$50 an hour for babysitting?

Question

I normally charge $5 for 1 child and an aditional $2 for other children (ex. 2 children- $7 an hour). I told this to one woman I was babysitting for and she said okay. I was just babysitting her 8 year old son. Than at the end I told her it at the end and she gave me $150 (I worked 3 hours). I told her my prices one last time and she told me, I know how much I gave you, go have some fun!

How should I tell her I don't feel comfortable taking that much money?

Answer 1

She probably felt that you did a wonderful job and she wanted to show her appreciation. However, if you really feel uncomfortable taking that much money let her no that you appreciate it, but it's not necessary.

Answer 2

I would have your mother talk to her and explain to her that $150 is not an appropriate amount to pay you.

Answer 3

WHOA

that's a TON of money for babysitting. Good grief, I'm happy with 5 bucks an hour for the two kids I sit for.

But, If she's willing to pay that much, don't complain. If she knows how much she gave you(it was good of you to check) and still wants you to have that much, go ahead and take it.

Answer 4

if she gave u that much u probably deserve that much

Answer 5

Heck, if she offered it and knows what you were expecting, TAKE IT! :) lol

As long as she knows what she is doing, and isn't messing up your prices, then accept the fact that she is giving you more than you asked for! I would keep it if I were you! And thank her A LOT!!!

Answer 6

Tell your parents, and see what they think.  They may insist that you return the money anyway.  Then your parents will "take the blame."  Tell her that your parents won't let you take that much money so they're making you give it back.  You could even ask your mom to call and say it.  If she still insists that you keep it, buy a little gift for the boy, spend a little on yourself, give some to a local charity, and put the rest in your college account.  Be sure to tell the mom how you spent the money so she knows that you were responsible with it.

Answer 7

I would guess she wants use you a lot and that was her way of saying it. She won't pay you that again but it was to let you know she was happy and wants to make sure you'll sit for her in the future.

This once, take the money and have a blast. Enjoy it or save it. You can buy gifts for others if you like.

Answer 8

wow! if you are that good, can ya watch my kid?! lol. its great she gave you that much. really do go out and have fun, go to the mall, get her a 'thank you gift' such as a magnet or something she can keep to remember you, and go to the movies, treat her and you to lunch etc.... the next time she asks you to babysit, just remind her you only charge X amount and that you are uncomfortable with anything higher. I am sure it was a 1 time thing, go and get wild, well as wild as a 12yr old can!!!

Answer 9

She might get insulted if you tell her and it sounds like she knew how much she gave you. If you still don't feel comfortable with the money, give it to a charity.

Answer 10

Just say that exactly "I wouldn't feel comfortable taking that much money, but thankyou so much anyways", and see what she says. If she insits regardless then take the money, you can only try so hard. But props to you for making such a good impression! Super babysitter,eh?

Answer 11

if you dont feel comfortable taking it use the extra money that she gave to you and buy her a little gift that wa she cant refuse it! :)

Answer 12

$50 an hour is to much go on the border of $15. Try not to go over $20. These days with economy and gas prices not many people have a lot of money to give out. Just tell her that you really don't feel comfortable. If she doesn't listen then take the money that you told her like 15 dollars of it then but the rest on the counter or somewhere she can get it. Just be firm it is better for you to be comfortable then her so the very very last option just say please you know I don't like getting over paid and that I will stick with what I said and tell her you won't babysit if she keeps overpaying you. Shell get the message that way. Maybe 10 dollars an hour would be nice. Just tell her the TRUTH shell understand. Good Luck!!! P.S If you decide to do this when you drive I suggest you rise the prices they way gas if going. GOOD LUCK!!!!! :)

Answer 13

if you have tried to return it and she has said no then you have done the right thing. Maybe try once more and if she really wants you to have it then put all but the $15 in the bank

Answer 14

Are you crazy?  She wouldn't give you that much if she didn't want you to have it.  Declining the money would be disrespectful.  Take the money and thank her for being so generous.

Answer 15

be happy and do what she said, have fun!

Answer 16

She must have thought you were worth it or she wouldn't have given it to you.

Answer 17

She obviously gave you that much on purpose.  Even if you tell her you dont feel comfortable-shes bound to make you take it anyway.  Take it as a compliment and hope she hires you again!!!!

Answer 18

just feel comfortable. if u didn't deserved it she wouldn't gave it.

Answer 19

You must have done a great job and she obviously wanted to reward you for that! I would say, accept the money graciously and if you babysit for her again, maybe bring a little something for the kids; a new book, crayons/coloring books, a movie, etc. Just be sure she knows how much you appreciate her generosity and that you didn't expect it.

Answer 20

Get your parents involved. It sounds great but I am a bit concern with that.

Answer 21

That's just luck, or she really likes you. Have fun with the money!