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| What's a babysitting post without creepy face erasing? That's me laying on my belly, reading to a brother sis team and the 6 month old baby. |
Bruno was CRAZY about his buddies at my house, so I feel bad that he isn't here to hang with them. I think he benefited from the socialization. His preschool bus driver once told me. "They (Bruno and his sis) just don't seem happy." I agree, something was off. I believe there was a power struggle: kids vs parents. The parents were losing.
The mom admitted that Bruno often told her to shut up, called her stupid. Neither kid would go to bed when told. She and her husband struggled.
Coach: WOW, IF THEY CAN'T HANDLE THEM NOW, WHAT'RE THEY GONNA DO WHEN THEY'RE OLDER?
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| A 'light' day here at Chez Shenanigan. Four little guys and a baby. This baby - dreamy. He naps from 9-11 and then again from 1-3. Rarely fusses. |
An 11 am preschool bus interferes with outings, etc. and I didn't charge much for a half day - it was hardly worth it. There was also a lack of gratitude. In two years, she never wrote me an end of the school year or Christmas thank you note. Not ONCE. Most families are generous and kind and shower me with gifts and the ever important thank you card, which I save. When a parent expresses how grateful they are that I've truly cared for their offspring, it means the world to me.
Ed asked me the other day if I knew where my rate was compared with other places.
Me: OH, I'M HIGH-END. FOR SURE.
Ed: WOW, REALLY.
Me: YEP. I KNOW WHAT I'M WORTH. I TAKE GREAT CARE OF THESE KIDS AND I LOAD THEM ALL UP IN GW AND TAKE THEM ON OUTINGS. MOST PLACES DON'T HAVE A CAR BIG ENOUGH TO DO THAT. I'M NOT TRYING TO RECREATE THE WHEEL. I'M JUST RECREATING WHAT I DID WITH YOU GUYS.
I'm bummed to not be making quite as much this year, but also - less busy is FINE. I'm interviewing a mom who needs care in January after maternity leave. I knew I'd never make as much as last year when this place was hopping with little people, but I do prefer to rake it in now so I can retire sooner than later.
Also, I took Fridays off this year. That has cost me a few potential jobs, but WORTH IT. I have to keep reminding myself that I'm making less, but I'm also only working 4 days.
Remember last year when two sisters, 'Kelly' and 'Nelly', hired me? I gave them a $5 discount/child/day because they were transitioning from a cheaper/licensed daycare. They seemed normal - and I'd just come off a year of ALL THE NUT JOBS. I didn't make it clear at that time, but this year the discount code expired.
I informed Kelly of this year's rate in the spring. I didn't see Nelly, because the sisters live down the street from one another and they carpool to my house.
*Kelly started teaching at the same school as Nelly this year. I could NOT work with, live near, and carpool with either of my sisters.
I admit that I should've let Nelly know, but stuff happened in May and my focus shifted. Do both sisters talk? Yep. Would Kelly tell Nelly? Yes. Still, my responsibility to communicate. I get that.
Thursday was the first day back. Nelly's husband picked up.
The Dad: I REALIZE WE NEVER SOLIDIFIED THE RATE FOR THIS YEAR.
Me: SORRY, YES, I TOLD KELLY BUT NOT NELLY. SO THIS YEAR IT'S $$ (last year + $5 a day), WHICH IS MY REGULAR RATE. LAST YEAR I GAVE YOU GUYS A DISCOUNT, BUT I'M CHARGING YOU MY STANDARD RATE THIS YEAR. $$ IS WHAT EVERYONE WITH ONE KID PAYS.
The dad: THAT'S KIND OF A BIG BUMP. ($15/week more, since they're here 3 days, vs last year's deal - $30/week less than my regular rate for 2 kids) IS THERE SOMETHING WE CAN DO WITH THAT?
*keep in mind, I have another family that isn't rolling in dough. I don't give them a discount. They pay my regular rate. That mom gave me a card at the end of the year saying I HEAR MY FRIENDS TALK ABOUT THEIR DAYCARE SITUATIONS AND I KNOW HOW LUCKY WE ARE. Nelly's family? Well, they're financially comfortable. It isn't a hardship for them to pay me. I don't base my fees on how much I think people can afford, but believe me when I say this family can afford my rate.
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| We read Mansfield Park by Jane Austen for book club. I was not a big fan. It was fine, but parts of it dragged. Anyway, a woman shared this book, which might interest those of you who are Jane Austen fans. It apparently explains the way things were at that time. I'm so thankful that for present day progress. |
I went to book club that night. The host lives over 30 minutes away, so I carpooled
with some other women. I told them this story and the one woman, who has grandchildren, was mind blown.
Christina: YEAH, OK MR. DAD - YOUR KIDS ARE YOUR WORLD, AND YOU WANT A DEAL? EVERYTYHING,
EVERYTHING, HAS GOTTEN TO BE MORE EXPENSIVE. PEOPLE ARE UNBELIEVABLE.
