Babysitting Rates - Help

17 years ago

I've just been asked to take care of 4 kids for two weeks while parents are on vacation. These kids are all between 16-21 years old. I will not be expected to be around all day ( i work) but just provide adult supervision and stay there every night.

I can't even begin to guess as to what i should charge for this - any thoughts?

Comments (3)

bbjan
17 years ago
Hi. I am 33 years old and I baby sit for my neighbour's two daughters ( 7 and 9 year olds), and charge her $8 per hour for both. Since my daughter goes to the same school as they do, I drop off and pick up her kids too. Since we are neighbours, they come over to my place in the morning.
I am currently doing courses in early childhhod development. I have 15 units in that field so far. By December I will be able to get my Red cross CPR and first aid certificate also. I live in California, Torrance. Do you think this is a reasonable rate for me to charge? or should I increase it? if so by how much? how much would be fair?
Thankyou.
carla35
17 years ago
missmack,
I would think the 16-21 yr. olds should be more than be able to take care of themselves for a couple weeks. Sounds like the parents don't have a lot of trust in their kids. Are they big troublemakers--which may figure into your fee. Wow--a 21 yr old having a babysitter!

I would charge the typical babysitting rates in your area. Of course, not sure how to calculate your sleeping time. But, I bet it's putting you out a bit not getting to wake up and get ready at home. Maybe $25 a day/night?

bbjan,
The $8 sounds reasonable to me, but I don't know about California rates - You may be able to get more. And, I guess it mainly depends on supply and demand for both of you. Could you find other people to sit for and charge more for...Could she get others to drive and babysit for the same amount? How much does the school's aftercare cost?
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I would suggest that the parents look for babysitting and school pickup, not you. It is their responsiblity to see who is taking care of the children. I do not baby sit, never have, but that is me. Here is this state it is very hard to get sitters etc and my GD is now doing daycare because she could not find anyone and is very good. She works with other moms so her oldest one and two others are able to go to preschool. You said you need a job to help pay the bills? Are their jobs avaiable for your age? What about insurance? Driving? etc Did your kids pay you anything if not why not? Hope things turn out ok.
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I don't know what you do for this person that makes him/her your boss, but I would suggest you not accept this babysitting job. It changes your relationship with this person and it can lead to all sorts of problems for you (not your boss, that's the perk of being a boss!) A job creates a professional relationship, babysitting is much more personal. It will cause problems for you at your "other" job with this person, and can make your life very, very complicated. If you insist on going ahead, then you should expect to be paid at least what they already pay you. They can certainly find someone else to babysit. Good luck and be careful.
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HOw much should i pay my 16 yr. old Daughter for babysitting this summer. Well, when my son was a baby and watched by a stay-at-home mom, we paid her $5/hr for the day. In the case of your daughter, you probably don't have to pay her that much but I wouldn't skimp either. Maybe $10-$25/day/kid. So if she watches a child Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, that's anywhere between $50-$125 for that one child for the week. If she watches two children three days a week, then she should get anywhere between $60-$150 for the week. Yes, it's expensive but taking care of children is hard work and you also want her to clean the house (definitely not easy to do with three non-napping children).
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missmack
Original Author
17 years ago
they are actually really good kids - three boys and one girl. i think the parents will just feel better having an "adult" there at night.

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Babysitting Rates - Help

Comments (3)

bbjan

carla35

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missmack
Original Author

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Babysitting Rates - Help

Comments (3)

bbjan

carla35

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missmackOriginal Author

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missmack
Original Author