Help Help Help!!!

[bright sparks]

I suppose this is a good example of never to assume that everyone has the same understanding about something. I honestly can not believe that someone would Intrust a 14 year old to be a live in caregiver full time to children when a 14 year old is still a child themselves. This is a huge liability and in my own personal opinion very irresponsible if the adults. That is just my opinion though. It doesn't make me rude, just that I simply have a different understanding and experience with the meaning and role of Nanny. I am coming from a country where childcare is heavily regulated and to me, someone under the age of 18 being a nanny of any sorts is completely and utterly unheard of and illegal. That is why I presumed to automatically think that the math didn't add up. Simply a difference in job title that someone is familiar with is the cause of a misunderstanding like this not someone being intentional rude, hence why clarification was requested to clear up the specifics. So yes 33daiseys 14 year old nanny to me is odd and likely to many others too although the norm to other people too. I would have called it a full time summer babysitting gig and I would never have thought that a minor would be full time live in caregiver for other children.

I did loads of babysitting at that age so it's not a question of capability to care for another child, I'm simply explaining another perspective that may or may not be fitting for those of us who think that Nanny implies "adult" based on the fact that living in a cultural mosaic at least in Toronto, it is not a good idea to ever assume that majority share the same social norms with such a mix of cultures.

I never questioned your experience or abilities Emma, simply questioned your post about being a Nanny for 10 years for the reasons explained above. Maybe parents aren't questioning it because of your qualifications and I assume that you don't tell people yor age and while you may look young, perhaps if a parent did so the math in their head they'd either have similar experiences nannying at a young age or thing that perhaps you were older than you looked. Honestly, they probably don't listen that closely to numbers when they know that you hold a degree. Just my thoughts anyway.

Sorry so many typos...on my phone :-/

[Emma H]

I just wanted to know what a good/fair daily rate was for organic food, how to eliminate prolonged pick ups/drop offs and what a good late fee was!!!!!!!!!! Why are you still talking about being a nanny! I was a nanny at the age 14 get over it....there is liability factor in any job dealing with kids even adults....You clearly did question my experience hence why you keep asking me about being a nanny. I don't need to clarify anything to you as far as I'm concerned. As for the end of your post....parents do know how old I am that is one of my selling factors, I have a portfolio with all my information in it and I do explain everything to my parents time lines and everything! I have never had any issue ever...they don't need to do the math I do it for them and explain everything in detail...saying that they don't listen to me because I have a degree is beyond rude and ignorant.

[33 Daiseys]

Hi Hun so to answer your questions:
Longed pick up/ drop off: Let parents know that you job is to care for the children. point simple. Explain that you would not invite friends over for coffee as it would distract from your responsibilities, and you feel that them staying is doing just that.
Let them know that if there is a matter which is urget of course you want to know right away, and that they are always free to text you. For matter of the general nature, you can tell parents that they can call you between 1 and 2 during the day ( for me that's in the middle of nap time), or set up an hour say from 5 - 6 pm on Thursdays for conference calls.
As for the rates, I would set it up that your rates increase on Sept 1, and that for exsisting clients to raise them any higher then 2 dollars a year is risky. It is best to charge a little bit less, then to have a spot stay opens for months. I have my rates raises to 45.00 a day, with after hour care being 15.00 an hour, meals 5.00, and late charges of 1 dollar a minute.
If you know what time parents are picking up, try having them ready at the door, that way you can say"oh, ##### loots like they are getting hot, see you tomorrow", then open the door.
I sent out a notice telling all my families that my children are in classes in the evenings( which they are) so that way the parents understand the importance of being on time.
Hope this helps.

[bright sparks]

..saying that they don't listen to me because I have a degree is beyond rude and ignorant.

Which is not what I said at all. You misinterpreted what I said. That just doesn't make any sense. What I said was that if you were verbally telling them of all your experience, they likely would retain in their minds your highest qualification rather than all of the particulars prior to that. They wouldn't necessarily listen properly to all the specifics of at what age and duration you did x, y & z when you have a degree. I meant it as in when you apply for a job, a prospective employer only cares about your highest qualification. Does that make more sense now...and I know the families are not our employers I was simply just explaining what I meant in comparison. I didn't actually make a negative comment towards you. Maybe a little stereotyping of families out there but that comes from time and experience of meeting many many parents.

Seems like I didn't word my post in the best manner but I certainly wasn't being rude and I am definitely not ignorant. Presenting information in a portfolio in the manner that you are describing would be completely different but isn't something done at large by daycare providers, at least the large amount I know so I would never have assumed somebody to do so which explains my not having the full picture. A blurb about who I am would never contain my age or specific dates and ages I carried out a job but that's because I have a website and a portfolio is much more thorough.

I do have a genuine question if you'll entertain me for a minute as I'm genuinely intrigued. You said your age is one of your selling points. How so? I'm curious because I was 23 when I started daycare but I was already married with two kids. I initially felt like my age was against me but I thought that perhaps that was my own insecurity.

[5 Little Monkeys]

I think, for the most part, this site is full of wonderfully nice people. I don't find too many of them rude

Something to remember though is that tone gets easily lost and/or misinterpated over text. Also, keep in mind that not everyone speaks English as their first language. That sometimes add confusion too. Lastly, remember that terms mean different things to different people. Nanny is one of those words apparently!

Asking for clarification before coming across as rude is sometimes the better option. However, we are human so from time to time, our posts will be filled with passionate feelings and sometimes we respond too quickly before rereading and understanding the comment.

