$ for a babysitter

MichelleW Posted: Apr 11, 2003 01:28 PM

$ for a babysitter

I interviewed a really nice young lady (she's 21)l to supervise Brandon after school for a couple of days a week from about 5:15-7:30pm. She does not have to cook or anything like that, just maybe take him to baseball. She will be getting him after she finishes work at 5pm

I have never had the need for this. Does anyone know what the going hourly rate is for this. She did not have a $$ amount in mind

Thanks for your help

michele31 Posted: Apr 11, 2003 01:45 PM

Re: $ for a babysitter

I am sooo glad you found someone. Hum. Not sure what the going rate is. I would think $7.00 an hour or so. I am hoping that she will be feeding him a snack or heat up dinner for him, if he is hungry. You should ask her about that.
How is the new house?

Kathi Posted: Apr 11, 2003 01:57 PM

Re: $ for a babysitter

I have no idea!! Since he really takes care of himself... I would think $5/hr is enough. Will she be doing homework with him? Jeez, I used to think getting $2.50/hr was alot!! Am I really that old?!?

Ronnie&Theresa Posted: Apr 11, 2003 02:03 PM

Re: $ for a babysitter

Michele let me speak to her first!

Just playing and tell her NO boys OVER when she is WATCHING B!!!

Ron has family in the town over from you .

I can ask the TRASH if they recommend someone if you want!

natasha Posted: Apr 11, 2003 03:48 PM

Re: $ for a babysitter

I may be totally off base here, please forgive me if I am. But I feel $5.00 is too little for having someone watch my child. That is below minimum wage. I would pay at least $10.

elle Posted: Apr 11, 2003 08:12 PM

Re: $ for a babysitter

I have a 17 year old come to watch Aidan twice a week -- Kinda like a mothers helper -- she started when he was first born to help me out -- and now 9 months later he loves her --anyway -- we pay her $8.00 /hr. I was told that was the going rate ..

Stacey1403 Posted: Apr 11, 2003 08:19 PM

Re: $ for a babysitter

I would say anywhere between $8 and $10

jennbaby Posted: Apr 11, 2003 11:29 PM

Re: $ for a babysitter

If she is 21, I'd say $10 an hour, or even $8.
No less though

JennRenee Posted: Apr 12, 2003 09:41 AM

Re: $ for a babysitter

If you really like her, pay her on the high side, just to ensure that she won't have to look elsewhere for more $$.
I say $10 is worth it to keep Brandon safe and happy.

Miro127 Posted: Apr 12, 2003 02:58 PM

Re: $ for a babysitter

definitely at least $10. i got $5 when i was 14 babysitting the kids next door.

jennbaby Posted: Apr 13, 2003 09:25 AM

Re: $ for a babysitter

where did you find this girl?

Cira Posted: Apr 13, 2003 11:12 AM

Re: $ for a babysitter

My mom watches a baby two days a week and gets $8 an hour and she watches her all day (it's more fun for her than anything). I would think $8 is plenty, remember it's cash!!!

dgtlsunshine Posted: Apr 13, 2003 11:21 AM

Re: $ for a babysitter

I think at least $8 as well.

Latina511 Posted: Apr 13, 2003 01:38 PM

Re: $ for a babysitter

I also think $8-$10 hr. Atleast that is what I was paid when I used to babysit.

MichelleW Posted: Apr 14, 2003 09:13 AM

Re: $ for a babysitter

I was figuring on $10/hr because it is only for about 2 hours a day twice a week. However, if we got out or to a wedding and will be out for an extended period of time 10/hr will be alot.

Sonicstef Posted: Apr 14, 2003 10:44 AM

Re: $ for a babysitter

Just wanted to weigh in that I got about $8/hour in the early-mid nineties so I would think at least $10/hour for a responsble adult.

I think the key distinction is to pay her more than the necessary wage so she will be happy to help when you need her rather than pay her the min so that she takes it but does it with haste.

But more importantly, treat her with respect! (Im sure you would anyway but I just had to make this point). When I was babysitting, I couldnt believe how some of the parents treated me! Like I was their slave! Of course, I would never take it out on the children but Im sure there are others that would. I know I went out of my way for the parents that treated me with respect and made sure I was happy (by paying me promptly, by making sure the baby was ready when I got there, leaving enough food/toys, caring about my safety, respecting my time, etc..).

I could tell you some horror stories about some parents that would make you laugh and cry at the same time.

PS: dont forget to check references! Of the several hundreds of baby-sitting jobs I had, only a handful ever asked for references or even my last name!!!

Kathi Posted: Apr 14, 2003 06:10 PM

Re: $ for a babysitter

I was rethinking my $5 guess...going to say more like $7 or $8. I just can't see paying $10 an hour to 'watch' a child who's self-sufficient. If he were an infant/toddler I'd feel different!

My sister pays her nanny $450/week for 5 9-10 hour days. But, she has a 7 month old, plus the 9 year old for almost 2 hours/day.

I'm afraid to look into nannies on LI. $450/week tax-free is ALOT of ca$h!!!