What should I pay my babysitter?

Question

I have a 1 yr old, whom I send to a babysitter. I send him with meals, milk, snacks, diapers, wipes, ect... you name it I send it. She generally watches him for 8-12 hours a day. 1 weeks she watches him 3 days and the 2nd weeks 2 days and same thing alternates 3rd and 4th week. She has 4 children of her own and mine is the only she babysits. She told me to just pay what I feels is comfortable. But I dont want to not pay something unfair to me or her. Please help.

Thanks!!

Answer 1

Do $100 a week-- if you broke it down, its at least 16 hours a week, if you paid her $6.55/hr (minimum wage) it would be $104, and for the 3 day weeks it would be 24 hours and $157-- when my aunt baby sat, she got $20/day/child-- but she had 6 children so it added up!  

Too it depends on how much money you are making and what you can afford...hard question!

Answer 2

I think you should tell her how you are feeling and ask her to help you figure out what is fair, considering how much you make!  I'm sure if she is a good friend she won't expect much.

Answer 3

you should pay her what you can`afford. when a babysitter says something like that, it is usually because they enjoy what they do or they understand your situation. just pay her what you can afford because if you cant pay your bills, you cant give your child the life she deserves. and the stress of trying to gather the money for bills will be stressful for her and you. when you get financially stable, then pay her what you would like to pay her. but for now, you need to think about your child. if you dont qualify for state aid, try the YMCA child care referral. i dont know where you live but i live in California. there is a waiting list but you can either apply online or over the phone. they help low-income parents find affordable childcare or they cover a portion of it. best wishes!!!

Answer 4

$80-100 per day or two days.  she's got 2 hav a lot of love 4 ur kid 2 watch him/her all day.

Answer 5

I babysit also for my sister on my days off.  I charge $1 a child because well their my nieces and nephews.  Think about if your child is a little wild or is the child mild mannered.  Also think about age.  How much does she have to physically do for the child.  Can she let him watch T.V. while she does dishes.  Or does he require around the care.  Also think about what you make and what is suitable for you paycheck.  I would prolly charge about $2-$4 an hour.

Answer 6

Whatever minimum wage is in your area. $7.75 per hour in my state

Edit: I guess I don't see how the parent's income has any impact on what you pay the babysitter. If she is doing a job 8-12 hours a day, doesn't she deserve the state minimum compensation for a job? If you can't afford a babysitter put your child in daycare using state assistance.

Answer 7

Most daycares charge anywhere from 2.50 -5.00 an hour, usually the younger, the more expensive. Child care workers unless they are a helper or assistant do not make minimum wage. Usually if its just an occasional thing you pay more. I would call around to daycare centers in your area and see what the going rate is.

Answer 8

well it all depends on how much youre requiring them to do. when i babysitt i have to cook clean take care of the kids run errands and do everything that parents usually do and they paid me $15 an hour plus a tip at the end. also when you have them stay for such a long time you need to pay a little more because they are staying for such a long time.