After setting a babysitting rate can I reset it with the parents?

Question

I started babysitting three kids and I set the rate at $5 an hour. But the second time I babysat these kids, they were REALLY REALLY hard. I don't feel that I was properly paid for what I had to put up with and I don't know if I even want to babysit them again. But I've only baby sat these kids 3 times. Can I reset the price ?

Answer 1

3 children at $5 an hour isn't near enough. Definitely raise it and explain to the parents why. The going rate here is $8 - $10 depending on number of children and what you are responsible for doing while you're there.

Answer 2

I certainly would. Tell the parents up front, next time they call. And let the parents know why. If their children are giving other babysitters trouble too, they need to know it and do something to correct it. Also, you should get paid for dealing with difficult children. I don't think $5 is anything like enough to deal with 3 kids - for me to do it would be between $20-$50 depending on how troublesome they are and how young, and I do mean per hour!

Answer 3

You have to decide what you are worth. Just make sure that you tell the parents beforehand what your price is. If you set it too high though, consider that the parents might choose someone else. Which might not be a bad thing.

You might want to ask other people in the area what the going rate is for babysitting, just to make sure you are in the right range.

Answer 4

Absolutely. Sit down and tell the parents how you feel, but choose your words carefully so you don't upset them. Remember, most parents feel their children are angels. There's nothing wrong with telling a little white lie like "Since the price of gas is so high, I need to change my rate so I can afford to get around." That way, you change the rate, and you don't hurt their feelings about their kids.