How much would you pay a SAHM to watch your kid?
Hi all! My mom has been watching my youngest so that I can work a few hours a week, but I’m thinking about adding on my hours and I don’t want to overwhelm my mom. I posted in one of my local groups (I am in El Sobrante/Richmond) asking if there are any moms who would be willing to watch my toddler in their home for a half day 1 or 2 days a week. One person said they would do it for $40 a day, which seemed really cheap. Another one, who is a former preschool teacher, asked me how much I would offer. What do you think is a reasonable rate? Thanks!
Nov 10, 2023
Parent Replies
On the low end $20/hr, up to $35/hr. I'd think of it of less of whether that person is a SAHM or rather a nanny. Depending on the age of their kid, if it's close, it could be mutually beneficially as long as you're super clear on the expectations. We had interviewed one family for a nanny share and their expectation was that when the nanny wasnt taking care of the kids during naps, she should be cleaning the house and doing dishes. Not how we do things but to each their own.
I would go with the average hourly nanny rate, since you're basically looking for a super part time nanny situation.
I would go with whatever the current rate for one child in a nanny-share situation is. Because it's really not that different except that the nanny happens to be the mom of the other kid(s).
Assuming the SAHM is caring for her kid(s) at the same time, you should pay the going rate as a nanny share partner, which is $18-25/hour or less if the mom has more than one child.
If you have time to take their kid sometimes, you could also see if anyone is interested in doing a trade - so they get some time to themselves too. Even if they aren't working for money, they might want to go shopping, get some exercise, whatever. And the kids would also then get to spend a little more time together. If you can, I also recommend building a little time into your own child care arrangements - whether you mom or someone you pay - so you also have a little breathing time to yourself that isn't work/commute.
I am both a parent and child care provider who is currently providing care for a child. My pay rate is 25 and it is low for friends. The labor of caring well for children is energy consuming as you know and worth the investment as you know. I would ask what rate they need. Market pay in an unjust economic system is no guide for what's fair so researching cost of living and at least ensuring you're exceeding the poverty line is best practice. I think your own income makes a difference. If you are in the same income band fine, but if you're in a higher income bracket, pay them as the professional they are, please. Thanks for listening.