how much to pay a weekend babysitter

[nsmith]

Hi all, my DD 21 has been asked to babysit 4 children ages 16,4,5,2. From early Friday morning till Sunday evening. We are from the Northeast where the cost of living is higher than some areas.

Has anyone every paid a sitter for a weekend?

How much do you think is reasonable?

When my DD asked me I said "let's ask the budget board people" they will know!!!!!

 

[wishesuponastar]

$100 per day??

 

[nsmith]

$100 per day??

She charges $15 per hour normally, if that helps. As there are 4 children I told her it will be alot of work.

 

[MillauFr]

$400 for the weekend

 

[Vernie822]

For 4 kids, I would expect maybe $250-300? Maybe even more depending on how much she's doing- cooking, driving kids around, etc is always worth a little more in my opinion

 

[Ladcassidy]

I paid our regular babysitter ($16/hr after school and summer) $200 to stay from early Saturday morning to Sunday afternoon. One child. DC area. So $400 sounds very reasonable to me. I also left money for meals.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

Considering what the hourly rate would be for three young kids (I don't count the 16yo) I would say $500.

 

[AZMermaid]

I used to get $100 for overnights for one easy tween 10 years ago. This was like 5pm-9 am. I think $400-500 would be reasonable.

 

[bethy]

Three full days with 4 kids (I DO count the 16yo). Plus on a weekend so they would not be in school 2 of the days.

$500 at least! Plus leave lots of good food and some new toys and gAmes for the kids to keep them more entertained.

 

[nsmith]

She spoke to a neighbor who does daycare in her home. She charges $45 per day, per child 7am-6pm. She also spoke to family who have young children. Taking this into account she asked for $500 for the weekend. She is waiting to hear back, will post an update when she does.

She was so impressed by my "board friends" who were all willing to graciously give advice.

 

[wishesuponastar]

I hope they give your DD the $500. She will certainly be working a lot of hours.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

A 2, 4 and 5 year old?! I am in no way insinuating that your daughter is irresponsible because obviously these parents believe her to be responsible but holy smokes that is tough! Has she ever been responsible for that many young children at one time? I have a 3 & 5 year old that is tough enough for me

 

[aprilgail2]

I would have said 400.00- I don't count the 16 year old as a kid- at 16 I was babysitting other peoples kids overnight (though never a whole weekend, just like 5pm-7am type thing)

 

[danygirl]

The 16 yo May be the most challenging! Make sure all parties understand the rules and that hour daughter knows to call the family if the 16yo runs off with friends beyond what is allowed!!

 

[Mickeyluver37]

I would have said 400.00- I don't count the 16 year old as a kid- at 16 I was babysitting other peoples kids overnight (though never a whole weekend, just like 5pm-7am type thing)

I agree. If it were in my house, the teen might need a ride if they aren't driving themselves, but there are actually going to be more of a help with the younger siblings than anything. Unless they are busy all weekend, and not around, in which case I certainly wouldn't count them. Honestly I think $100/day is reasonable for this request. $300 vs. $500.

 

[aylarosie]

I live outside the Boston area.If she usually charges 15 an hour then $500.00 is reasonable.That is a lot of responsibility and 16 yr old will be resentful.Parents should leave "pizza money"and plenty of easy meals.When my friend babysat for a weekend the price was figured at hourly rate from 6 am -10pm then flat $50.00 overnight.That was 10 yrs ago so $5oo.oo is somewhat of a bargain.

 

[Iowajes]

Are they related?
I did this for free for my cousin's kids when I was in college.

I would say $150 per day. I don't think you can calculate $15 per hour, even for waking hours, because that rate is generally predicated on it being short term, for a few hours. However, I'd expect the parents to pay extra if there is an overnight emergency.

 

[APiratesLifeForMe2]

Are they asking her how much she charges? If so is she expected to stay there the entire time?

I have been watching 3 kids (now ages 16, 13 and 11) for 16 years. When I stay on the weekends I get paid $150 for each "night" (dinner through breakfast) plus hourly during the day. Usually they tell me to go home during the day while the 16 year old is home but if I come back to take them out or fix lunch I get paid hourly for that time. If she is there from Friday through Sunday with no breaks then I would charge $150 for each of the 3 nights, plus her hourly rate for 8 hours during the days. These are young kids that will require her full attention so she needs to get paid for it.

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

She spoke to a neighbor who does daycare in her home. She charges $45 per day, per child 7am-6pm. She also spoke to family who have young children. Taking this into account she asked for $500 for the weekend. She is waiting to hear back, will post an update when she does.

She was so impressed by my "board friends" who were all willing to graciously give advice.

Hi neighbor! We're in Cherry Hill too!

I wouldn't accept less than $500. 4 kids will be a lot of work and I agree with pp's who said the 16 yr old may be the most challenging. I have 2 teens and miss the simple days of pre-school/early elementary school.

 

[nsmith]

The mother offered her $350 for the whole weekend, early Friday until late Sunday after dinner. DD asked for $500. The mom is "thinking it over", DD told her she will keep the weekend open.