How Much Should I Pay? - Chicago,IL

That's was we paid when we had just 1.
So yes, I think that's fair here in Chicago.

(We pay $12/hr for 2.)

$40 twice a week to go to the show?
You must not have to "watch your expenses" too closely!

I guess babysitting it worth what it's worth to you.
If spending $40 to go to a movie is a good value to you, then go for it!

ETA: Ummmm, I did offer an answer. Read carefully: "If spending $40 to go to a movie is a good value to you, then go for it!"

Sorry, B.. I really am sick of the rude critical comments too without even a suggestion, advice or answer to your question.

I do think $10 is very generous, especially since the babysitter doesn't have to drive anywhere and your son is in bed by 10:00. Maybe this is confusing, but perhaps you could do $10 and hour for the first 2 hours while your son is awake and then possibly $7 or $8 for the remaining hours.

$10 per hour sounds a bit high, but i don't have kids to babysit any more.

Just a thought for you, all my daughters and DILs trade babysitting with other moms. They seldom pay cash for babysitting.

BTW, the more info you give the fewer assumptions you will get from the other moms on this site. Very few are TRYING to be rude. Most are just concerned and trying to help.

Good luck to you and yours.

In a city like Chicago, $10/hour sounds like a good deal for you! In larger cities, I think the going rate is closer to $20/hour. That seems too high given he is sleeping some, she's right there etc but I wouldn't mess with the $10/hour. Look at it this way, if you cut it to $9/hour, that only saves you $3 or $6/week. It doesn't seem worth saving that to risk this arrangement. If you try to cut it to $8/hour, she likely will be offended and $8/hour in a city really is much too low... And while you likely do need a break, she may not feel that sorry for you if you try to cut her pay bc you need to get out. Women of her generation often didn't get any time to themselves etc.

Ignore the rude people..as a single mom, you deserve to get out of the house even if it's just to go sit in Starbuck's wth a friend and a cup of coffee. Since your biggest expense is the cost of the baby sitter, maybe you could explain to her that you would like to keep using her to get a break, but it's getting expensive and killing your budget so would she be okay with $8/hr? Since he's sleeping half the time, and the extra money probably helps her out too, I'm sure she would agree.

I really hate how people ASSUME. The question you posted was not about IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT. The question is what to pay!! That was rude!
I am sorry some people take it upon themselves to put others down for things THEY KNOW NOTHING ABOUT!!
Bernandette I think that if you and your neighbor have worked out a good arrangement then GOOD FOR YOU!!!!
I think that if your neighbor thought it was not enough money she would say so or she would say she was not available to watch your kid.
Once again I apologize for the RUDE comments by other mom's on here!
GOOD LUCK and GOD BLESS!!
D.

I wouldn't pay any less than that in Chicago (probably more actually). It doesn't matter if your kid is sleeping for part of that time either. You are fortunate to have a sitter that you trust so close by.

$10 an hour seems fair to me.

don't let 1 person ruin your day :)

I believe this is fair, she is elderly & maybe on a fixed income & can use a few extra bucks & you could use some time to recharge....sounds like a win win good neighbor situation

I think that sounds reasonable..does she help feed, bathe or do homework with him?

Yes, you are paying her too much. I would pay her between 6 and 8 dollars an hour since half the time she is there your son is sleeping. Also, it doesn't sound like your son is a baby. But the issue becomes, how do you pay her less since you have been paying her 10 all along. If you like and trust her continue paying what you are now.

B.:

I think $10 an hour is reasonable..no she doesn't have to commute - but she does have to be there for your son should he have a problem for 2 hours so you can get some "down time"...

Since she is reliable and trustworthy - I would continue to pay her $10 an hour...

I wouldn't even consider paying less than what you're already paying. Unless you were to trade out helping her with 'housework' etc. You could lose a very 'handy' babysitter if you were to simply cut her pay. I mean yeah, being and older lady, she might not care as much about the money.... But unless she offers to watch your son for less, I'd leave it as is.

$10 is fair, and in C. a bit low.
You are getting a great deal!

I used to work part-time as a nanny around 2006/2007. The going rate in the Chicago area at that time was $12-$15/hr, and no less than $12 for one child. Perhaps since it is your neighbor and she lives downstairs, you might have a bit more flexibility depending on your relationship with her or whether you compensate her in other neighborly ways (i.e., walking her dog, letting her borrow stuff, etc.)

Take care.

It depends on your area. My 16 yr old averages $12-$15 an hour. She drives to 1 customer and walks to others.

I'm with Denise P. on this one... I can't see how you watch your expenses that closely if you go out 1-2 times a week which is $40-$80 per week. If I were watching my expenses, that is one of the first things I would cut to save money.

I guess it depends on priorities.. Sure you need some time away to recharge, I get that completely but twice a week to the show sounds excessive.

ETA: I did answer the question. Again, if it is worth $40-$80 for you to go out twice a week, by all means, GO! Re-charge and enjoy your little one. Gees, not @ you B. but come on other moms.... calling out people for being rude because you don't agree with answers? Be adults here.

if you are in the city, that rate is low so consider yourself lucky! i would LOVE to go out even once a week, so you are one lucky lady :)