Does anyone know how long I've been babysitting for teachers in my home? Any guesses on how long I'll keep this up?
21 comments:
I know you've been doing babysitting for a while. I bet the minute all of your kids are out of college , you will retire and let Coach support you in style.
As for babysitting pricing, goodness, of course you should charge them your full rate! Its your business! These are precious children and you do so much with them.
I had a part time sitter who never was shy about letting me know about a change in pricing. I appreciated her being straightforward. But even then she tried to give me a big discount when I added a baby to the toddler- they were a handful, so no, you deserve your full rate.
I’ll guess you have been babysitting for 10 years and plan on another decade?? That’s a whole lot of looking after other people’s precious babies! You are right to stand your ground and charge a solid rate. Good care providers are worth their weight in gold. I know from experience how important it is to know your babies are, safe, loved and happy.
I was beyond grateful for my private daycare provider when I was working. She was fantastic, providing breakfast and lunch, walking my kids to and from school, and taking them on outings. She never took a day off--ever. I'd have paid whatever she charged. My kids adored her and her family. I know it's the same with your clientele.
Parents like that dad need to come back to earth and realize that they are paying for the safety and security of their child AS WELL AS their own peace of mind and ability to do their job. Honestly, how much is that worth?
Awww, you take such good care of the little ones! It's great that you can babysit for teachers and have the summers to yourself.
I love Jane Austen so much, and I'll look into that book. It sounds right up my alley!
Hmm...seems to me you could have justified raising your regular rate this year. Everything has gone up lately, so it would make sense that your base costs (utilities/meals provided for the kiddos) would increase. Plus you are caring for less kids so, more individual attention should also equal more $$$.
I'm guessing you are planning to run the daycare until Curly finished college and you are done paying tuition. Or perhaps sooner if financial aid/scholarships ease the tuition burden enough. Or maybe longer...you could save up that no-longer-going-to-college-tutition money and take a really awesome vacation!
Wow, a $15 increase is nothing compared to how much mortgages, utilities and general wages have increased in the past 12 months. They are getting a great deal, and it's true that if your kids are safe and happy - getting a deal is nowhere near the most important factor!
Doesn't it seem weird to talk about retirement?! I am the same age as you and have been on a 2 day course with work this summer about planning for retirement; it's always better to plan in your 50s than 60s. In the UK I don't get my state pension until 67, and my private pension follows that date also. No way I am working until 67, at least not full-time. So I applaud you for retirement planning as well Ernie. My guess is the same as others - once that last kid is through college, you can put your feet up...? Although by then, you may have a daycare full of grandkids!
I am assuming as soon as all the kiddos are out of college you will close your daycare business! I'm guessing you've been in business for 10 years. But it could possibly be as much as 15?!
Seven years? Just a guess! I don’t know how you do it. I never liked watching other people’s kids. Compared to all the rules with daycare, I’m sure you are providing not only better quality care, but also easier for their schedules.
mbmom11 - This is my 9th year of babysitting in my home. My goal was to get to 10 years. I honestly think I'll work longer than that, but there are days when I this work is physically exhausting. When parents give me a hard time, and honestly with this group that's rare, I feel more ready to retire.
My sitting funds have paid for our last two cars and most of Ed's tuition last year. He's paying me back this year while he lives here, but I can't imagine not having an income. Once we are done with colleges there will be weddings. It would be INCREDIBLE if Curly and or Reg get the Evans scholarship like Mini did.
When my schedule is as light as it is this school year, I think about taking classes and possibly considering a different career. Probably won't.
Anonymous - Another decade? Yikes. I hope not. Honestly though, working four days a week, as I am this year, and having summers off is a decent gig.
You were close. I'm starting my 9th year. Curly was 6 when I started.
A new mom once told me after her first day back from maternity leave that her coworkers were asking her how she was holding up. She told me that she told everyone she was fine, because she knew her baby was well cared for. How great was that?
I had a family try to haggle with me once for a cheaper rate. I was like, NOPE. They came back a few months later and said they wanted their kid at my house. Priorities, where are they sometimes?
Nance - You've shared about how much you valued your daycare provider and I love that. I ran into a family I used to sit for. I couldn't believe how old their daughter was. I was bummed, saying she probably wouldn't recognize me. They said she did know me, because I gave them a photo book with a rhyme all about her time at my house and she still looks at it. So sweet. Only families who leave on good terms get the book treatment. ;)
I was a little surprised that he acted like he thought he could convince me to cut him a break. He works in the business world, and my guess is he thought this was a business deal he could negotiate. Nope.
Nicole - I think if someone was to tell me to work to my strengths - then I'd admit that caring for little people and insisting on manners and sharing and communicating their needs is my strength. Exhausting as it can be.
