Hiring In-Home Child Care
Being a work-at-home mom or dad means you get the freedom of working on your own terms, the ability to raise your kids in the way you want, and the chance to save some money. You might find that you need a bit of help along the way, though. Hiring in-home care for your child a few times a week might be just what you need to catch up on work and regain your sanity.
Why Get Help
While watching your kids and working at the same time is an excellent way to save money, there are certain instances when it may make sense to seek outside help. If your business is just starting to take off, for example, and you need a bit of help to keep the momentum going, a nanny is well worth the price tag. Or, if you find that a short break a couple days a week effectively restores your balance and sense of well-being, then it might be worth it to shell out then too.
How Much It Costs
Hiring a nanny can run you anywhere from $10 to $30 an hour, depending on their experience and what you expect of them. A high school or college student in your local community is likely to charge less, of course, while a professional child caretaker with an extensive resume and experience will demand more. Some nannies will also do light housework, like doing the dishes piled in the sink, sweeping the floor, and the like. Before you set out to hire a nanny, decide what services they’ll need to do, how many hours a week you’ll need them, if they’ll need a car (to drive your kid to practice, etc.), and how much you’re willing to pay. Remember that you get what you pay for! A high school student may come cheap, but they also might not know how to effectively discipline your child.
Where to Find a Good Nanny
- Word of mouth: Inquire with friends and other parents in the community.
- Through your church or other religious organization.
- A help-wanted ad at the local college.
- Through a help-wanted ad on Craigslist: Write an ad describing the services you need, how much you’ll pay, and what experience you expect from applicants.
After You’ve Hired a Nanny
After you’ve hired a nanny, you want to do your best to make it as easy as possible for them to do their job—and for you to reap the benefits of not having to watch the kids! Write out a list of responsibilities for the nanny, along with where to find everything they’ll need. It pays to be nice to your nanny and treat her well (she’s taking care of your kid, after all); invite her to have soda or juice from the fridge, fruit, or snacks, etc. You want her to feel welcome in your home, not like he or she has to walk on pins and needles. Making your child’s caretaker comfortable in your home will mean they’re more likely to bond with your kid and create a working relationship with them.
Once you’ve laid the ground rules, let the nanny do their job, and keep your presence out of the office to a minimum. You’ve hired a nanny to take the burden of childcare off of you for a while—if you keep walking through the living room or chatting with your kid, you’re compromising your precious working time. Now’s your chance to be super productive and have a rare span of uninterrupted concentration.
Source:
Thinking of hiring a nanny? (2005) University of Washington.
