How much to pay a babysitter?
By brihanna
@brihanna (381)
United States
January 19, 2007 8:14am CST
Just wondering how much you pay your sitter, and what is expected of them? Do they make dinner? clean up the house? get the kids ready for bed? of are they just someone in the house to make sure your children stay safe from harm? Do you pay more if they provide thier own transportation? Do you pay them less if the kids are already sleeping? I need to figure this out so I can get a good sitter and keep her (or him)
1 person likes this
3 responses
@CC09241974 (69)
• United States
19 Jan 07
There are many different options when hiring a sitter. I sent my child to day while I worked, licensed daycare. Yes they are more expensive but usually have guidelines they are required to follow.
When hiring a babysitter for other outting or special occasions. I first find out how much they charge. They may already have a rate in mind. If they do not, I make an offer.
I expect them to clean up their own messes. Yes if they are here for a meal, or at bed time, they are required to do the routine at bedtime. I do have easier ideas for meals laid out and easy to get. Yes I would still pay them the same if the kids are in bed. It is like their paycheck. When you work a hourly paid possition at any other place, even if it is slow, you still get paid the same wage, right? I believe it is only fair.
I recently had one that I only had to pay $5 an hour for 3 kids. I aways gave her a little extra when she would come over and do extra things such as pulling weeds from my garden. I never had to worry that the kids weren't being watched, fed, and their naads met. She was a grandmother and was great with the kids! All the messes would be cleaned up, toys, dishes, just I as I left it or better.
I still do have her as a sitter but I have not been inthe need much for one!
CC
@CC09241974 (69)
• United States
21 Jan 07
Actually it is a funny story. I ran into her at the grocery store and thought I knew her from somewhere, but I didn't. She striked up a conversation and sat to talk with me for a good 20 minutes to 1/2 hour. Next thing I know I had her phone number and tested her for a couple short outtings and the kids liked her!
I know I wouldn't want to put an add in the paper either. Have you thought about asking around? Maybe through your church, friends, work other activities you or your husband may be involved with? If you have any colleges around you can call and ask if they have some students to refer! We have 3 here and that has helped too!
It isn't easy finding a sitter sometimes, I have been trying to get a list for the past almost 8 years. Everytime I get someone I like, the finish school and leave. Now I have a good one and she is generally free or her granddaughter will fill in, and I don't need them often.
Good luck in finding a sitter! I hope this gave you some ideas!
CC
@samtaylorskykierajen (7977)
• Canada
27 Jan 07
If and when I get a babysitter I pay them five dollars for the two little one's . I do not expect them to do any of the cleaning around my house but do expect them to clean any mess they may have made throughout the day .
@samtaylorskykierajen (7977)
• Canada
19 Jan 07
When I have to get a sitter I pay five dollars an hour , that is for two of my five children because the others are older and don't require a sitter . I don't expect much in the way of what they do , all I ask is that my girls are well cared for and as far as far as the house I just don't want it to look any worse when I come home then when I left that day . I do expect that they will have their own transportation but if for some reason they didn't have a way down I would be willing to go get them as long as it was not a permanent thing . If the children need to be in bed before I get home I do expect that they will get them ready for bed for me though as they are quite easy to put down at night . The youngest just needs to be changed and put down with a cup of water and my 3 year old dresses herself for bed , but when she is ready she would like a story read before she goes to sleep .
