My husband and I are going to a wedding next month. Normally my in-laws watch the kids for free but they are going to the wedding too. So we asked my husband's cousin to watch them.
She is 20 years old and she hasn't watched them for a couple of years and I can't recall how much we payed her then. Ours kids are 7 year old boy and 4 year old girl. Also we have a well behaved 8 month old Labradoodle dog. She would have to feed them dinner (I was going to get Papa Murphy's pizza) and put them to bed. Also feed the dog and let him out when he needs it.
So the question is how much should I pay her?
The kids can get themselves ready and they can also help with the dog and clean up their own dishes. Thanks!
Thanks for the responses. She'll probably get there around 4pm and the kids will go to bed around 8pm and we'll try to be home by 11pm or so.
Gosh, I remember the days when I babysat for $3/hr. When I got $5/hr from one family, I thought I had hit the jackpot! As it goes, I hear it's around $10/hr. I would not pay more than 10/hr especially because it's night-time sitting and they will be in bed for a portion of it.
I haven't had to pay a babysitter yet, I have a big family, but I can't IMAGINE paying a babysitter more than minimum wage. I mean really, if daycare is less than $5 an hour when paid by the state, then why would an evening job get $10 or more? I don't understand. Do you really pay a sitter that much? The cost of the sitter alone would be more than my hubby and I would spend on our entire date if we went out to dinner and maybe a movie. But, maybe I just don't really have a clue. Anyway, I was just shocked when I read your posts. I think no more than $5 an hour is fine, besides, she is family.
I would give her no less than $50-probably $70 for $10/hour. No doubt she will do more for them than you mention. Kids love babysitters and will probably have her play a ton of games and stuff-so she won't just be sitting there just minding them. And her time is her time whether they are awake or asleep.
At LEAST 10. an hour. It doesn't really matter how much work she is doing. What matters is that you are trusting her with the most precious things (people) in your life - your children. You are trusting her to keep them safe from harm while you are away. When you think of it that way, it's worth way more than 10 an hour, isn't it?
ADDED: Molly, that shows I'm older than you! I'd only make $1.00 an hour when I started out! : ) And my mom told me that she used to make a dime. For the whole evening! A freakin' dime! Even in 1935, that's a pittance! Compared to today, that would be like us paying a sitter less than 1.00 for the evening!!!!
I'd say $10-12 an hr (based on their ages, as I expect they are not THAT difficult to watch and put to bed).
Here in Chicago we pay $12 for 1 kid, $15 for 2, and $20 for 3.
Sounds like she is just keeping them safe and putting them to bed, letting the dog out. I would say around $40-$50. She is honestly doing about 4 hours of active watching before they go to bed then just chillin til 11 or so. You are providing a pizza that she just has to pop in the oven and everything she needs, which is what some of the babysitting rates pay for (supplies). She shouldn't make more per hour than most people. If someone asked for $10/hr I'd be shocked. Most daycare facilities don't even charge that here, they charge $5-$6/hr so it also depends on the area and what the salary/expense rate is there.
20 bux even though she is sitting fpr you she really doesnt have much to do accept make sure the kids eat and are safe and go to bed. and as for the dog not much miantenence there either. 20 bux and call it good!! Good luck
I think it depends on how long she will be there and at what time. I think about 8-10 dollars is good considering that they will probably be asleep for at least a few hours.
I'd give her $50 for the evening.
How many hours? 5 hours? I would probably pay around $60.
It depends on your area.
My 16 yr old has 4 families she regularly sits for and she averages $12-$15 per hour cash.
She is good, she interacts with the children, manis/pedis for girls, teaches Spanish (she's in AP Spanish & it's good practice for everyone), knows CPR, and is well sought after by several families
When we hired a sitter for our weekly date nights, we guaranteed $40 cash, no matter what then paid at least $10/ hr. Our weekly date nights were $60-$80 cash.
That's the going rates in our area!
I pay that age babysitter 10 dollars an hour and tip. My kids are the same age.. I also ask they do an activity like the park, go for a walk.. Or a craft.. Then I want the kids to shower before bed.. Although mine love the sitter and if behaved stay up late and watch a movie and snuggle.
