Ive been babysitting a little boy for 3 mths now & everytime i get paid it gets less and less. So tell me what you think...I babysat this last week for 4 days. Each day was only 2 1/2 hours, but in that time I have to feed and change the baby (hes 10 mths). He is always brought over hungry & ready to eat and half the time comes with a poop diaper. When its time to take him home I have to take him, which is 10 miles home (20 round trip). This week I only got a check for 20 dollars. I also have 4 of my own children, 2 of which are at home when i am sitting. What do you think? Do you think I am getting ripped off? Would you continue to babysit for this girl? What do you think I should be getting paid for this? Serious answers only please!
2007-01-11 07:35:07 · 8 answers · asked by happychick 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
The amount you are paid shouldn't be LESS, but MORE! There's inflation and clearly, the parents are expecting you to do more (a LOT more!) than most babysitters, or even daycare providers do!
Regardless of whatever agreement you had (if there was one), it's time for you to make a list for yourself of what you'll do and will not do, what you want to make (we were paying a college girl $5/hr., back in 1991! These girls just hung out, changed a diaper or 2 and gave a bottle at most.).
After you decide on YOUR fees, tell the parents that you can't keep taking care of their child on the current salary, nor can you deal with it changing all the time. Give them the list and say, this is what I need. If they don't like it, just say, "Sorry, but that's the bottom line. Any less and I'm losing money. This is a business for me, just like anything else. See ya!".
Personally, I do NOT get people who think it's alright to pay bottom dollar to people who care for the most precious thing: their children, yet will blow thousands on needless luxuries, like cars! They probably pay more for their cellphones than getting their kids cared for. For shame!
2007-01-11 08:04:22 · answer #1 · answered by SieglindeDieNibelunge 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think if you are going to regularly babysit, you need to have a contract drawn up with how much you would like to get paid in advance. Right now you are only getting paid $2 per hour. That seems really low. But maybe that is all she can afford. I would talk to her and let her know what your rates are and if she cannot afford it, maybe you can work something out. Do some research and see what the going rates are in your area per hour or day. IIt does not seem right that you have to drop him off. But if that is what your arrangements were in the beginning, maybe it is time to relook at them now.
2007-01-11 07:44:29 · answer #2 · answered by formetoknowandu2findout 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's ridiculous! You should tell them what your hourly rate is and if you add up all your hours..$20 for 10 hours of work is only $2/hour!! They should also be giving you gas money..did you have terms set before you started babysitting for her? I definitely think that you should have a serious talk about this, because it looks like you are getting seriously ripped off, hun!
2007-01-11 07:44:52 · answer #3 · answered by JKlein 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
you are completly getting ripped off.
You should have a set price for the week.
100 per week. or what you feel is fair.
you have to think about gas as well!
I would talk to her and say, I fell like she should be cleaned and fed when I get him, just Iike I return him to you. This will probably make her mad but OH WELL! she is taking major advantage of you and $20 is not worth your time!
2007-01-11 07:43:54 · answer #4 · answered by crystald 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would check in your state what the minimum wage is, because that's what you should be making. If you are willing to agree to a lower amount, you need to get it in writing and have her sign the agreement so if she does not pay you what she owes you, you can take her to court (only if this is your last option though).
2007-01-11 08:34:27 · answer #5 · answered by amarilysusa 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally I think you're seriously getting ripped off. I'd give you 20 bucks per day, if you're driving and everything you say. No joke.
2007-01-11 07:41:36 · answer #6 · answered by barefoot_yank 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What were the original terms of you watching her? If the parents aren't living up to what they agreed to, remind them of the agreement and tell them you can't keep watching her if they don't abide.
2007-01-11 07:40:52 · answer #7 · answered by tabithap 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Seriously your getting ripped off you should try telling her that.
I would pay $30.50 every Half hour
2007-01-11 07:45:53 · answer #8 · answered by ~!<God's Daughter>!~ 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