Jen in NY Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 My 13yo daughter has been asked to babysit a neighbor's children while the mom works from home. It looks like it will be about 4 hours at a stretch. What should she charge?? I am so far outta the loop on this one - I have no idea what is reasonable and customary in these cases. My daughter is an excellent babysitter - goes prepared with books, games, and activities to keep everyone (including herself!) busy and happy. She has been working for a close friend of the family for a very low rate for most of this last year. Obviously I don't want to gouge this new mom, but I also want dd to make a fair price for her time. What would you charge/pay? Thanks, Jen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pegasus Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 We paid a neighbor girl $2 per hour to play with our two kids while a parent was home. Pegasus Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennay Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 I paid a mother's helper $5.00 an hour for 2 kids. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AmyCC Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 On one hand, I think it's a bit much. On the other hand, the child isn't very well-behaved. And honestly, I think being a mother's helper can be harder than babysitting without the mom around. When the child can go run to mom, it can make supervising difficult. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ELaurie Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 I paid $3 an hour for two kids. She usually stayed for an hour and a half, and I gave her a $.50 tip, so my total was $5 for an hour and a half. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alenee Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 I think y'all were getting away with a steal of a deal there... I'd expect to have to pay *at least* $5.00/hr if not $6-7. Under $5.00 seems like taking advantage to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kate CA Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 What would you charge/pay? I would charge $5 and hour. It is fair to her and fair to the mom. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jen in NY Posted May 16, 2008 Author Share Posted May 16, 2008 Thanks everyone. I was thinking around $5 an hour... and it looks like there's something of a consensus around that rate. Now I just have to figure out how I am old enough to have a child old enough to watch someone else's kids?!? ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kate CA Posted May 16, 2008 Share Posted May 16, 2008 Thanks everyone. I was thinking around $5 an hour... and it looks like there's something of a consensus around that rate. Now I just have to figure out how I am old enough to have a child old enough to watch someone else's kids?!? ;) That is so funny! I have been having this happen to me too - it is almost surreal. I have two that are doing these kinds of things - mother's helper, mowing the neighbor's lawn, cooking meals in the house, etc. It is wonderful, but boy, it is a whole new world! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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