babysitting $$$?

Question

I'm babysitting 2x this week, and they gave me a twenty, and it's only for an hour each time. This seems like a lot to me. How can I say this to them? Also, if that twenty could include 2x next week....how would I put that? Or next time, how do I insist on less than $10? just feel guilty accepting that much money.

It wasn't even that hard...they we're in bed most of the time :S

Answer 1

Charlotte my neighbors pay $7 dollars an hour for each of their children to be sat. Kind of the going rate these days... what their paying you is far... More so given the fact your so responsible...
Still you can say something like, "Your kids are so great I feel guilty taking your money"!
All parents love to hear stuff like that about our kids...
but don't kid yourself...I'd be willing to pay even more just for the piece of mind knowing someone I trust is looking out for the little ones {-_-'}

Answer 2

This is actually a good lesson! You need to always find out *before* you start a job what the pay is going to be, and what is expected for that pay.

For this job, I'm sure these parents would have asked around before deciding how much to pay you, and have decided you are a good babysitter and so want to give you an amount that will be fair, competitive and keep you willing to return.

Also, by paying you well, they no doubt hope to encourage you to continue being very responsible and not getting lazy or too relaxed.

Before speaking with them, check with friends or other babysitters in your area, and find out what the average rate of pay is (no need to mention how much you get). You'll soon find out if what you are getting is above average.

Then you can speak to the parents, saying something like 'I've really enjoyed sitting for little X, and I'd just like to thank you for being so fair about the pay you are giving me. A lot of people don't seem to value their child's welfare and I'm really glad to put in the extra effort and earn the pay you are giving me".

You could also offer to do something a little extra ~ perhaps wash up the dishes, or tidy the child's room, rather than get a lower rate of pay.

Good luck and best wishes :-)

Answer 3

That isn't a unreasonable amount to be paid.
You say the children or child is a sleep most of the time so you are babysitting either at night or early in the morning.
In the work force that is a little higher pay for working those shifts, now if it is a baby your watching it is harder then if it is a 4 year old so that is worth extra pay.
They are paying you what they feel it is worth to them and they feel comfortable with you watching their prize possession, plus you are only babysitting a couple hours a week and they want to make sure they are paying you enough to make it worth your time.

Answer 4

First wait and see if it includes next week. Even if they pay you again, they must think you are worth it. Accept it as a big thank you because you are taking care of their child. Maybe since it is only for an hour each time, they feel like they should compensate you more, or maybe they just pay well. Either way, they wouldn't pay it if they didn't want to.

Answer 5

Good baby sitters are hard to find. These parents trust you with their children and want to pay you well for your time and services, they don't want you to feel like they are taking advantage of you and have chosen to show that through your "salary"; however if you honestly believe that you are taking advantage of them by accepting that amount of money, just talk to them and explain that you enjoy "sitting" for them and because you enjoy your job so much that at times you really don't see it as such; therefore you feel like the amount of money that you receive from them isn't fair and you would like to do the job for 1/2 the price. ( Never tell them that it's not that much work or the children are asleep and you really don't do anything). Good luck!

Answer 6

As a mom, a good, dependable babysitter is a rare find, and when you find one, you want to take good care of them so they will want to come back.
I agree that they are not paying you more than they want to, but the polite thing to do is mention it, then accept their answer, and continue to do your best.
It's always a good idea to get all of the details on how much for how long before you begin a babysitting job, just so everyone is on the same page.
With your next family, just sweetly say, "I charge this much."
Parents will appreciate that as well.

Answer 7

Ten dollars an hour is not too much for babysitting. It's hard work that requires expertise. I would just accept the money, thank them, and next time, establish your price up front. You set the price for your services.

Answer 8

I give my sitter $10 each time to watch my son and $5 for gas if she meets me, $10 if it is both ways. I also give my daughter the same amount. I work nights and basically my son is sleeping for the most part of the sitting so I feel $10 is fair each time.

Answer 9

These parents must fell your doing a great job with there children. Take the money. As a parent myself just the peace of mind knowing my child is cared for would make me want to reimburse that person accordingly.

Answer 10

Believe me, they are not offering more than they want to pay.

Not only that, but if they find a GOOD babysitter, the peace of mind is worth a lot more than mere money.