How much should I charge??

Question

My cousin wants me to watch her baby when it's born. I'm a stay at home mom with two kids of my own-5yrs and 3yrs. I'll be watching the baby anywhere from 24-32 hours per week. I was thinking $100 per week, but people have been telling me that's not enough. What do you think?? Thanks. ( My 5 yr old is in pre-school)

Answer 1

Things get pretty hairy when you talk prices and money with family members. Because of that the price you set now will probably be the price you're stuck with for a long time.
I suggest you forget the dollar figure and trade "favors" with her. Say, she watches your kids on Saturdays so you can go out.
Or maybe she can do some of your errands (pick up dry cleaning, cook dinner one or two nights, clean your house once a week, etc.)
That way, you don't get into the ugly money and family business.

Answer 2

I guess it depends on how you came to this figure. If you are trying to help her out by charging less than a daycare, then $100-$150 would probably be a good amount. If you are not trying to be extra nice, and want to charge her the way she would be charged elsewhere...I'd say at least $6-$7 per hour ($144-$244).

Whatever you both can agree on, I would suggest also laying some major ground rules...Be on time, call if running late, bring an extra set of clothes, don't bring her when she's sick...Family is great because they are your family...but family will always try to take advantage of you when they can.

Answer 3

I would think $200 to $250 per week would be more fair.

Also, you better come to an understanding with your cousin in writing; otherwise, there will be a lot of late payments, late pickups, etc. And are you going to accept the child when it is sick and your kids are not? What about liability in case of an accident? Will you have power of attorney for medical care?

Answer 4

if you provide the meals and snacks I would charge 100.00 if not i would do 90.00 the daycares around here charge about that for newborn care. I watched my niece for 40-50 hours a week and only got paid 50.00. I'd take what you can get from family. I also had to do the cleaning and the cooking.

Answer 5

Well is she supplying the diapers and formula??
Maybe like 35-40 a day. Good luck. I charge 30 a day for one girl and i have a 4 and twin 6 year olds it is just fun money for me and I love it.

Answer 6

$150

Answer 7

She's family, so I'd go $25 to $30 a day.Or you can charge per hour,in that case I'd go $4-$5/hour. I prefer charging per hour. Good luck!

Answer 8

I would say $150-$175 a week then drop it when the baby is out of diapers.

Answer 9

i say abe 150 or more. that is a lot of time, and you already have stuff to do. figure out what you want to charge per hour... then multiply it by the # of hours you watched that week.

Answer 10

She's family, you should sit down and discuss with her what she can afford and what you think is fair. If you want to know what the market price is you should call around to some home day cares in your area and ask about their rates.