We're hiring a friend's 14 year old to babysit our 10 year old this coming weekend. We haven't done this before, so I'm curious what the going rate is? We're picking her up around 5pm and won't be out any later than 10pm.
She has given us a rate, but it seems low and I just want to be sure we're paying her fairly. Thanks in advance!
hollyplace
Member
I don't know about a 14-year-old, but If someone babysites in the evening we usually pay $15 an hour. If I had a 14-year-old that I trusted I would probably pay $10 an hour with the stipulation that they can't text or talk to friends on the phone until after bedtime.
there was a very detailed post on this in the past, though I can never figure out how to find old posts; anyone?
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I'm super highly qualified, 10+ yrs exp with Seattle families, charge $15/hr for any age or number of kids; my specialty is babies/toddlers/prek; I have detailed resume & reference letters to email; divincent@aol.com or 206-949-7377
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I found the past thread on the many varying rates for babysitting very helpful, as people also listed their reasoning for different rates; can someone find that link?
austin
Member
Is this the one?
http://westseattleblog.com/blog/forum/topic.php?id=2117
There's a sticky with some tips on searching for stuff at the top of the main forum page, but sometimes it can be sort of a pain to sift through lots of info anyway.
thanks austin; that's it!!!
Thanks for the link. That thread kinda went sideways fast though, and I was sorta looking to see if people paid differently based on the age of the sitter and the age of the child. Caring for an infant is very different from caring for a 10 yr old!
This particular teenager is the daughter of a trusted friend, so I'm not terribly worried about inappropriate texting or cell phone use while she's here... and again, if I had a toddler I'd feel differently. Our 4th grader does not need the same level of attentive vigilance as a preschooler.
My daughter is a fabulous 14-1/2 year old babysitter who gets anywhere from $4-8/hr.
When she is asked, "how much do you charge?" She says, $4/hr. Honestly, she is thrilled with $4/hr. and I really hate to see people pay more. I had babies and they are the most important thing, huge responsibility, all that - I know - but seriously, you shouldn't have to go into debt to have a (much needed I'm sure) date with your spouse/partner. Adding a steep fee to a night out can put you well over $100 to grab a bite & see a movie! (Better be a good one!)
For a 10 year old, 5 hours, I would say $20 plus maybe a $5 "tip" (which they love), if they have done something a little extra = $25? And that actually sounds like plenty!
My daughter always cleans up, does any dishes left in the kitchen (hers or not) and does not talk on the phone unless it's to me (because I call to check often) And before all of the professionals get upset with me - let me clearly state that I am talking about teenagers here - this is not someone who has formal training or education for childcare - she's a teenager, and when it's appropriate, teenagers can be a great option. I have the utmost respect for anyone who makes a living working with children in any capacity and would almost always agree that you are underpaid!
She just needs a little spending money to hang out with her friends. (It helps me too!)
thanks DBurns for your insights
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yep, when I started babysitting neighbor kids at age 12, my rate was 75 cents/hr, and I was thrilled!!!
Thanks DBurns! I realize there are a lot of variables -- that's exactly what makes determining a fair price so difficult! I really appreciate your perspective.
hollyplace
Member
So true, I must have glazed over the part about you having a 10-year-old. I am sure she will just have fun and love hanging out with a 14-year-old. I would think $6 an hour would be fair in your situation. Have fun on your night out.
Our sitter is a very responsible 7th grader. She has done a great job and my kids love her. She plays games, reads with them, etc. She is only charging $5.00 an hour. She is willing to take more for a tip.
When I asked why she charged so little, she said that she didn't need the money and she enjoyed it.
She doesn't seem to be texting or on her phone when we get home, but our kids go down early, so if she is on the phone a bit, I wouldn't mind. Usually she is reading a book or has the tv on when we get in.
$5 an hour is what my son charges. But I would say that if you have an adult babysitter I would expect to pay $15-$20 per hour. My son took the Red Cross babysitting class. You might consider the qualifications when offering a per hour fee.
Awesome Jack; love to see more boy babysitters
Indeed! If we are ever in the situation of needing a babysitter again (we don't often need one, as we can usually make our social engagements when my stepson is away on his weekends with his mother) I would prefer to hire a male babysitter for him.
Jack, I'd love to hear from you. I wish this forum still had the PM function... If you click on my name, it will take you to my website where I have contact information. Thanks!
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