Current rates to pay a weekly sitter?

[curell5]

I have been a stay at home mom for 12 years and am returning to work. I have a 12yo, 10 yo, and 8 yo and I have no idea how much to pay the sitter that will be coming to my house to watch my kids. The sitter is a junior in high school and will be responsible for making sure the kids do their homework and fixing dinner. I am a nurse and will be working a fairly inconsistent schedule... 12 hour shifts 3 days a week, but every other week I will have a weekend shift and not need a sitter. I live in Louisville, Ky and need a little guidance on how much to pay our sitter. Thanks for any input!

[jamiemarshall]

If she's just in high school, you could probably negotiate a lower rate than the normal $7-$12/hr. and since this is a regular "gig" she'll be doing for you, she'll probably agree. Do you know this sitter? I'd talk to her parents and also get their opinion on what a "fair rate" would be, depending on how competent and responsible she is.

[curell5]

Thank you for your input. She is a friends daughter, so I can definitely talk to mom! We have talked and neither of us (as well as the daughter) had any idea what a fair rate was. The daughter was slightly embarrassed discussing money. My friend has 2 daughters and they will be sharing the job, however the 16 year old will do it most of the time and the 14 year old will fill in when the older sister is unavailable. Both girls are very responsible and I completely trust both of them. Another question I thought of is if I need her to drive the kiddos someplace - which during the school year would be minimal - I'd like to pay her extra for her gas and wear-and-tear. Any ideas on what that should be?

[jamiemarshall]

I'd pay her for the actual gas used rounded up to the nearest $10 plus maybe another $10-20 for her car's depreciation. Be generous depending on your current financial situation. I'd suggest not to go below anything she's done before (if she has prior babysitting experience with other friends). Consider yourself lucky that your children will be in good hands while you're working. After all, you can't attach a price for peace of mind

[curell5]

Thanks again for your recommendations/suggestions. This is definitely a beautiful part of the internet! I love being able to get advice from someone that without the net, I would have had no interactions with! You have given what seems like very sound advice and I appreciate it. We are getting together tomorrow night to discuss all of this and I feel better prepared to go and talk now. Her mom was going to do a little research, so hopefully we have come up with the same ideas!

[Caren Smith]

It really all depends on demographics, experience and expectations. We have an almost 8 year old daughter who we've only paid for a babysitter once and I think we paid $10 an hour (we rounded up). We live in Maine and I'm sure we over paid but it was a one time deal. We just can't justify going out on a date and paying for a sitter so let's just say we haven't had many mommy/daddy dates in 8 years. It must be tough paying for a sitter to work (I work out of my home) - so much of your income goes to having someone watch your children. YUCK!

Have a fabulous day everyone!

~ Caren of www.SewDarnFabulous.com and www.MyScrapbookStudio.net

[ElvaRotneri]

I am thinking of restarting my home based business of doing personal housecleaning with new clients.

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