Help ASAP--Fair price for babysitting??

[whirlsy]

I charge 25.00 a day no matter if they are only here two hours or 9 hours~ just tell your friend you are not claiming this and have her pay you in cash~not check~I watch three of my best friends children and there has been no complaints on either end~ when we all came up with this price there was no talk of figuring taxes and that 20.00 actually equals 23.00 the only talk was that they were grateful I would take their children into my home and care for them as if they were my own

 

[RUDisney]

I just thought of something else... other than money....

Have you negotiated what is going to happen when you need a day off or what your vacation time will be?

One of my friends had everything spelled out with her sitter, who was her friend and next door neighbor so no one dropped a bomb on the other without warning. There was even a negotiated amount for holiday pay when her son wouldn't need a sitter. I'm not saying that you need to get that detailed, but as long as everyone knows what the deal is upfront, everyone will be much happier.

Also, will you be taking her child out with you during the day? You may want to have her sign a waiver to allow you to do this to protect yourself. God forbid something would happen while you were going to the grocery store and she sued you for taking her child out of your house. Let's face it, friendship is friendship until your child gets hurt, accidently or otherwise.

Just make sure you're protected.

 

[Cindy B]

The babysitters here in my area charge $10, yes $10 an hour

 

[CookieGVB]

The YMCA runs after-care at the elemenary schools, and want $7.50 per hour, PER CHILD.

That's why my boys go to a sitter (among other important reasons).

 

[danacath]

Gosh, Cindy B, rates like that make me want to live where you do! lol

RUDisney, thanks for the helpful comments. The days that I'm sitting are going to be quite sporadic. DF is a substitute teacher. We already have it mapped out that she needs to give me two days' notice when she needs me, and if I'm not able to sit that day, she has a "back-up" daycare that she can use. It's really ideal--no summers, holidays or weekends, so my prime family times won't be interfered with.

The waiver is a good idea, and I should also have a medical release form, come to think of it. Thanks for the "heads up" on that.

 

[danacath]

Gosh, Cindy B, rates like that make me want to live where you do! lol

RUDisney, thanks for the helpful comments. The days that I'm sitting are going to be quite sporadic. DF is a substitute teacher. We already have it mapped out that she needs to give me two days' notice when she needs me, and if I'm not able to sit that day, she has a "back-up" daycare that she can use. It's really ideal--no summers, holidays or weekends, so my prime family times won't be interfered with.

The waiver is a good idea, and I should also have a medical release form, come to think of it. Thanks for the "heads up" on that.

 

[danacath]

Gosh, Cindy B, rates like that make me want to live where you do! lol

RUDisney, thanks for the helpful comments. The days that I'm sitting are going to be quite sporadic. DF is a substitute teacher. We already have it mapped out that she needs to give me two days' notice when she needs me, and if I'm not able to sit that day, she has a "back-up" daycare that she can use. It's really ideal--no summers, holidays or weekends, so my prime family times won't be interfered with.

The waiver is a good idea, and I should also have a medical release form, come to think of it. Thanks for the "heads up" on that.

 

[danacath]

Sorry about the triple post, guys. My computer was being ornery and DH wasn't around to bail me out this time.

Just a quick update on the babysitting...I had my first day on Friday and when DF picked up her DD she whipped out her checkbook, started writing and said, "How does $20 sound--is that okay?" I was rendered speechless by the checkbook (would have preferred cash), and the amount. (I was going to suggest $22.) DF picked up on my hesitant "Yeah, that's fine." Guess I'm not a good actress. She pressed me further if this amount was okay and I just let it go. I was so caught off guard.

Somehow I feel unsettled about the whole thing. Should I be upfront with her and say I was thinking $22 for the fee and would prefer cash? I don't want to wind up feeling resentful if I don't speak up, but I also don't want to jeopardize our relationship.

 

[KimRaye]

'DF'?? If so, speak up! I think you're already feeling resentful so, say something.

I also feel that your DF was probably just thinking round numbers, although $25 would've been a nicer 'round' number, right? We're talking about her precious child here.

I know several others have mentioned the differences between baby-sitting and childcare but, imo, when I'm gone 8-9 hours and leave DD with our sitter for a Church wedding, reception and travel time, I pay $5/hr plus a tip. Your DF is getting quite a break at $20/day.

If you decided that $22 was fair, Speak up. You'll feel better about what you're doing, I think.

But, I really think you need to ask her if she's going to want to claim you on her taxes. All she needs is your SSN. But, you however, are faced with an entirely different situation.

Best wishes!