Nannies

Hi Chris,
I don't know whether this appeals to you or not, but I live in the UIC/West Loop area and have been looking for a nannyshare for my soon-to-be-born child. If you live anywhere nearby and are interested, let me know. Otherwise, I've seen a lot of postings and referrals on the Northside Parent's Network website. Good luck either way!

Im sorry I dont have any nanny information but what I do know is that they can be more costly than daycare or someone working in their home. That's what I have now is a mother who babysits my daughter out of her home and it's only three children (mine and her two) and it's great. My daughter has only been there a month but no problems at all. So maybe you could look into that before the nanny.

I just interviewed a lot of nannnies and it looks like the going rate is from about 10 dollars per hour to about 12, based on experience, etc.

Hi Chris,
I can relate to your situation. I have had different types of care for my children. When my first two children were babies, we had a Spanish speaking caregiver. They were never sick! Last year, when they were 2 and 3, I put them in all-day Montessori school. A wonderful environment where they learned so much. They both loved it and loved going. The problem was, my son was always sick. I was home more then I was at work. This year, I opted to have in-home care again, because I had a baby and didn't want her in a daycare situation. I haven't missed one day of work. The kids are healthy and I couldn't be more relaxed. My point being, it is well worth the extra money to have someone in the home. You can also find someone who you can afford. You need to advertise on Mamasource. They get mad, but you should get results. Tell the moms that you can't afford much and when you will need someone. It worked for my family. Good luck and keep your children at home! You'll be able to handle life better. No more rushing out the door to drop them off and get to work, no more calling in and missing days, and you will be happier at work and with your children. Try it!

Hi Chris,

I pay my nanny 13 an hour for my 14 month old daughter. I share her with a woman who has twins...they pay her 15 and hour. Hope this helps...I have a list of questions you can use to interview if you'd like it.

By the way...my daughter has only been sick once and that was just about 2 months ago...

N.

$10-$12/hour for one child-
$12-$15/hour for two children.

we pay $14/hour for 2 kids

I have an au pair. I love it. I think that we pay around 12K per year. The au pair needs to live with us. We enjoy the cultural exposure and my son has gotten the best care. I've had two au pairs (the first one fulfilled her year long committment). Both were very focused on teaching him. My current on is an English teacher from Brazil. They also align to my parenting style in terms of discipline and what is and is not allowed. I have a friend who just got an au pair in January. One of her three children is autistic. She was able to get a child psychologist from Columbia. When I followed up with her ...she said her son who has issues bonding took to her right away. About the sick thing...not an issue. Also they take care of cleaning his room, play area and his laundry. Let me know if you want any more information.

We just interviewed about six nannies and the price went anywhere from 11-13 for one child (infant, 3 months). However, if you are going to pay taxes on your nanny the rate can go up to 15. Hope this helps!

Chris, I too am a single mom of a 2 yr old daughter. I share your concerns about daycare and the kids always being sick. A good nanny can cost $10/hr. Thats about $500/wk if you consider a 10 hr day. I found my nanny through Magnifique. (I don't have the number handy, but you can look it up in the online yellow pages, it will come up.) The woman to speak to is Elizabeth. I've had the same nanny since October. She's very reliable and always on time. My daughter adores her and she loves my daughter. Also, I think it's good that the young ones are home with their own things, getting 100% attention from the caregiver. If you have any questions, you can call me. ###-###-####. Good Luck, J.