Economic hard times for nannies

The news is hitting everyone. The economy is bad and things are tough. For nannies, whose income is tied to the income of others (the more a family makes the more they can afford to pay for childcare) the situation is not looking good. Recently there was this article in the Wall Street Journal Five Ways to Save on Child-Care Costs - WSJ.com. This article suggest nanny sharing as one way to get high quality care while not taking out a second mortgage on your home. It also talks about how to handle it if you have to cut your nanny's salary.

As a nanny who has worked for a family for more than 7 years I can't imagine what that conversation will feel like. "Yes, I need you to do the same job, work the same hours, and get paid less." However, my employer works in the financial industry and she is probably going to make less this year. She is working just as hard and just as many hours if not more! So I started thinking about it and here is how I would like the conversation to go. 

1. If you have to pay me less, or even give me less for bonuses and extras please tell me about it. Talking about these things is awkward but it does make it better in the long run. 

2. Make me a part of the team. If I know you are cutting corners then it will be easier for me to take the hit. 

3. If I am loyal now and take the pay cut with grace and dignity, please remember me later when things get better. 

4. If you have to cut back think of things you can do for your nanny that will help her weather the storm. Do you have internet she can use? Can you share frequent flier miles, credit card bonus points, or other perks that don't cost you a thing but that can mean everything to someone who may be living check to check? These things show that you care. And really that is what is important to convey. 

Sue Downey (nanny)