Nanny Hunt

Finding the Perfect Nanny

By Kendeyl Johansen

Leaving a child with an incompetent caregiver is every parent's nightmare, but families can find loving, knowledgeable nannies. Annie, mom to Cecilia, 4, and Beau, 2, never worries about leaving her kids with 19-year-old Esther. "Esther's great. She's energetic, imaginative and loves science. She teaches the kids about bugs, reads to them and sometimes dresses up with my daughter in scarves and bright makeup. One day we had a pipe leak outside. Esther rolled up her pants and sleeves and made mud pies with the kids."

According to Lindy Bowthorpe, director of the Childcrest Nanny and Au Pair Placement Agency, American midwest families can expect to pay between $200 and $400 per week for a nanny. Parents in large cities, like New York, often pay more. Besides geographic area, nanny salaries depend on previous childcare experience, educational level, hours and whether the nanny lives in the home with the family. Bowthorpe says, "The cost for a live-out nanny is higher because families aren't providing room and board."

Au pairs, on the other hand, start at a nationwide weekly rate of $139. Au pairs are foreign child-care workers sharing a family's home as part of an intercultural exchange program. Au pair stays are limited to one year, and families must contribute tuition toward au pair educational improvement.

Along with salary considerations, it's essential to define nanny responsibilities prior to interviewing candidates. Joanne from Illinois advises making concrete decisions about expectations. "Everything should be covered -- from curfews to daily household chores to what types of things should and should not be discussed with the children."

Want to see more?

• Nannies Discussion Board
• Baby Sitter Information Sheet
• The International Nanny Association
• The Alliance of Professional Nanny Agencies