Why You Should Pay Your Nanny the Same Rate, Even When Kids Sleep
Many parents often ask, “Why do I have to pay my nanny the same amount when my children are awake versus when they're asleep?”
Understanding why this practice is fair and essential for maintaining a healthy work environment for nannies and babysitters can help you build a trusting relationship with your caregiver.
In this blog post, we explore why nannies should be paid the same, regardless of whether the children are awake or asleep and the importance of fair compensation.
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Availability and Responsibility
When your children are sleeping, the nanny or babysitter is still on the clock and working. They cannot leave your home and go to theirs.
Even though the children are sleeping, you want them there for emergencies. If your children wake up and need something, or if there's an emergency in the home, like a fire or a break-in, the nanny is there to keep your children safe and protected.
The level of responsibility does not diminish just because your children are asleep. Therefore, they should be paid for their time.
Fair Compensation for Effort and Time
Your nanny or babysitter's time is valuable, and that time isn't diminished when the lights are out and your children go to sleep. Paying them at their regular rate acknowledges their dedication and the continuous nature of the job. Remember, sleep time isn't free time.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
In Canada and the U.S., minimum wage is a requirement. Paying your nanny, for example, $25 an hour when the children are awake and $10 an hour when the children are asleep is illegal. Ensuring your nanny is paid correctly helps you stay compliant with these laws. Beyond legality, it's simply the right thing to do. Treating your nanny fairly fosters a positive work environment, builds trust, and shows them that you value what they do.
Well-Being and Job Satisfaction
It’s hard to find quality childcare you can trust. Treating the nanny or babysitter who comes to your home with the respect they deserve will help keep them coming back.
The first step in providing your children with the best quality care is to pay and compensate your nanny or babysitter fairly.
Remember, nannies and babysitters are the ones who care for your children when you are not around. While it may seem like the nanny is doing nothing while your children sleep, they are still responsible for their care.
Nannies love being with children and typically prefer to engage with them by doing activities and playing. So, your children being asleep is not a benefit to them. Why? The nanny is not in their own home; they can’t relax, they can't go out with their friends, and they can't leave your home.
So paying them the rate, whether your children are awake or asleep, is the right thing to do.
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