Comments on: Average cost of a babysitter http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/ Parenting, Politics and News for the Perfectly Challenged Mon, 22 Mar 2010 13:45:04 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: Tiffany http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-268730 Tiffany Tue, 15 Sep 2009 00:45:06 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-268730 Heres a new perspective. I am 20 and am a full time student. I live in DC suburbia. All the parents in the neighborhood (and sometimes friends) will call on me when they need a sitter. I never have a "going rate" rather most parents pay me what they believe practical. One woman who has two well behaved toddlers will pay me $15 an hour. Another has two hellians and a sweet younger one, she pays me $20. I've never been paid less than $15 but I also spend a lot of time playing with the kids and reading to them. Heres a new perspective. I am 20 and am a full time student. I live in DC suburbia. All the parents in the neighborhood (and sometimes friends) will call on me when they need a sitter. I never have a “going rate” rather most parents pay me what they believe practical. One woman who has two well behaved toddlers will pay me $15 an hour. Another has two hellians and a sweet younger one, she pays me $20. I’ve never been paid less than $15 but I also spend a lot of time playing with the kids and reading to them.

]]> By: Babys http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-249504 Babys Sat, 13 Jun 2009 02:50:04 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-249504 I live in Oklahoma. I live in Oklahoma.

]]> By: Jessica http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-247023 Jessica Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:50:21 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-247023 Sitter and babys, the amount you would charge would depend on what area you live in. Without telling exactly where you live, can you tell us if your area is rural or if you're close to a big city. (Please do not disclose your exact location!) Sitter and babys, the amount you would charge would depend on what area you live in. Without telling exactly where you live, can you tell us if your area is rural or if you’re close to a big city. (Please do not disclose your exact location!)

]]> By: babys http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-246744 babys Tue, 02 Jun 2009 02:51:13 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-246744 I'm 12, very responsible,smart, and kids love me. I am sertified in CPR, first aid and babysitting. I want to start a babysitting service and I'm not sure how much I should ask yo be paid.Any ideas? I’m 12, very responsible,smart, and kids love me. I am sertified in CPR, first aid and babysitting. I want to start a babysitting service and I’m not sure how much I should ask yo be paid.Any ideas?

]]> By: sitter http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-246742 sitter Tue, 02 Jun 2009 02:43:43 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-246742 I'm 12 and i am sertifie in CPR, first aid, and babysitting. How much should i ask to be paid? I’m 12 and i am sertifie in CPR, first aid, and babysitting. How much should i ask to be paid?

]]> By: baby lady http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-242407 baby lady Sun, 17 May 2009 15:00:59 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-242407 I NEED HELP!!!!!!!!! I NEED HELP!!!!!!!!!

]]> By: baby lady http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-242406 baby lady Sun, 17 May 2009 14:59:06 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-242406 i'm new at this tell me the basics please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i’m new at this tell me the basics please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

]]> By: Stephanie http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-225842 Stephanie Mon, 09 Feb 2009 21:30:58 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-225842 Gigi, it is so great that your troop is trying to earn the money for your trip. Kudos for taking some responsibility. I was a girlscout myself and would reccommend starting with asking your troop leader about a first aid and cpr class. You should earn badges for them and it's a great way to encourage parents to hire you. Ask the local fire dept about it. With or without the classes, asking for 2 or 3 dollars an hour per kid would be reasonable for most parents. I would post fliers in my neighborhood stating exactly what you are doing. Most people want to help a good cause when they can. Posting fliers and a website will also allow those who can't hire you to make a contribution should they choose. Good luck! Gigi, it is so great that your troop is trying to earn the money for your trip. Kudos for taking some responsibility. I was a girlscout myself and would reccommend starting with asking your troop leader about a first aid and cpr class. You should earn badges for them and it’s a great way to encourage parents to hire you. Ask the local fire dept about it. With or without the classes, asking for 2 or 3 dollars an hour per kid would be reasonable for most parents. I would post fliers in my neighborhood stating exactly what you are doing. Most people want to help a good cause when they can. Posting fliers and a website will also allow those who can’t hire you to make a contribution should they choose. Good luck!

]]> By: Gigi http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-225617 Gigi Sun, 08 Feb 2009 14:19:16 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-225617 I am a 12 yr. old female who is very responsible and has lots of expierince with kids. I have at least 12 little cousins on my STEPDAD'S side of the family only, my little brother, and plenty of neighbors. I am in sixth grade and extremely smart (well im in gifted) and is taking 8th grade advanced math. I am currently in a girl scout troop which I have ben in for like 8??? years. Our G.S. troop is trying to raise money to go on trips and with the help of the love we share for chilren are trying to start up the babysitting business. We need some help price wise. ~BTW~ kids love me!!! I am a 12 yr. old female who is very responsible and has lots of expierince with kids. I have at least 12 little cousins on my STEPDAD’S side of the family only, my little brother, and plenty of neighbors. I am in sixth grade and extremely smart (well im in gifted) and is taking 8th grade advanced math. I am currently in a girl scout troop which I have ben in for like 8??? years. Our G.S. troop is trying to raise money to go on trips and with the help of the love we share for chilren are trying to start up the babysitting business. We need some help price wise.

