How much to pay teenage baby-sitter per hour?

Question

How much to pay teenage baby-sitter per hour?

Answer 1

      

  







  

  

  Determining How Much to Pay Your Babysitter



  Babysitting rates-usually paid by the hour-depend on a variety of factors, from where you live, to the ages and temperaments of your children. The type of sitter you hire also can be an important aspect in determining the amount you should pay. Adolescents who are just starting out will probably receive less than older, more experienced teens or adults. Babysitters with special qualifications or training might also receive higher rates. Some babysitters charge an extra dollar or two per hour for each child, over and above their base rate for one child.  

Pay Ranges & Factors that Affect Them

Hourly ranges of pay for babysitters quoted in current sources run anywhere from $5.00 to $15.00. The best way to determine the going rate in your neighborhood is to ask around. Talk to other parents in your community about what they have paid. Babysitters often set their own rates and will communicate this to you when you talk to them about a potential job and in their BabySitters.com profile. You can also talk to a babysitter's references and find out how much they have paid the sitter.

Other things to consider are the responsibilities the job includes. "Watching a 7-year-old who is content to sit and read a book or play on her own for a few hours is different than caring for a brood of three, fixing dinner, bathing them and sending them off to bed," writes Jennifer Vogelsong in a recent newspaper article. Consider your children's specific needs and personalities and whether you want the babysitter to do certain activities or household tasks. Finally, you may want to take into account other factors such as the hours of the babysitting job (fees for long hours or late nights are often higher), or special dates like New Year's Eve. Babysitters will usually let you know about extra charges in the comments section of their BabySitters.com profile.





Talking About It

It is a good idea to discuss the subject of payment before hiring a new sitter. You can start by asking how much he or she charges or by indicating what you are willing to pay, negotiating if necessary until you reach an amount that is satisfactory to both of you. You should also agree on a method of payment. Younger teens often prefer to be paid in cash, while older babysitters might accept checks. If you do agree to pay cash, make sure to have enough on hand so that you can pay the babysitter when you return home. Regular babysitting arrangements (e.g. several times a week) might be paid at the end of the week or month.

Whatever agreement you work out initially, if you're happy with your babysitter, be sure to pay him or her well. Some parents will add a "tip" to the regular hourly pay. Parenthood.com points out that good babysitters are a scarce and valuable commodity, and they recommend paying a good sitter slightly more than the going rate: "This will keep your family at the top of her list-and your social life intact."  





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Answer 2

Hey,

I Love Kids, And Use To Babysit My NextDoor Neighbours Daughter, They Used To Put Her To Bed Then I Went Round Whilst They Were Out And Just Watched Some Telly Or W.e And If She Woke Up When And Seen What Was Wrong Ect, And They Were Out For Around 2-3 Hours, And I Used To Get £5 :D. It Was Good Fun Tho As I Love Kids, I Wouldn't Work Out How Much Per Hour, I Would Just See How Long Your Out For And Give Her £10 Or £5 Or W.e :D

Hope This Helps

Good Luck `ox

Answer 3

1. It depends on how challenging your kids are (If it's going to take A LOT of effort to entertain them then you might want to throw in a couple of extra dollars)

2. What time of day is it? (If the babysitter will need to bathe them, feed them dinner, etc. then that would call a few more dollars than if she was just keeping an eye on them)

For a basis, I would pay $5.00 for one child, with $2.00 per additional child every hour.

After you see how she babysits, you might offer more money if she brings her own crafts and such.