Email:

I Get Stiffed

"Dear Hoboken Nanny,

I babysit for a few families in town.  One family in particular never leaves me money for dinner and always stiffs me at the end of the night.  It's either they don't have cash and have to write me a check, which is fine.  But often when they do have cash, they don't have enough.  So, I'm not paid in full.  It's usually only a dollar or two, but I still get very annoyed since that's money that I deserve. This family sends their only child to daycare and don't use me that often, so maybe they think it's no big deal.  To me it is.  A dollar is a dollar.  I feel weird reminding them the next time because that makes me seem money hungry.  Any help on what I can say?  Thanks, Jessica"

Jessica, I hear you on this.  Think about what is more important to you.  A dollar or the possibility of losing a family over a dollar.  I know it is VERY pathetic for Parents to stiff their babysitter...the person who takes such good care of their child(ren).  I truly believe that Parents just don't get the whole babysitting aspect.  Some do, some don't.  At the same time, if it annoys you that much, talk to them.  Say "The past couple of times you have shorted me (X amount) and it adds up.  I rely on this money for bills. I know to you that it's not much, but even a dollar can help me." But really, I know it stinks, but to me, a dollar isn't worth the lost of a family because this could make them angry.  

Thank you for your question!

Have any questions or comments?  Email me at HobokeNannySpy@gmail.com