How much should I pay for a 11yr 15yr and there mom to babysit my 2 & 4 yr old. They are begging to watch.?

Question

Do I pay hourly, or for the evening? The mom would be there to supervise because we don't want the 11 and 15 yr old watching them alone. They like our kids a lot and want to play/watch them while we go out. We have never had a babysitter, so this is new for us.

They are not ASKING for money, I don't know whether they assume they are going to get it or not.

Answer 1

I would ask them what they would consider fair payment (unless you think they'd take advantage of you, in which case they probably wouldn't be the best babysitters anyway).

Answer 2

Normally, babysitters receive $3-5 per hour per child. If they have activities planned and are providing food for your children, pay them at least $5. If they do a great job babysitting the first time, bump up their pay the next time. If they are watching your children all night, decided on a set rate like $20 to each babysitter. You don't have to pay the mother. If you want to do a nice gesture for her, send her a thank you note.
Whether they are asking for money or not, you still need to pay them. You cannot put a price on your children's safety, but in the business of child care "you get what you pay for".

Answer 3

If they're begging to spend time with your kids, they should do it for free. However, since you feel the need to pay them, it should depend on how long they are babysitting. Do not feel obligated to pay each of them separately, pay as if you were paying for ONE person to watch your kids...how they choose to split the money is up to them. Around $6 or $7/ hour would be more than enough...even some day care workers who are in charge of 6 kids get about that much. If they want more than that, you should let them find someone else's kids to watch.

Answer 4

I would be THRILLED if my neighbors offered to watch the kids so my husband and I could have a night out. That is absolutely wonderful. I would recommend that you ask the mother how much she feels the service is worth before you commit. These neighbor kids might turn out to be a good thing for you and it would be best to start out by not overpaying them and not insulting them either. I would think that for 3 or 4 hours it would be reasonable to pay them $25-30.

I think some of the other people who responded to your question are watching too much TV and are not in touch with reality. If you know the neighbor kids and trust them, then go out and have yourself a wonderful evening!

Answer 5

Average babysitting rate is $1.50-$3.00 per hr per child.

Depending on how long you are going to be gone I would just recommend paying by the night. For an 11yr and 15 yr old. $20 each for a night out around 5 hrs should be plenty!

Answer 6

Are they begging to play with them or babysit so u can go out? If they are begging and u don't have plans. Talk to them and the mom tell them that they can't "come over" You will call when you "need" a baby sitter. I wouldn't pay more than $ 20 for the kids they can split it. and the mom is only a supervisor. She dosen't get paid.

Answer 7

my 15 yr old neighbor watches my 3 yr old daughter at her house. there is always an adult there. i pay her 5.00 per hour and generally stay out 2 to 4 hours. i also pack her a bag with her favorite snacks because she likes to eat small amounts often. they are great neighbors and friends. if she has a friend over and wants to share her money that's up to her.

Answer 8

It depends on how long, me and my friend got payed $30 for watching 3(4 if u count my sister) kids over nite, i dont babysit much cuz kids get on my nerves.

Answer 9

if they're not asking for money, then i'd say give them a $25 - $30 gift card from stores like target, walmart, amazon, ebay, etc. that way it seems more polite than just handing them money and will encourage them to babysit your child again.

Answer 10

$40 for an evening