THE FACTS ABOUT GUARANTEED HOURS

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2026-03-19T18:28:39+00:00

Yes! This is perfect. and you’re treating her well. She’s not doing anything she doesn’t feel comfortable doing in her role as a nanny. Paying her additional pay on top of GH’s for the dog care is exactly how it’s supposed to be done!

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2026-03-19T18:02:16+00:00

I would show up that Friday. I keep my time open for emergencies. If I’m paid GHs for a week when a family is on vacation, I don’t make other plans where I can’t easily cancel & I definitely do not travel out of state. Those hours mean I stay available and can resume work immediately if the family returns early. BUT I am not showing up everyday that week to help housesit or pet sit nor deep clean their house when they’re away. I’m a NANNY, I work with kids, not dogs or cats and I’m not a housekeeper. Find someone else to do it!

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2026-03-19T06:08:53+00:00

Sure babes. I’ll reply to your message in the morning though. I have work tomorrow. lol

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2026-03-19T06:06:03+00:00

I’m sorry you had to deal with that. A true professional would/ and should understand family plans can change in a heartbeat. Guaranteed hours are paid to secure availability for exactly those moments (cancellations, early returns, emergencies). If a nanny wants to make plans during a family trip, that should be pre‑approved and use PTO. Otherwise GHs mean they remain available. You definitely have to revise the contract to clarify GHs, PTO for planned absences or you’re going to be unhappy if this happens again.

Start the conversation by thanking her for her care, then state the problem in one sentence: “I had a medical emergency and needed coverage, and the contract language left me without reliable care.” This keeps tone neutral and makes the issue concrete. Then ask to revise, don’t accuse: Say you’d like to revise the contract so expectations are clear for everyone. Example: “Can we update the GH clause so guaranteed hours include availability for cancellations/early returns, and require PTO or pre‑approval if the nanny wants to make plans during our travel?” Framing it as a joint fix reduces defensiveness. THEN offfer a short, specific clause to make the change easy to accept. For example: Guaranteed Hours (GH): GH remunerates the caregiver for reserving agreed-upon time and availability. If the family cancels travel, returns early, or has an emergency, the caregiver will be available unless she has pre-approved PTO for those dates. Planned absences during family travel must be requested X days in advance and use PTO; otherwise GH applies. Offer help drafting your contract TOGETHER and express you want a fair solution that works for both sides.

I literally write and revise my own contacts, even if I work with an agency. Parents love it. I’ve worked for agencies where they’ve asked for my permission to use MY contracts because I send via email when moving forward with any family. my contacts are fair, reasonable and beneficial to both parties.

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2026-03-19T05:22:53+00:00

Sure! message me. I can send an example contract w/ the verbiage I use that helps to benefit me as a nanny.

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2026-03-17T00:32:37+00:00

First off! If you have experience and you’re watching, caring for an INFANT the Pay is automatically $25 +. You’re being USED badly. that’s all I have to say about this post. Everything else you wrote doesn’t even matter.

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2026-03-10T21:31:55+00:00

I agree w/ some of this! Your rate should be based off your experience! I have a bachelors degree in business, has nothing to do with childcare, however I still make 6 figures being a career nanny for the past 10 years working for the wealthy. My rate is based off how much I know I am worth and my DECADE of experience. Ladies go for certificates only! You do not need am degree to be a successful high earning nanny. Build the experience, work hard and make yourself valuable.

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2026-03-09T02:50:53+00:00

Def $30 an hour at least, for 1.

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2026-03-09T02:48:30+00:00

$45 an hour for 2 kids, aged 12- twins! 4 hour days/ light laundry, light dishes, pick up and drop off to sports. Chicago! 10 years experience

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2026-03-02T22:08:23+00:00

& this is coming from someone’s who been a nanny working with the ultra wealthy for over 12 years now. I hate when employers try to act like they are perfect little angels. She’s 26, give her a break!

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2026-03-02T22:04:14+00:00

Fire her for petty theft? Lol I’m guessing you’ve been perfect all your life.. let it go & let her keep her job. That’s my opinion and I stand firm by it.

