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Original poster

Extra pay for extra child?

39 replies

WLondonNanny · 04/08/2014 21:45

I currently look after a 2 year old, and in a few weeks I'll also be looking after her baby brother.

My question is, should I ask for extra pay, as my work load will increase, won't be able to do usual activities due to having two, and due to their different routines and sleeping times, I'll no longer be having a break.

How to approach? Or am I silly into thinking I should get extra?

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Cindy34 · 05/08/2014 10:46

Swimming class - is that really needed? You can take both children swimming and oldest can learn to swim that way. If parents want eldest to go to a class, then they need to be aware that it will not be any fun for baby to be watching from the poolside.

Structured swim classes can always be restarted in a few years time. Eldest just need to keep up confidence in water, so going swimming with you and baby will be fine... You may even be able to teach them to do some things.

Cindy34 · 05/08/2014 10:42

Things change over time, new sibling, change of age, whatever the reason things change. Activities restart in September, so now is a perfect time to discuss what activities can be done with both children. Music group, swimming, toddler group, playgym rather than a structured gym, can all be done with a pre-schooler and baby.

Weekly kitty amount will change, as activity costs will change. So talk to your employer about the likely changes that are needed now that there are two children, not just one.

Cindy34 · 05/08/2014 10:18

Unusual in my view for a nanny to be only caring for one child, I've always had at least 2 children, often 3 or 4.

So I feel you have been very lucky to only have care of one child for a while.

Soggysandpit · 05/08/2014 09:38

Yes but it's up to you and the mother to have a conversation about that - your working week might just be different.

Original poster
WLondonNanny · 05/08/2014 09:30

Our usual week includes Gymboree, swimming class and football...all which is a bit tricky/can't do with two

OP posts:
Karoleann · 05/08/2014 09:24

The two families I know in west London one pays £10/hour net for her part-time nanny. The other £9/hour net for her full time nanny. They both have 3 children.

Soggysandpit · 05/08/2014 09:21

If you want to post what you are paid I'm sure you'll get opinions on the fairness or otherwise of it!

Blondeshavemorefun · 05/08/2014 09:14

Course you can do usual activities you just plan sleep and feeds round them and baby watch/sleep iN Buggy

Same with sleep at home. Put baby to sleep at same time. Assume 2yr sleeps 1-3ish. Feed at 7 11 Then feed at 3pm after sleep

It's up to you to make sure it works :)

Soggysandpit · 05/08/2014 08:29

Going rate in London is 8-10 per hour net, not 12

Original poster
WLondonNanny · 05/08/2014 07:42

Thanks for the replies. I wasn't sure.

I am qualified with 7 years experience and according to other nannies I am getting a lot lower that what I should be on for one child...would love to be on £12net...would be amazing!

OP posts:
OutragedFromLeeds · 04/08/2014 22:55

It depends on your individual circumstances.

Nannies are paid per family not per child, but if you feel you are being paid towards the lower end of the salary range because it was an easier job, you can ask for a payrise.

It's ok to politely bring up the issue of a payrise, you just need to be aware of what the going rate is for someone with your experience. If you're already at the top end then you can't expect much more.

AuditAngel · 04/08/2014 22:22

nbee84 I think that was beautifully and succinctly explained. Well done.

Fedupflump · 04/08/2014 22:21

WLondon, are you being serious?

London wage for experienced nanny is about £12 net, I think. Others might have more info.

As nbee has said, nanny per family not per child. You are the nanny, you are the professional child carer, you develop routine around your charges.

Surely you knew you would care for sibling when, I assume, mum returned to work.

nbee84 · 04/08/2014 22:13

It's nice if you are offered a pay rise, but nannies are paid on a per family basis and not per child. If you looked after 2 children and the oldest started school then you would not expect your wage to be reduced.