Babysitting Prices?

[turney31]

I charged $10. a day for the 1st child and $5 a day for siblings. I fed them and provided most snacks. I did require each parent to bring one type of snack, once per month for each child in the family. I had a small cabinet with 4 shelves in it and I put the snacks in little plastic baskets. At snack time everyone stood in line to choose their snack. SO CUTE!

OK that said, food cost was expensive!!!! If I ever go back to it I will charge more. Maybe $12. or $13.a day. All formula and baby food furnished by parents. Check into state food programs, there are some that will pay you to feed day care children.

Just a suggestion....Make sure you make it clear in writing about keeping sick children. I had pinkeye in both eyes and a rip roaring virus during the holidays last year.

 

[Duramaxgirl]

My SIL was getting $25 a day for watching a 4 year old. So I think $10 is a little low. I did babysitting when I was younger and I think it was and hourly rate. Like $5-$8 an hour.
I've never had my kids babysat by anyone but my mom/MIL so I've not had to pay ever, Unless gift certificates to starbucks count

So I've no idea what it would cost today. But I think $10 a day is a super good deal.

 

[turney31]

It is the kind of pay scale that makes no sense.

Don't you think that the person watching your most precious being is worth at least minimum wage. We do go to work before you and get off after you.

BUT Parents that can afford to pay that amount are slim to none. So us full time sitters just have to be happy making $1. per hour before we pay for food, toys and educational supplies.

We do it because we love the little stinkers! I kept 2 for a single mom, for free 2 years till she could get on her feet and then she took good care of me. Pay it forward. I had another one of our single moms and son live with us for 5 months so she could get out of an abusive relationship. Free. They both are like daughters to us.

Some things you do because it is the right thing to do.

 

[mom'sfolly]

$10 per day is too little. My friend pays more than that for afterschool care for an 11-year-old. If you are doing preschool kids in your home, you are going to be having spills etc. I think $100 per day is too cheap.

 

[bgelber]

around here $20 to $25 a day is the going rate. $10 is too little by the time you add the cost of food and snacks plus don't forget to add in the extra things like cleaning supplies, toilet paper, paper towels, wipes.

 

[dainerra]

I'd charge at least $20 a day. That is a reasonable rate, esp if you are providing food.
Think of your supplies: cleaning supplies, time spent, activities for the kids, etc

For each child, you will be making $2.50 if you watch them for 8 hours. But, if you are letting the parents drop them off before work, then that is going to be 7 to 8am (just say) until 5PM (though most jobs end then, so it more likely be 6), then you will be making $2. How much is your time worth to you?

At $10, you will barely make $1 an hour. Just something to think about. At $10, you are going to be spending more than you earn, just to provide food/snacks/activities.

 

[CluckyJay]

Thanks guys!

I will charge extra if I have to provide their food. I never thought about the cleaning supplies though. I use washable rags with vinegar to wipe up my son's spills. Hmm. I think I can afford the cleaning supplies. I won't be doing their laundry and the rags can go in with the laundry I already do, TEN MILLION TIMES A DAY!

Messy men and their messy hunting and little boy clothes and walking all over the clean clothes when they knock them down.

I haven't gotten the first call or email about it. Maybe I need to raise my prices--they might be thinking I am some sicko wanting to watch their kids for so cheap, LOL.

I didn't add the helping with school work bit to the ad. I was afraid they'd expect me to homeschool their kids full time, LOL.


One problem is a lot of the people around here are sorry drug addicts that keep their kids or pawn them off on family. They don't have jobs and don't care who watches their kids, so no need to pay a babysitter.

 

[chickenn@@b]

I was paying $25 per day per kid before my youngest started Kindy. Meals included. When they were babies, I supplied all diapers, wipes, bottles, formula/breast milk, etc. and baby equipment. High chair, swing, bouncy seat, extra car seat, etc. Bonnie has been a life saver and the kids LOVE her. I think she cried more than I did when they started school.

ETA: I also paid her on days the kids did not go to her house, if I was sick, they were sick or whatever the reason. If I get paid, the sitter gets paid. Vacations and Christmas bonus too.

 

[Oregon Blues]

Call around and see what every other day care is providing and what they charge.

Get yourself licensed, inspected, and insured. That insurance is really expensive, so you have to charge enough to cover that cost and make at least minimum wage for yourself.

Don't do it without insurance. If a child gets injured, you could lose everything you've got.

I get $10 a day for a small dog. A child is a lot more work and I can't lock it in a crate. There is no reason for you to be working for $1 an hour. You'd be better off to go and get a job flipping burgers.

 

[Oregon Blues]

By the way, back in 1972, I was getting $1 an hour to babysit in the parent's house with the parents providing all supplies, all food, all toys.

I know the economy is bad, but you really should not be working for 1972 wages.

If parents can't afford day care, then they can't afford to work and must stay home and raise their own kids. It's not your job to finance their family's expenses.