Babysitter's Going Rate

We pay $5 per hour for teenagers (for the first child and $3 for additional) and $10 per hour for adults. I assume that a daycare teacher would be an adult. In that case I would ask her straight out if she would like you to provide lunch or if she wants to take care of that herself... I would think most adults would take care of it. If she is a teenager then yes you should provide lunch for her, or have something she can prepare.

There is really little reason for a sitter to watch TV. Do you watch TV while taking care of your son... I don't see how to... my girls wouldn't let me. If he takes a nap that is another story and you can make that clear to the sitter before she starts. I came home one night and our sitter was watching TV while our 2 yr old was screaming in her crib and our 8 year old was making a huge mess because she was "bored". That was the last time she babysat for us. We were only gone for one hour.

I have 3 kids and pay $10 an hour, she is great. I have a teen who comes to my home and I pay her the same $10 an hour. The adult, I take my children there (she is across the street).
They adhere to nightime routine and my children love them both so they rarely leave their sides. I do tell them to keep the kitchen closed around the wandering 2 year old and yes they can watch television on weekends of the childrens choice. (We have a code that keeps out the bad stuff).

I pay $10/hour, but I know people who pay $10-15. It just depends on what you want to pay & what she'll accept.
I don't provide lunch, but I just tell them that they're welcome to raid the fridge anytime they get hungry.
Also, we usually only have sitters at night time, so we always tell them they can watch tv after she's asleep. During the day, if you're comfortable with them you could always ask them to do light cleaning around the house while the baby is napping or just bring a book, relax, tv, whatever. I think that the more freedoms you give them, they'll want to be that much more on top of things for you to return the kidness. That's how it's worked for us at least. Sometimes if you say no tv or whatever, they'll sneak around you and do & it just makes the whole situation uncomfortable for everyone. As long is baby is their #1 priority, why not let them feel cozy in your home as if they were in their own!

Hi, we're in the South Bay as well and the going rate, for an adult with experience, is $10-$15. Actually, I've not been able to find someone for $10, but I hear others have.

Watching TV is for nap/sleep time only. Asking a one-time babysitter to clean may not work, but if it's going to be a regular/nanny thing, then yes, agree on a price and duties that include light cleaning.

I wouldn't offer a specific meal, but I always say help yourself, etc.

Tell her/him which neighbors to go to if they need help (power outage, locked out, you never know, it happens).

There is a fine line between making them comforable so they give back and giving so much that they take advantage. And that line has to be determined with each individual.

Best to you.

it is about 10.00 an hour unfortunately. Let her help herself to lunch and do what she feels comfortable. You can also ask her what she charges. Maybe she will be less.