How much would you pay your 13 y/o neighbor to come watch 2 kids (age 4 mo and 3 years)? How much would you pay her to watch them when you are at home, vs if you actually left the house (which I haven't done yet- so far she's occupied them a few hours a week while I get some much needed chores done).
Thanks ladies. I was going with $7 an hour because I figured I can up it as she gets older or when I get comfortable actually leaving the house (FYI she did get babysitting certified and her parents are always right next door too). I just wanted to make sure I wasn't over-paying or shorting her (My husband thought I was being too generous, but what does he know, he never babysat in his life!)
Sounds like I am "right on the money" or close to.
You have hired what we call a "Mothers' Helper" who with some experience normally get $12/hr. However, if you are working with a younger child, minimum wage should be fine. My only concern is whether you should really be leaving a child at 13 with a 3 and 4 yr old. I think this isn't such a good idea.
$3 an hour with you home, $5 if you are away.
two kids, I would say at least 7 when at home and 10 away. When she gets older, I would increase it. I pay my 15 year old sitter 10 an hour to babysit for my 3 year old whether I am home or not.
I have a 15 yr old and she was paid $7/hr as a mom's helper. When she babysits she averages $10/hr. Last time she babysat 3 girls under 7 for 2 hrs and got $25.
These are the rates for my area which is a large metro area. A rural area might be different.
We had a priority of date night every week and when we used sitters, we guaranteed them $40 CASH and then at the end of the night we settled up. Our date nights were anywhere from $60-$80 a week but well worth it for some couple time.
Keep in mind the better you pay and in CASH, you have a more loyal sitter who will save the date for you.
Jen C. i wish we had the rates where you live! Although on the flip side, my kids would make peanuts :(
My daughter gets paid 10.00 and hour. (she didn't ask for that much...they offered) That seems to be the going rate around here. (she is 14) I would only pay 7 if i were home.
We live in the Sacramento area and my 14 yr old daughter sits pretty often but rarely infants. I would ask the girl what she charges 1st but if at home I would think about $5/hr and if away about $7-8 an hr. Many parents tell her she is undercharging on her rates for this area (we moived here from another state) and they have had to pay up to $10/hr when parents leave but the lower rate is fair to her and she stays busy sitting. Be sure she has had some training or experience in caring for infants if you leave the house. My daughter took a babysitting class locally at the community center, she learned basic child care and infant toddler 1st aid/CPR. I know my daughter she would do fine with an infant since she has had the class, but be sure your neighbor girl has cared for babies too, or has her mom close by at home as back up if there was an emergency. Hope this helps.
My area pays $8-$10/hr. Many moms I know pay the same rate regardless if it's 1, 2, or 3 kids, if 1 is napping, etc., assuming it will all even out in the end. We just hired a 15yr. old neighbor & will pay her $8/hr. to watch my 4yr. old & 20mo. old. I will pay the same rate whether it's only 1 or both kids, 1 is napping, etc. This keeps it simple.
Our sitter(16 yrs. old) charges $7/hr. for 2 kids. I would pay her that whether I was home or away. We usually give her a little extra when we go out though.
I would also like to know.
Minimum wage for sure.
