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babysitting question...

17 years ago

I recently got offered a part time job picking up 3 girls from daycare and taking them home, feeding them dinner, doing homework and getting them to bed... maybe baths to. The kids' ages are 3,4, and 9. It would be 2 times a week from 5-9pm. What should I ask for an hourly rate? Please help me out... its been so long since Ive done anything like this.. I have no idea what to charge. thanks

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Comments (5)

geoedwards
17 years ago
I personally would charge at least $150.00 a week. Taking care of childern I think is the hardest job ever!!!!
deborah_ps
17 years ago
Holly, I don't think I'd charge by the hour, but by the job.
Will you be fixing supper or will it be prepared? Will all food be provided? Or extra money if you go out for burgers? You'll have gas and insurance issues unless a car is being provided you.
Where you live will be a factor in what you decide to charge.
I certainly wouldn't "under charge" but go towards the high end of what the market in your area will bear...just because we all know what a terrific environment you'll provide for these precious kids :)
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Don't know everyone involved or all the dynamics, so can't give a definitive yes or no in response to your question. Does your husband feel the same way you do? Why? Is he close to his parents, or has he gotten more distant since you started a family together? Certainly don't want to push grandparents who were loving parents away too much, nor do you want to influence your husband to exclude his parents in any way. (From your description, it doesn't sound like you've done that.) On the other hand, there's a difference between one child going to an overnight party with friends and shipping THREE kids to grandparents (with whom they've never stayed before, I presume?) for a whole week. Having them four hours away would be problematic, if they should be uncomfortable, scared, homesick, etc.---which is not uncommon at your children's ages. Also, having a babysitter come and stay with the children in their comfortable home environment is different than sending them away for a week. If you would consider allowing an overnight visit, if there truly are no safety/well-being issues involved. I would suggest maybe just one night. Perhaps your family could go for a visit and the kids could spend the night with grandma and grandpa while you and your husband enjoy a little time away and stay in a nearby motel. That way you could be available if any problems would come up, plus it would be an opportunity to see how it goes. As they get older, perhaps some longer stays would be acceptable, depending on how shorter stays go. Assuming that the grandparents are normal, loving people that just have some problems with boundaries and unsolicited advice, they could be a wonderful resource for you and your husband, as well as your children, and your kids could have some good memories of extended family.
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hollylyn
Original Author
17 years ago
I have to cook dinner for them... It will be provided, I will have to cook or warm it up, I have to use my own car, pick them up from daycare about 3 miles from my home, then take them to their home about 2 miles away from the daycare, and will be helping them with homework, bathing, and getting the 2 youngest to bed. So its not that far I will be driving... but still... what do you think..
mom2emall
17 years ago
I live in the Midwest and would probably say $50 a night. So for the 2 nights it would be $100. For some areas that may be a bit low.

Now if it were for a friend or single parent I may negotiate that a bit depending on what the going rate in your area is.
azzalea
17 years ago
I'd say you'd have to get a minimum of $5 per child, per hour to make it worth your while. So that's $60/day--that wouldn't be unreasonable in my area, for what you're describing. And you're going to have to check with your car insurance company about your coverage--your insurance is going to go up, of course, if you're transporting children as a job (and you dare not drive them in your car without the proper coverage), so I'd think you'd want to add that in on top.

Whatever you do, don't do this too cheaply--it's a lot of work and responsibility to care for children and you should be well-rewarded for your efforts.

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