How much should I offer for babysitting?

Question

I have a one year old who will be going with the babysitter very soon. My babysitter is a friend of the family- a sweet stay at home mom in her early 40s. She will be babysitting my son for about 9 hours twice a week because of my work schedule. I'm afraid it may be awkward if I offer her too little or too much. Her husband is making a very healthy living for her and her family, so I know that money is not a huge issue, but I would like some suggestions on how much to offer her per week (2 days a wk/ 9 hrs a day)? Please help! And for any smart @$$e$ who like to go around and leave dumb comments- don't bother answering because whatever you say is just a waste of space!

Also, I will be taking his meals over there so she won't have to buy any food or drink.

Answer 1

I think maybe $30 -$50 should be enough. I personally have never had to pay a babysitter, but I was one when I was younger and my friends do. This should cover the cost of food and such and her time. You could just ask her too. If she knows you well, she probably knows what kind of price you can afford. I think that is what I would charge.

Answer 2

It REALLY depends where you are from. I see some people saying the going rate is $2-$5.. maybe you live in an area where that is true. But it is different everywhere you go - where I am from, I know teenage girls that make up to $12 an hour.. I'd say find the going rate and pay her around 75% of that.. If the going rate is $10 an hour, pay her around $7.50. If it's $5, around $3.75. And since it's so many hours in the day, maybe she should give you a little bit of a break. I mean if you were to pay her $7.50 an hour that's almost $70 a day.. If you're comfortable with that, great! But if not, why not (instead of confusing hourly pay) just set it at $50 a day or something. Talk it over with her! :)

Answer 3

I provided daycare for a friends daughter for a year and a half before going back to work. Her daughter was 9 months old when I started watching her. Initially, the mother provided meals. Once she switched to table foods, I provided meals (she at whatever my girls were having for lunch and snacks). The child was here from 7:15-4:15. My fee was $25/day. When I determined what to charge, I called local daycares and inquired about their fees. I decided on a fee that was less than daycare centers ($140.00-160.00/week) and competetive with home daycare/babysitters listed in the paper (charged slightly more than some, but I have had experience as a daycare teacher/director and early intervention/special education teacher). Not knowing where you are from and the cost of living there, I suggest checking some daycares and ads in the papers locally. Also, if this is someone you trust and who is really good with your child, treat her well! Good childcare is hard to find.

Answer 4

That last part was a little agressive! I understand what you mean though. I might be weird but if I leave my children with a friend I normally pay about five dollars an hour--it's not exactly minium wage but close to it. I don't know why...but then again I don't do it often. I would say anywhere from $30-$50. With the thirty you'd be paying her a little over three dollars an hour and with the fifty you'd be paying her a little over five dollars an hour. I don't know what to tell you--it's your choice to make. Personally I'd go with $35 an hour--it's not too little and it's not too much. It's a good in between number. I hope this helps! Good Luck!

Answer 5

25

Answer 6

I pay my 17 12 months old babysitter $7 an hour for observing my 2 12 months old son. i could say an further $2-3 on precise of that for each further toddler. because you're merely commencing out, it is likewise possible to work out what the mothers and dads are comfortable paying first. make useful the mothers and dads know which you recognize First help and CPR, it rather is a large plus. as quickly as you initiate babysitting, have greater adventure and teach what an remarkable babysitter you're (figuring out on up the home is a large plus, too!), you're in for a rapid develop! reliable luck!

Answer 7

I used to be a Child Care Provider registered through the state. I got paid from two different programs. One for taking care of the child and the other was reembursment for feeding the child. It came out to be almost $15. a day.
Have you asked the lady what she would charge you?
Ive also read in a magazine that along with tipping waitresses, servers etc. sitters should get tips as well.

Answer 8

You might call around to a few local daycares and see what their rates are. Most daycares charge a full time rate and a part time rate. If you were going to a daycare, chances are you'd be paying the part time rate, even though it isn't even 20 hours a week. I would offer to pay her the average for the area if you can afford it. You may need to adjust it down if it is too high for your budget, but that's a good way to feel like you are being fair to her.

Answer 9

I would pay around $70 a week then. My old sitter watched my daughter 5 days a week full time and she only charged $125 a week. That is very VERY cheap! But if money isnt an issue. If you are feeling generous and can afford it, $100 a week would be good but i dont know what your financial situation is.

Answer 10

The average pay for a babysitter is $5 - $15 per hour. It depends on the sitter's experience, training, and the going rate in your neighborhood. Since your friend has experience with her own children but doesn't necessarily need this money to survive, $8 - $10 sounds fair to me.