by michele r.
Member since:
April 13, 2010

Does anyone babysit? I have questions.

June 23, 2011 01:04 PM UTC
views: 0 | 3 people recommend this | comments: 22

My cousin is going back to college this fall and she wants me to babysit her 3 year old. Now I have looked after her before and she is no problem. She really gets along good with Lil Keith and I think it would be an added bonus to have his family around to play with during the week. My concern is how much to charge her. I was thinking of charging a daily fee but I have decided that I will charge hourly instead. I love my cousin but she will take advantage of me if I let her. (This has happened alot in the past!) Any ideas of how much to charge? I know that most daycares in the area do charge a flat fee but they also limit the hours that they are available. I don't want to take advantage of her but I also don't want to end up on the wrong side of the stick either. Does anyone have any experience with babysitting or suggestions on how much to charge hourly?


Comments: 22

Debbie T. Jun 23, 2011, 1:12pm UTC
Gosh, I don't even know. Back when I was a teen I was babysitting for, I think, $2 an hour. Another thing to consider is will you be feeding the child, or will she give you the food. Maybe you could respond to a babysitting ad to get a feel for what others are charging.
michele r. Jun 24, 2011, 2:32pm UTC
Thanks for replying. I am still thinking about it.
Rose Hill Jun 23, 2011, 1:21pm UTC
I've no clue, but I'd call a couple of the daycare places in your area, so you have a general idea how they handle things, then decide what you consider a day - how many hours etc.
Then I'd ask some of the teenagers to see what they charge to come up with something that is reasonable.
Most of all be clear from the onset and tell her you would be happy to, but on your own terms and that if things don't work out she will have to find someone else.

A good babysitter has always been hard to find - heck I remember wanting to drop off my son on the way to work when the babysitter said, "Sorry, my husband doesn't want the kid here when he comes home from work and slammed the door in my face."
Rose Hill Jun 23, 2011, 1:21pm UTC
...without warning - out of the blue.
michele r. Jun 24, 2011, 3:56pm UTC
Wow that was really uncalled for. I would not want someone like that looking after my child.
Debbie W. Jun 23, 2011, 1:39pm UTC
I agree that you need to make sure she understands payment, hours you are available, overtime, food, any outside activity fees, just like in a daycare. Here is a calculator to figure out what to charge: http://www.babysitting-rates.com/calculator.php
michele r. Jun 24, 2011, 3:59pm UTC
Thanks for the calculator! It is neat!
Sandy Moore Jun 23, 2011, 8:27pm UTC
I used to years ago and had my own day care business in my home. Don't let them get by without paying.
michele r. Jun 24, 2011, 4:49pm UTC
I am not worried about her not paying me. I am worried about her trying to take advantage of the time frame. I want to make it an hourly wage as opposed to x amount per day. I watched Taylor for her on Thursday and she was suppose to be back here by noon and did not arrive until almost one. She had a decent excuse but I can see how that would be a constant. Thanks for your reply.
Susan G. Jun 23, 2011, 8:28pm UTC
The only advice I have is to charge a high additional amount for every 5 minutes she is late picking up her child and be firm about that. Otherwise, it opens the door wide for her to run errands on your time. You also have a life and committments and things you must do. Be upfront with her about it so there is no mistaking that her child can stay only so long and no longer. This bit of wisdom comes to me from a woman I know who babysits. She told me that before she started charging extra, people would be hours late picking up their kids because they had things to do.
michele r. Jun 24, 2011, 4:50pm UTC
Yes, I am planning on charging her hourly instead of a flat rate. I know my cousin and I know how her time management goes out the window.
Susan G. Jun 24, 2011, 4:55pm UTC
Even those who are incapable of being on time can learn rapidly when they have to pay $2 for each 5 minutes of tardiness which is what the woman I know charged for late fees.
Diane Huizenga Jun 24, 2011, 12:02am UTC
so sorry I don't babysit.
michele r. Jun 24, 2011, 4:50pm UTC
Thanks for stopping by.
Sophie S. Jun 24, 2011, 6:40am UTC
Missy was babysitting for one of our cousins a while back and she charged her 7/hour.
michele r. Jun 24, 2011, 4:51pm UTC
Oh that is something to consider. Thank you.
Cindy B. Jun 25, 2011, 9:49pm UTC
I don't know how much money your cousin has to pay. I would charge no less the $20.00 a day though. I would also have her bring snacks. =)
atws
Rebecca P. Jun 27, 2011, 10:45am UTC
When I did babysitting it was $50 for a day (this was 3 years ago). I would call local daycares and see based on that and factor in if she plans on bringing snacks/cost of lunch.
Linda T. Jun 28, 2011, 3:03am UTC
I have no idea what the going rate is for babysitters now. It has been a long time since I needed to use one.
atws
Adelaide M. Jun 29, 2011, 8:47am UTC
Thanks for posting to Point Taken. Happy Wednesday!
Renita P. Nov 9, 2011, 11:22pm UTC
This comment is to let you know that your content has reached 50 views and has been removed from "Let’s Get To Know Each Other." Thanks for posting.
Renita P. Nov 20, 2011, 10:12pm UTC
This comment is to let you know that your content has reached 30 comments or 60 views and has been removed from "If It Starts With a 'G,' It's All Good." Thanks for posting.

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