~BTW~ kids love me!!!

]]> By: Will http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-222515 Will Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:09:22 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-222515 The scale definitely slides based on the job and the cost of living in the area where the job is located. People living in large cities and upscale neighborhoods can expect to pay more. Qualifications are also important. Experienced sitters who are willing to go the extra mile are certainly worth more. While remodeling a house I hired several different sitters to watch my children. Sitter A was in college, washed the dishes and straightened up the house. She also had the kids doing little craft projects which she had brought along. Sitter B cost half as much, but was just in high school. She let the house go to pot, and when I came home the kids were all too glad to see me. You can guess which one I prefered to have watching the kids. The scale definitely slides based on the job and the cost of living in the area where the job is located. People living in large cities and upscale neighborhoods can expect to pay more.

Qualifications are also important. Experienced sitters who are willing to go the extra mile are certainly worth more. While remodeling a house I hired several different sitters to watch my children. Sitter A was in college, washed the dishes and straightened up the house. She also had the kids doing little craft projects which she had brought along. Sitter B cost half as much, but was just in high school. She let the house go to pot, and when I came home the kids were all too glad to see me. You can guess which one I prefered to have watching the kids.

]]> By: Cin http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-222344 Cin Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:54:41 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-222344 OMG I have had so much fun reading all these replies. I live in Flint, Mi. We pay $3/hr per kid/per hour and round up at the end of the night. So 3 to 4 hours away for dinner and a movie would cost us and extra $20 to $25 or $30 if we don't have correct change. My Son plays video games the whole time and the sitter and my daughter watch movies and color. We supply pizza and snacks so she gets dinner as well, or lunch or whatever. $30 is a big deal to a high school kid. I thought it was an okay deal til I read what you all had to say! Certainly the market is different, though, between Chicago and Flint? It doesn't matter anyway because between my real estate career and hubby's auto layoffs we can't afford the sitter OR the date! Ha! OMG I have had so much fun reading all these replies. I live in Flint, Mi. We pay $3/hr per kid/per hour and round up at the end of the night. So 3 to 4 hours away for dinner and a movie would cost us and extra $20 to $25 or $30 if we don’t have correct change. My Son plays video games the whole time and the sitter and my daughter watch movies and color. We supply pizza and snacks so she gets dinner as well, or lunch or whatever. $30 is a big deal to a high school kid. I thought it was an okay deal til I read what you all had to say! Certainly the market is different, though, between Chicago and Flint? It doesn’t matter anyway because between my real estate career and hubby’s auto layoffs we can’t afford the sitter OR the date! Ha!

]]> By: jennifer http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-222337 jennifer Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:14:31 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-222337 Thank you for all your input. I am the one who lives in Salt Lake City and teaches part time Kindergarten. I've rested on $6.25 an hr, so $300 a wk, since it's only 2 weeks out of the month. The sitter thought this was generous, and it's above the national rate and really good for the area. So I'm happy and she's happy. Thank you for all your input. I am the one who lives in Salt Lake City and teaches part time Kindergarten. I’ve rested on $6.25 an hr, so $300 a wk, since it’s only 2 weeks out of the month. The sitter thought this was generous, and it’s above the national rate and really good for the area. So I’m happy and she’s happy.

]]> By: Tricia http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-221264 Tricia Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:14:48 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-221264 This is why I laugh every time I hear some "expert" espouse about the need for date nights. Babysitters in the Atlanta area are about $10/hr. Instead of hiring anyone to watch our son, we're just going to drag him along with use everywhere and by the time he's old enough to stay home alone, my husband and I are hoping we'll still be interested in dating each other. This is why I laugh every time I hear some “expert” espouse about the need for date nights. Babysitters in the Atlanta area are about $10/hr. Instead of hiring anyone to watch our son, we’re just going to drag him along with use everywhere and by the time he’s old enough to stay home alone, my husband and I are hoping we’ll still be interested in dating each other.

]]> By: Stephanie http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-221148 Stephanie Fri, 16 Jan 2009 04:12:37 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-221148 Heidi, you make a good point but preschoolers, like highschoolers, are not easy money. I think what you offer for a teenager is reasonable considering your childrens' ages, but as an adult, who has gone to school for early childhood development and worked in childcare, that would be disappointing. 30$ a day is the same as what a La Petite charges on avg in the Austin area. Unfortunately, teachers very rarely make what they deserve. Heidi, you make a good point but preschoolers, like highschoolers, are not easy money. I think what you offer for a teenager is reasonable considering your childrens’ ages, but as an adult, who has gone to school for early childhood development and worked in childcare, that would be disappointing. 30$ a day is the same as what a La Petite charges on avg in the Austin area. Unfortunately, teachers very rarely make what they deserve.

