How much would you pay? Opinions please.

[PRINCESS VIJA]

I am having a surprise birthday party for DH. One of my nieces is going to babysit the kids at the party so the parents can relax a bit. The kids will probably eat downstairs with us at their own table and then go upstairs to play in their own area. There will be 10 kids. With parents nearby. some are young (2 3-year olds), (2 4- year olds) and the rest are over 5. I will also have a movie they can watch and games. How much would you pay for about 3-4 hours? ( I usually pay $5 an hour for watching my 2 kids when we go out)

 

[dianeschlicht]

Ten is a lot, but everyone will be nearby in case of need. I guess I would say $35-$45 would do it.

 

[dandave]

I was thinking between $40-$50.

 

[Mskanga]

$40 at least for 10 kids....that's a lot of kids!

 

[addicted_to_WDW]

$50 is what popped into my head.

 

[CamColt]

I thought 50.00 too.

 

[rbuzzotta]

At least 50.00!!

 

[ChiTownZee]

I'd say at least 50. Have you spoken with the niece about it, how much she would like for that many kids? How old is she, BTW? 10 kids seems like a lot for one girl, especially with 2 of them 3 and 2 are 4.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

I haven't spoken to my niece, SIL set it up for me. 10 kids does seem like a lot, but knowing the kids, it shouldn't be too hard. One of the kids she is looking out for is her younger sister! LOL! And I know that I will be running up and down the stairs for food, etc. So, I do plan on checking in on them often.

 

[aahmom1]

I thought $50 too, it will be worth it.

 

[aahmom1]

What were you considering paying her? How old is she?

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

She's 13 1/2. I wasn't sure how much to pay, I was thinking initially $40. If she was watching them for 3 hours, but if the party was going longer, I was going to pay more. But looks like I might be bumping it up! Thanks for all the opinions!

 

[Snow White]

I vote for $50 too.

 

[cinlee3]

Just my opinion but 10 kids for a 13 yr old sounds like a lot for her to handle to me. But since the parents will all be there you will know if she is overwhelmed.

 

[Boots]

$50 is what I thought of too.

 

[aprincessmom]

Heck...it costs me $7-10/hour for a sitter in my area and I only have one kid who's usually in bed before the sitter gets there!

I give my younger cousin $50 to help me at DD's birthday party. We have about 8-10 kids for about 3 hours. She helps me with the activities and giving out the goody bags. Pretty tame stuff. $50 seems reasonable if there are adults who will help out during the event close by.

 

[lil mermaid]

I think that ten children is a lot for a 13 1/2 year old (or anyone, for that matter!) Is there a way she can bring a friend with her?

I would say that she should get at least $50.

 

[emmy]

I was thinking maybe she could bring a friend along also! Give them $60 to split and with 2 of them it will be more fun for them and won't get overwhelming.

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

Bringing a friend isn't an option. They live in South Carolina and are coming in for the holidays. I am not too worried about the amount of kids, because most of them are very calm and good listeners. And knowing that I will be checking in on them frequently is also reassuring. Also she has 3 older brothers that will be there too, and more than likely in the room across the entrance hallway from them. They are all great kids and probably will be helpful for her. But according to SIL, she is the "official" babysitter, not her brothers.