Babysitting?! - wow...?

Question

I took part one of my babysitting course today. I met alot of people my age. It was from 9am-3pm.

We watched videos, did activites, and thursday I go back for 6 more hours and learn CPR, diapering ( I already know diapering )... and were taking a test and the score determines whether or not we get a certificate.

Anyways, I NEVER thought that it was soooo complicated. Really. They gave me this HUGE folder with tons of papers and CPR booklets. I cannot even explain everything I learned today.. it would probably take volumes!

But I was wondering about charging rates. Our instructor told us to ask neighbors and friends what the charging rate is.. we have alot of younger girls who would need babysitters - like 3 girls per house in every house on our street, but we got into arguments when I moved in 5 years ago, and we have never talked since. So I cant ask anybody what the rate is. How muchs should I charge? I want to be the ' offical babysitter ' for some families, how do I do this?

Answer 1

With your rates, with the average household, your be making $6/ day or hour. I would charge $10 a day, but if you have MORE THAN 3 kids, $15 a day. Your just a kid, so not that many people would want to hire you. Make a flyer, with a picture, and place it all over the place. Place it on telephone poles, cars, under door mats, people walking around in the neighborhood, etc. and get your name out. Good luck!

Answer 2

i was in classifieds today looking at babysitters and i saw one 12 yr old girl advertising she would work for $5. an hour per child. however she is a child and i would not hire her, i have another woman offering me ( i am a 30something experienced mom of 3) $7. per hour for a kid, but i live in the south and things are way cheaper here

$5 for one kid, $8 for two, $10 for 3

Answer 3

The going rate in my area is $5 an hour, but I hear in some areas it's up to $10...........    where are you?  

Anyway, when I started babysitting, I came up with a simple flyer saying that I was available, what my qualifications and references were (and your course should be a big plus for you) and just put those flyers out on car windshields, or door to door, so that people know you are available.

Answer 4

Its hard to say. If you have college classes in child development , I would charge them anywhere from 10 dollars an hour to twelve dollars. You have to understand, if the children where in a preschool the prices for their child to attend is outrages, especially if you go to private schools. I know this because i am a preschool teacher. I would ask anywhere from ten dollars an hour to twelve an hour. This also depends on your age. If your younger than eighteen, they might refuse this offer, because of the lack of experience and the education. If your older with college classes, i would definitely ask for that amount.

Answer 5

Well...I am 14 yrs old and I normally get $6-7 an hour for one kid and $9-10 an hour for two and a little bit more if there are more kids. Many parents already know the going rate is for babysitters  and now what is expected for pay. Just let them know that, for instance you would prefer more than $5 per child and let the parents go from there. When I have done that I normally end up getting paid more than that. Good Luck!!

Answer 6

I think $5 per child is adequate.

Answer 7

Back in the day when my son was a baby I paid my sitter $20.00 a day and I provided the food and diapers.  When my other one came I paid $40.00 a day.  I think $20. to $25. per kid is fine for a day.  Or if me and my husband just wants a little us time we pay $2.50 per kid per hour.

Answer 8

When I babysit I charge $3 an hour per kid. To be a families "official babysitter" you'll need to make a great first impression not just with the parents but  with the kids too. I have been babysitting for the same family for over 3 years now. It about gaining the parents trust and being responsible.

Edit even if there is addition kids I stay with the $3. So if they have 3 kids I make 9 an hour, but I guess if you're only babysitting one kid you wouldn't make much so $5 sounds good but for additional kids I would make it $2. Thats just me.