How much would you charge?

Question

My husband and I have been asked to babysit/housesit 3 teenagers (mostly - 16, 13, and 11) for twelve days. We would be responsible for making food, making them sure they get off to school in the mornings (and into bed on time at night), and driving them to their after-school activities (lessons, scouts, etc.). We would also be staying at their house the entire time.

Any ideas?

I don't know the family well (like I don't know whether or not the kids are problem-children, etc.). Their grandma attends my church and that is how we connected. I also don't know their financial situation.

Grandparents normally do these kinds of things, but can't this time because the grandpa is having open heart surgery the same week.

Answer 1

I would probably set the price at fifty dollars a day to start, assuming the parents will provide for such expenses as groceries, gasoline, etc.

You could scale that up if the kids are hard to handle or down if they turn out to be easy. You are being inconvenienced, but you are also being provided with shelter (which you may not need) during the 12 days. Fifty dollars a day would come to a total of 600 dollars. I don't think that's unreasonable for what is for all intents and purposes two weeks.

Answer 2

$2000

Answer 3

well it kind of sounds like you want to do it out of the kindness of your heart. but then again how well off are you to feed three children out of your own pocket? well one thing i think u should do is buy all the food you will be providing for the 12 days, save the receipts and let her know beforehand that you would want to be reimbursed for this. or maybe she can leave you a certain amount to pay for groceries.. and also a day i think .. 80 dollars would be reasonable. . but also take into consideration that u need to have access to their medical cards and things of that matter. better safe than sorry. oh and maybe you should actually meet the children before deciding. one more thing.. have someone else to contact to take care of them just in case they are too much for you to handle.

Answer 4

If this is ur business, i think u should know better. But if it is something u want to emback upon just in addition to ubiz, then everything depends on u. Never mind if the people have money or not, just try to evaluate the works involve, compare it to ur time & then charge. Try to make a little bit higher bcos they going to bargain.

Answer 5

3 KIDS X 12 DAYS X 298 HRS X 5.00 PH = 1, 490

Answer 6

I would not charge anything! Just being a good neighbour. But why in the world are you doing it if you don't know the family or children well???

Answer 7

If you dont know then very well why are you even concidering this? There are legal steps that need to be taken before this could even take place.

Answer 8

wow big thing to ask someone you really dont know but i would say about 150.00 a wk plus expenses

Answer 9

maximum of 800$.

Answer 10

if u dont know them why are u looking after them are u a childminder