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Childcare

Looking after two children - more expensive than looking after one?

7 replies

Mumpbump · 07/03/2007 14:30

We are looking at getting a p/t nanny to look after ds, but are expecting no. 2 in October. If we wanted the nanny to look after them both after I go back to work, would she charge extra? I am assuming not, but just wanted to check...

Thanks!

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ScottishThistle · 07/03/2007 14:36

If you're paying the going rate a Nanny salary rarely changes with the arrival of another child in my experience.

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Eleusis · 07/03/2007 14:37

No, I wouldn't pay extra. A nanny is an employee where you pay her by the hour. If you have two kids it probably means she will have less time for other chores (like cooking, tidying, laundry). She would still do those things, but I'd expect her to spend a bit less time on them. But, two kids is certainly doable for a nanny.

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Mumpbump · 07/03/2007 14:55

That's pretty definitive advice! Thanks a lot, both of you...

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nannynick · 07/03/2007 20:13

As a nanny I confirm that I am not paid based on the number of children for whom I care. This means that a nanny is a more affordable option as the number of children you have increases.

You wrote: "would she charge extra?"
To me this implies that you may not realise the relationship you have with a nanny - you are their employer... they are employee... you dictate the rules, not them. If you don't offer more, they either stay, or leave.

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Mumpbump · 08/03/2007 10:24

Thanks, nannynick. What confused me is that people pay nannies more in nannyshares and I wondered if it was to do with the increase in the number of children, but I guess it's to do with having two employers.

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ScottishThistle · 08/03/2007 10:29

Yes MumpBump...Nannyshares usually pay more but there are several reasons for that, the employer is already paying far less than they would a Nanny who isn't sharing & the children tend to be very close in age.

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Eleusis · 08/03/2007 11:01

Yes, for a share, each employer would expect to pay less than if the nanny was working for just them, and the nanny will expect to earn more then if she had only one employer/house/family.

Say each employer pays £175, and the nanny makes £350. Good deal all round.

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