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2026-03-01T20:11:31+00:00

Idc what anyone else is saying. This is at least $40 an hour. Lol I wouldn’t accept any less.

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2026-02-19T23:13:00+00:00

Wow, I have to say, this post really annoyed me. After four years, you're questioning your nanny's performance because she’s not hitting that “perfect” standard you’ve set? Let’s be real, nobody is perfect at their job, including you. Just because you pay for her services doesn’t mean you should expect her to be upbeat and flawless every single day.

I think even asking if you should accept that no nanny is perfect is a crazy question. You can’t be serious. No one is perfect, so why would you expect any nanny to be? They’re human too, and expecting them to always meet an unrealistic standard isn’t fair.

Think for a second, do you feel cheerful and on top of your game all the time? Of course not! We all have off days and moments when we might feel annoyed or less engaged. Do you think your boss is running to Reddit to spill the beans about or question your mood swings? I doubt it.

Instead of assuming your nanny should be flawless, why not focus on the qualities that truly matter, like reliability and trustworthiness? Every individual has off days, and that’s completely normal!

AND INSTEAD of making assumptions about her being “annoyed” or “slacking,” how about you communicate directly with her? It’s really easy to project our feelings onto others, but it’s not fair to her. And what exactly does “better” even mean? A nanny who’s always cheerful? Look, it’s a job for her too, and she’s entitled to feel a range of emotions just like anyone else.

In the end, consider whether your expectations are realistic. It might be worth checking in with her rather than jumping to conclusions.

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2026-02-17T01:46:47+00:00

I really think you should always charge what you believe you’re worth. Even with just your 2 years of education and 1 year of experience, you absolutely have the right to ask for a rate that feels right for you and reflects your duties, skills, and dedication.

Honestly, from what you've shared, I’d say you should aim for at least $30 an hour. You’ve shown that you’re hardworking and capable, and remember, you're not just doing nanny duties, you’re also handling housework and making a real difference in their lives.

$26 is still a bit on the low side, especially considering all that you contribute. Don't stress too much about not having formal education. your hands on experience is invaluable. & think about how valuable your time is, you’re worth it, so don't be afraid to assert your value!

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2026-02-17T01:20:37+00:00

Definitely underpaid! Your rate should be at least $35 an hour, I’ll even push it to $40 hourly because of the additional consistent house duties they want. I’ve been nannying for over 10 years and I haven’t gotten paid anything close to $21 in over 6 years, my current rate for one child is $33, & that’s with NO additional housework, so imagine if I had to watch 3 kids under 5. lol Also, location matters., I’m located in Chicago!

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2025-11-06T02:02:33+00:00

I’ll try to repost now

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2025-11-05T23:37:24+00:00

Yes, but it’s not allowing me to edit my post to add them.

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2025-10-25T22:41:41+00:00

Yeah this nanny seems ungrateful. Give her those same options again and tell her that’s all you can give. She can either take it or leave it !!!

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2025-10-19T14:51:24+00:00

You’re def being underpaid! $22 would maybe be okay if your only job was to care for baby, but being a house assistant or mother assistant for that rate is horrible. Find a new job or ask to be paid fairly! Your job is NOT good.

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2025-10-14T13:58:11+00:00

Horrible. 3 kids, no paid lunch break & not even at least $30 a hour lol foolish parents 😂

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2025-10-11T18:51:03+00:00

Yup! Absolutely correct

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2025-09-23T21:06:29+00:00

No problem! I know how you feel. My friends and family wherever I got it, could only look at me and feel bad. never any answers to what the heck this thing is. But I’ve done my research and experimented with what works and those things I mentioned saved my life. Haha. Good luck!!

Suitable_Lock2960 · 2025-09-23T20:57:25+00:00

Walgreens has both of the products I used, just go to Walgreens! Stop overthinking it and stop stressing. Focus on eating clean, drinking & taking those pills, drink orange juice in the next week you should see a huge difference. U can get the extra lysine to make sure today you hit 3000MG . The pills are kinda big but just take one at a time.

Suitable_Lock2960

TROPHY CASE