Do I charge too much for Babysitting?

Question

I'm a Freshman in college and I've been babysitting since I was 12. The Parents both work at a tax place and need me a lot during tax season. On weekdays I get to their house at 2:30 when the bus comes and leave anywhere from 9-11. On saturdays a lot of times they have me working up to 13 hours.

There's 3 kids- ages 10, 8, and 6. They are good kids (not crazy or anything) but they do get out of hand sometimes, as all kids do.
I am also teaching the kids how to read arabic. I feed them, help them with schoolwork, make sure they do their chores, put them to bed, play games with them, bake with them, take them to places like the park and library, and pretty much just hang out with them. Plus I clean the kitchen and tidy up at the end of the day. They parents and kids both really like me.

I charge $10 an hour (It was the parents' idea.) At first I thought this was average, but after seeing some of the rates on this website, it seems like a lot. Do you think this price is fair?

I live in Charlotte, NC, and yes, I pretty much only clean up what the kids do when I'm there. Its usually the stuff I tell them to clean up and they don't get a chance to.

Answer 1

It all depends on where abouts you are living and how much the parents make, sounds like they are doing just fine. I think that 10 dollars an hour for 3 older kids is a pretty good deal. It all depends on if you think its a good deal or not. You work quite a few hours too.

Answer 2

I, also, am Red Cross certified and 13 years old. I charge 5 dollars an hour: no matter how many kids, their ages, or if it's past midnight. Everyone else in my area charges A LOT more, but I feel that you baby-sit mostly because you like kids, not for the money. It's good to find out what the average cost for other babysitters is so that you know if you're thinking too pricey. If you really need the money, try not to charge more than you would pay. You won’t get jobs if the parents can’t afford to have you at their homes. You should expect a lot from kids depending on their ages and needs for that age. I haven't babysat any infants, but I would guess they would be a lot of work to look after. The older ones might be a little more helpful than younger children, but you never know. I've only babysat toddlers. Those 4-6 year-olds sure have a lot of energy that never seems to go away! They are clumsy and don't like to hear that it's time to go to bed. When it is time to go to bed, you need to enforce that strongly if they don’t agree right away or take too long to get situated in their beds. That way they know you mean business. Depending on the parents that raised them, they might not have very good manners and might not be polite. It's your job to teach them that they need to use their manners when you're around so that you are respected as another parent around them. They love to be played with and learn new games. Kids aren’t used to their parents being around, so if they miss them, just try to take their minds off of it. If it becomes bad, you can call the parents with the number they leave you. Don't let them do anything that you don’t feel comfortable with. You can always ask them to stop and to do another activity: as long as they are occupied. They always need to be doing something fun. I really hope this helps you out! It's okay to be a little nervous: you have lives that are your responsibility to keep alive and free of injury as much as possible while you are there! Good luck with the lovely children and have fun with them! They're so silly and love to make you laugh!

Answer 3

the ages speak for themselves 10,8,6. I would charge about 12 to 13 an hour. They are a handful. So basically you are a nanny if you are cleaning and what not. Sit down and speak with the parents. If you have been babysitting them for a while like 1 or 2 years, but only if you have been there a while

Answer 4

My friend has a daughter that babysits 2 kids for 4 hours a day and she gets paid $20 per child but she feeds them breakfast and lunch. I do think that you have a fair price especially if the parents set the price then that's what they wanted you to have. Thats the way I look at it.

Answer 5

I would charge more like 15 a hour you have three kids your watching plus your cleaning the kitchen and tidying up at the end of the day i hope your only cleaning what mess you make or the kids make.

Answer 6

10 YEARS AGO, when I was a teenager, I was getting paid $10/hr for babysitting 2 kids.

You getting screwed. Nowadays, its $10/hr PER CHILD. If I were you I'd up it to the very minimum of $18/hr, but would recommend going $20-$25 per hour for all three kids. Remember you are watching 3 kids, not 1.

Let me add that where I am (Minneapolis, MN area) my home daycare lady charges $16/hr per child. It does depend on where you live. Here, the minimun wage is $6.15 an hr.

So think about it, if your charging less than $5/hr per child, your making less that what you would be doing if you spent that time flipping burgers at Burger King.

Answer 7

I have baby sat for 2 kids before and get paid 20$ for 4 hours. And I have also baby sat 3 kids before for an hour and go 20$. So basically it is just the rate you want or that the Parents want.

Answer 8

I think it is high. The going rate for childcare by liscenced providers in my city run about $18.00 to $20.00 per day per child. It is a little more for newborns. This includes meals, and all the other things that you have described. Most individuals charge about $2 to $2.50 per hour per child. That would be $7.50 per hour for 3 children at a rate of $2.50 per child. I have done some babysitting myself and I only charged $2.00 per hour per child. Anyway, that is my opinion...but if the parents can afford what they are paying you and they think it is fair, then I guess that is what really matters. If they were having a really hard time paying you, then you might reconsider your rates.


WOW! After reading the other answers..I'd like to know where people live that are charged 18 per hour per child! *fainting* That is the basic going rate per child per DAY here...some places do $20.00 per DAY!!!!! Of course, I always used HOME daycare and not a center..but..I am amazed!
I guess YOU need to call local daycare centers and home daycares in YOUR area and ask what they charge..and base your rates on that. Since there is obviously a HUGE difference in rates depending on where you live, you need to find out the average for YOUR area! Personally, if you are not a liscenced preovider, I would charge a little less that the liscenced providers charge.

Answer 9

The only question you did not answer is WHERE do you live? Im in NYC and ...everything is more expensive here....but i would be giving you $15.00/hour. If the parents say its OK...it IS!! you arent 12 anymore...you deserve a living wage ...sounds like you do a lot of work!

Answer 10

you only charge $10 an hour? you're nice, because if that were me, i'd be charging $15! Sounds like you're being very fair as far as the price goes!!