I thought of you instantly when a woman shared this book. I was like - OH NICOLE MIGHT WANT TO CHECK THIS OUT. I wonder if you liked Mansfield Place. I anticipated the cousin courtship the entire book, but kept thinking NO - NO, YOU SHOULD NOT MARRY HIM. Yet, there they were, not caring about cousin blood relations, etc. Sign of the times, I guess.
Jenny - Life is expensive right now. Have you tried to order a pizza? What on earth? I feel bad that I didn't give them a heads up at the end of the school year, but I also know that they heard. Think of all the money I could've made last year if I'd charged them my standard rate? Goodness. Maybe he conveniently forgot that I'd given them a break.
I do NOT plan to keep sitting while Curly is in college. I cringe to think of lasting that long. Then again, I do like having a fund. I like it even better when I don't have to buy a car or help with tuition. Perhaps I'll get a book deal in the near future and I'll be able to sit back and write. Totally my preference. There are so many things I'd like to be able to afford. I'm looking at you: second home.
Charlie - It is really not that much money. It's a drop in the bucket. Plus, these are your kids. Also, how insulting that he didn't think I was worth that. I offer a great environment. I should've doubled his fees last year when his daughter cried and drove me positively BANANAS for the first 6 weeks she was here. She is a spoiled, willful child and she was really tough to get into the swing of things here.
I'm pretty sure Coach will be working for many, many years. He can teach though and he gets paid well teaching. Maybe I'll just travel around with him while he teaches. Sounds dreamy. I would like to be done babysitting in the near future, especially if I end up with families that aren't my favorite. If I get a bunch of people in here that don't appreciate what I do, I can see myself closing up shop.
I also think less of retirement and more about what I might do in my next chapter. Maybe I'll take some classes in logistics and go in that direction. Wait, I feel like I could TEACH a class in logistics. I'm a logistics manager - unofficially. ;)
Beth - I started sitting when Lad was starting his senior year in high school. That was 9 years ago. I don't think I will still be at this when Curly is in college. An abbreviated schedule might be doable and fewer families, but I'm addicted to AS LONG AS I'M DOING THIS, I MAY AS WELL PACK THE PLACE. I like more bang for my buck.
Bijoux - Close. I'm just starting my 9th year. It's interesting, but I find I have more patience for the kids when their parents treat me well. When I connect with another parent, I feel a connection to their kid. When people aren't great to work with, I find their kids annoying.
The thing with babysitting for teachers is that I don't charge them in the summer or for school holidays. That sort of flexibility is hard to find in traditional daycare. Plus I offer care in my home - these kids feel right at home here and we make them an extension of the family. I tend to think it is a great option when we can make it work.
I would have given my left arm to have someone like you care for my girls!
15 a week. That is not gonna break most people. Crazy.
I think you've been watching teachers' kids for 10 years and have two more years to go. (Wishful thinking, as I want you to travel more!)
I'm totally worried about Bruno and his sister. :(
Yeah, I know everything is more expensive and childcare can be a big expense, but come on, haggling with your babysitter? Not classy.
I am working a little more this year, which is fine with everything except my back. It will be nice when we're out of the double-tuition years.
Suz - hey - this is your busy bee time, remember? Thanks for taking a break to check in here. Hope all is going well with your fundraiser.
I would've given my LEFT arm (and I'm a lefty, so that's saying something) to watch your girls. ;) But it would've been hard for you to go home and get dinner started, etc. because I would've been busy chatting away with you at pick up time.
Yea, another $15 for three days of care when he was discounted $30 a week last year? What on earth? Then I find out that he has to go into the city for work most of the time this year so they'll be picking up a little later. Totally fine as it is within my established hours, but SERIOUSLY? We won't even talk about how his kid poops his pants during his nap regularly and he's 3.5 years old. Hmm. Maybe I should've upped his rate.
The Bruno and sister duo are not well parented and I think they are tired a lot of the time. Those parents are nice people, but they're missing a screw or two.
Ali - NOT CLASSY. Well said. That is exactly the right way to describe how the dad behaved. This is their last kid - the other two are school age and they're almost done paying for childcare. Not like I'm trying to over charge him - this is my RATE. Last year was a deal.
I'm a tad bummed not to have more kids here because I'd like to be packing away the dough as long as I'm at it. I'm watching a baby all four days that I'm sitting this year and they are more involved than the waling/talking/putting on their own shoes/expressing their own need variety.
Good luck with the double tuition years. We had three last year and will have three again next year - but Mini is on a pretty amazing scholarship. Thank God. Sorry about your back. My back has been a little complainy lately and it isn't even severe and I'm annoyed.
You must have the patience of a saint. Not for the kids. For the parents. My head would have exploded with Clueless and Classless Dad. Good. Grief. It's your KID, dude. Pay whatever you need to pay to make sure they're cared for. He has no idea how good he has it.
Sheesh.
I wouldn't blame you for getting out sooner than later, if this is representative of what you deal with. I hope it's not.
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