I Need Some Advice Moms

I would consider the day hours at a reasonable hourly rate since she really will be quite busy with a 3 year old. (For example, 12 hrs of daytime at $7/hr) For nighttime, I think an overnight fee for her inconvenience (50-100 each night) is appropriate. Leaving money for take-out and such is also a nice touch. This may be higher than both of you were thinking since she is not doing it for the money per se, but something fair along these lines would be appropriate in my opinion. This also at least gives you a starting point of what to consider. Have a great time!

Have lots of fun and get some rest. Enjoy the time away, even though you will miss them. I was right there with you. I didn't get away for many years when my first was born. After the second, we went away for overnights and with number three, we take weekends when we can find the time.

I have always paid 100 a night. We have always had a wonderful girl, in her early twenties, who was in grad school, babysit overnight and this was acceptable. She hung around the house, went to the park, and the kids were in bed early. We didn't have to leave any extras because she didn't drive them anywhere. They go to bed at 6:30/7. We did stock the fridge and kitchen. We also left Friday early evening and returned by 12 on Sunday. It cost us $200 cash. However, if you can afford more, it would be nice to give a little extra.

Tell her what you just told us and tell her that you want to pay her FAIRLY. If she doesn't know have her ask her friends. Any young person would be thrilled with $200 to $250 (which is roughly $5 an hour for 48ish hours), but I don't know if you want to pay that much. If she is a mature, trustworthy person then she is worth her weight in gold! Work out something that you both are content with and bring her back a nice gift as a thank you. =)

I think leaving her with some money for take out. I really think that $50-$75 per day would be awesome. Especially since your 13 year old really doesn't need too much "care". Just let her know up front what you are thinking and if she thinks that it seems unfair, tell her you are willing to negotiate, but you really have no idea. I recently paid my 22 year old neice $65 for an overnight. She came at 4:30 on Saturday and we were home at 10:30am on Saturday. That turns out to be about $3.60 per hour (which my kids sleep 12-13 hours at night). And, I left money for take out and they had cereal for breakfast.

She is going to be with them all day friday, saturday and sunday morning....I am thinking $50 - $75 a day. Have a great time.

I would suggest about $250-300 for the weekend along with leaving money for take out and activities. I babysat for a weekend years ago when I was in my early 20s and found it a nice/easy (for me) way to make some extra money. We would make meals at home but were also left with money so that we could get something if we wanted, rent movies and go somewhere.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your vacation and your kids will enjoy their weekend too!