their own through a nanny website.

Naturally, I blamed myself for doing a poor job and not finding the right nanny (rare for me) only to find out from the ex-nanny that they hired an inexperienced illegal immigrant and paid her $9/hr which in some ways, was a relief to hear because I realized that despite the fact they were prepared to pay my fee they didn't want to pay the nanny anything above $10.

I truly hope it all works out for them for the children's sake if nothing else but why do we pay so little for childcare? I can understand if parent's are struggling to support a family and money is an issue but in the case of a professional couple, living in an upmarket neighborhood and driving nice cars why do they turn into Scrooge when it comes to their own children?

A good nanny works hard and earns every penny. So why is nanny work so underpaid? I like to see myself as an advocate for helping to increase nanny wages. Last week, two nannies sent me emails telling me their hourly rate had been increased. They were so excited! Just think how much happier they will be around the children they care for and how much more likely they are to stay with the family. We all know that children need consistency in order to thrive and taking care of a nanny can be the best way to provide it.