]]> By: heidi http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-221128 heidi Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:14:19 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-221128 Thank you Stephanie! I understand people want to make easy money, but most of us cannot afford to pay $10+/hour. I have a girl who comes to the house in the mornings. She can watch tv the whole time. The kids dress and feed thmselves. She walks them to the bus. She gets $60/week, which is about $6/hour. When she watches them for the whole day, she gets $20. That may not sound like much, but as a single mom and teacher, I can't afford to pay more. It would be great if she could live off of watching my boys, but really? When mine were babies I paid $100/week. Both went to in home daycares, where they were not the only kid, so the sitter was making $400 or more a week - TAX FREE. I work at a high school, and I would never pay a teen more than $5/hour. Thank you Stephanie! I understand people want to make easy money, but most of us cannot afford to pay $10+/hour. I have a girl who comes to the house in the mornings. She can watch tv the whole time. The kids dress and feed thmselves. She walks them to the bus. She gets $60/week, which is about $6/hour. When she watches them for the whole day, she gets $20. That may not sound like much, but as a single mom and teacher, I can’t afford to pay more. It would be great if she could live off of watching my boys, but really? When mine were babies I paid $100/week. Both went to in home daycares, where they were not the only kid, so the sitter was making $400 or more a week - TAX FREE. I work at a high school, and I would never pay a teen more than $5/hour.

]]> By: Stephanie http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-220130 Stephanie Fri, 09 Jan 2009 20:11:57 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-220130 When I nanny, I charge 30 a day per child. When I babysit, I charge 5 an hr per child. The difference being regular schedule vs. On call. I found this to be very reasonable considering my yrs of experience, training, and the fact that I make it worth the price with cooking, cleaning, and spending real quality time with the kids. Being CPR and First Aid certified makes a nanny more valuable as well. Parents: ask sitters to do what u want and pay them for what they do. Sitters: go above and beyond to earn a higher wage and demand compensation when it is appropriate. Bottom line, no one gets what they want w/out first asking for it! When I nanny, I charge 30 a day per child. When I babysit, I charge 5 an hr per child. The difference being regular schedule vs. On call. I found this to be very reasonable considering my yrs of experience, training, and the fact that I make it worth the price with cooking, cleaning, and spending real quality time with the kids. Being CPR and First Aid certified makes a nanny more valuable as well. Parents: ask sitters to do what u want and pay them for what they do. Sitters: go above and beyond to earn a higher wage and demand compensation when it is appropriate. Bottom line, no one gets what they want w/out first asking for it!

]]> By: Kymberly http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-218810 Kymberly Thu, 01 Jan 2009 18:22:16 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-218810 Omgosh, must remove this bookmark and block this site lest my niece get wind of this. I think she gets $20-$40 to babysit for us like all day. Seriously. Yes I know our children are our most precious commodity but this falls into the morass between what I wish I could pay and what I can really pay and still afford to go any dam@ place. We are just simple rural folks. If I paid the sitter $10+/hour, we'd have to stay home. My .02 is that I don't pay the sitter to RAISE my children - just sit here, keep the running with scissors at bay, and dial 9-1-1 if needed (bonus points if it is not!) My niece seems tickled with the arrangement so don't anyone tip her off ;) Omgosh, must remove this bookmark and block this site lest my niece get wind of this. I think she gets $20-$40 to babysit for us like all day. Seriously.

Yes I know our children are our most precious commodity but this falls into the morass between what I wish I could pay and what I can really pay and still afford to go any dam@ place. We are just simple rural folks. If I paid the sitter $10+/hour, we’d have to stay home.

My .02 is that I don’t pay the sitter to RAISE my children - just sit here, keep the running with scissors at bay, and dial 9-1-1 if needed (bonus points if it is not!)

My niece seems tickled with the arrangement so don’t anyone tip her off ;)

]]> By: Hillary http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-218625 Hillary Wed, 31 Dec 2008 01:40:21 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-218625 I pay $15/hour. I have three kids, including one with autism, so the sitter earns every last penny of that $15. I pay $15/hour. I have three kids, including one with autism, so the sitter earns every last penny of that $15.

]]> By: Jennifer http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-218571 Jennifer Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:48:12 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-218571 I work part time and need a babysitter to watch my 5 month old 2 weeks a month. I live in Salt Lake City and was thinking about offering $250 a month. Is that cheap? Hey, I am only an underpaid Kindergarten teacher. I work part time and need a babysitter to watch my 5 month old 2 weeks a month. I live in Salt Lake City and was thinking about offering $250 a month. Is that cheap? Hey, I am only an underpaid Kindergarten teacher.

]]> By: Leeann http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-201477 Leeann Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:25:02 +0000 http://blog.imperfectparent.com/2006/07/12/average-cost-of-a-babysitter/#comment-201477 I would pay $2 an hour per kid or for 2 kids $20.00 for(4-5) hours!And Dont under or over charge! I would pay $2 an hour per kid or for 2 kids $20.00 for(4-5) hours!And Dont under or over charge!

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