[Emma H]

33 Daiseys thank you so much for your reply! I love the advice and will definitely implement that and do my rate change the way you suggested. My age sells me every time. Parents had told me they love the fact that I am young and feel that I am able to keep up with all the children not just their own. Not to say that someone who is 34 isn't as energetic (I started when I was 23). If you need anymore information as to how providers use their age while they are younger as a selling point someone else stated they did the same thing on the first page. Another selling point is the fact that I don't have any kids. They feel that I will give their children 100 percent of my attention and they don't worry about me giving most of my attention to my own child. Not to say all daycare provider do this, this is just was parents keep telling me so I use it you my advantage. My portfolio has my resume, cpr, first aid, police check, references, schedule, sample monthly news letter, menu, university letter of reference....things like that. The parents love it and it makes me look very organized and professional. While they are reading it gives me some time to interact wit their little ones one on one.

[AmandaKDT]

I just wanted to know what a good/fair daily rate was for organic food, how to eliminate prolonged pick ups/drop offs and what a good late fee was!!!!!!!!!! Why are you still talking about being a nanny! I was a nanny at the age 14 get over it....there is liability factor in any job dealing with kids even adults....You clearly did question my experience hence why you keep asking me about being a nanny. I don't need to clarify anything to you as far as I'm concerned. As for the end of your post....parents do know how old I am that is one of my selling factors, I have a portfolio with all my information in it and I do explain everything to my parents time lines and everything! I have never had any issue ever...they don't need to do the math I do it for them and explain everything in detail...saying that they don't listen to me because I have a degree is beyond rude and ignorant.

The comments posted in this forum, like others, is a conversation. Just like a conversation in person, it can often veer of in other directions away from the original topic of conversation. It doesn't mean that person is looking to criticize some individual part of the information provided, just that something jumped out at them as interesting or they wanted clarification. Just like in a real conversation. For many providers, this place is their "water cooler" since we don't have any actual co-workers.

[AmandaKDT]

33 Daiseys thank you so much for your reply! I love the advice and will definitely implement that and do my rate change the way you suggested. My age sells me every time. Parents had told me they love the fact that I am young and feel that I am able to keep up with all the children not just their own. No to say that someone who is 34 isn't as energetic (I started when I was 23). If you need anymore information as to how providers use their age while they are younger as a selling point someone else stated they did the same thing on the first page. Another selling point is the fact that I don't have any kids. They feel that I will give their children 100 percent of my attention and they don't worry about me giving most of my attention to my own child. Not to say all daycare provider do this, this is just was parents keep telling me so I use it you my advantage. My portfolio has my resume, cpr, first aid, police check, references, schedule, sample monthly news letter, menu, university letter of reference....things like that. The parents love it and it makes me look very organized and professional. While they are reading it gives me some time to interact wit their little ones one on one.

Another thing you can do is email the parents your policy handbook and menu ahead of time so they can read it over beforehand and come to the meeting prepared with any questions they have. I also have a bulletin board posted at my door that has my cpr certification, daily schedule and behaviour management plan on display. This leaves the parents free to engage in conversation and watch their child in the daycare space. I also have my binder of daycare information on hand so I can briefly review some of the important parts of my handbook in person and show them that I have a safety plan set up.

And, oh my goodness, 34 is not old! As a 34 year old with 2 kids I would know! My energy and capability to care for multiple children is just fine! Lol

[MsBell]

Hi Emma H,
I am from your area (Waterloo), and IMO your rates are too low. If you do wish to continue all organic (which I do admire, but with my experience with just how much food is wasted, would never offer for daycare) I would think you should charge at least 40, but up to as much as 45 a day. Most of the providers in my area charge $40 a day, and that is not offering organic. I just raised my rates last year, but with Bill 10, my rates are going up in the fall (along with some other contract changes)
About late payment, as long as I am paid on Friday it is due, I do not charge late fines. However it is up to them to get it to me, I will not stick around for someone to swing by and drop it off in the evening. I actually like to be paid by e-mail transfer (no trip to the bank needed!)IF they are late (and I did not agree that they could be) I charge $5 a day late fee, so monday morning they need to add another $10. I have never charged a late fee this way, I am totally upfront with all clients at interview, I need kids to be picked up on time (like others here, my own kids have activites they need to get to), and I must be paid on time. Other than that I can be flexible.
For the sticking around, yes I have that problem too. If I need to get going I will say "bye, I gotta go" and they usually get the hint. I just try to choose my battles for the most part. Many many little things annoy me, from time to time, venting on here or just hearing someone elses issues, can go a long way to ease those annoyances for me.

[Emma H]

I thought the whole idea of a forum was to get help on whatever topic a care giver was needing help with. By definition a forum is a place, meeting, or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged. There is a difference between a forum and a conversation. The particular issue on this forum was the questions I was asking, not to have a debate about what someone considers a nanny because if I knew that I wouldn't have wasted my time posting my questions. I never said 34 was too old hence what I added at the end of that sentence.

MsBell are you in the Kitchener/Waterloo area?
I am in Kitchener and I feel like it's not the greatest part of Kitchener either. I do only charge 35 per day and get complaints how 35 is too expensive and that it's almost as much as rent. I hear this typically from majority of my families. I have seen that majority of daycare providers in Kitchener only charge 35 non organic but really do think for some people paying 5 extra dollars per day isn't worth it as some don't care for organic (which is fine it's not for everyone). When they complain I just get so confused because child care center in this area charge around 1400 for babies and 1000 for toddlers so I thought I was giving them a great deal lol