Off the Sub. but have a ? about babysitting

My friend who lives across the street...I have known her for 1 1/2 well she had a baby on x-mas day so the baby is almost 2 months old.

She has to go back to work on the 1st...

She ask me since I was looking for a way to make some $$$ if I would watch her little one..part time...she has to work 9am to 1pm so I would have him almost 5 hours cuz it takes her about 1/2 hour drive time to her job..but i will be doing it 4 days a week.

I said I would and she told me to think about a price..I have no idea, what to do , she is my friend, yes its a job, but what do you charge for a friend..I have no idea what to say or tell her...I know she wont be making a lot of money but she does do good..and her hubby still works..any ideas on what to tell her.

Thanks for your help.

 

My friend who lives across the street...I have known her for 1 1/2 well she had a baby on x-mas day so the baby is almost 2 months old.

She has to go back to work on the 1st...

She ask me since I was looking for a way to make some $$$ if I would watch her little one..part time...she has to work 9am to 1pm so I would have him almost 5 hours cuz it takes her about 1/2 hour drive time to her job..but i will be doing it 4 days a week.

I said I would and she told me to think about a price..I have no idea, what to do , she is my friend, yes its a job, but what do you charge for a friend..I have no idea what to say or tell her...I know she wont be making a lot of money but she does do good..and her hubby still works..any ideas on what to tell her.

Thanks for your help.

 

Around here my friends pay private sitters $8 an hour for one child.

 

does it matter about age for that cost?

 

I pay my sitter $20/day to watch my children while I am at school. If she will be providing diapers, formula, wipes, etc., then I would charge her a little less than if you will be supplying it.

 

for how many hours and thats for both of your little ones...


she will bring all her own things for one....do you think $10 a day is to cheap for 5 hours or should I do it for by the hour like $3 an hour..I seen that people companys charge more for infants..is that always true and why?

 

I pay $30 per day (9-5) so would say $15 for a 1/2 day.


amanda (jessica and jorja 3)

 

quote:
do you think $10 a day is to cheap for 5 hours

Absolutly too cheap!

I think $20 for 5 hours is very fair. She has the convenience of knowing you and being next door plus at an hourly rate $20 for 5 hours is a steal. What is your minimum wage in your state? You should not ask less than that per hour. Her child's welfare and care should be worth minimum wage to her.

 

I am not sure what the min is here....but its for one child..

I know she wont be making much more than min... so thats where I am not sure what to do..I talked to her today but I have yet to tell her an amount...

Thanks for all the advise

 

quote:
she will bring all her own things for one....do you think $10 a day is to cheap for 5 hours or should I do it for by the hour like $3 an hour..I seen that people companys charge more for infants..is that always true and why?

Yes I think that is too cheep. It's hard to say a price because I have no idea of the general cost of living where you are. Maybe see what daycare/childminders in your area charge and then knock off 25-35% (so she is paying a bit more than 1/2 price) seeing as it sounds like you want to give her a good deal. You can decide on a day price or an hourly price, it makes very little difference and it's easy to work out one from the other anyway. Companies will charge more for infants because they are considered 'harder' to care for (need more supervision/hands-on care) and so the staff:child ratio is lower.

Also-whatever you decide in terms of price/who will pay for what-I strongly recommend writing it all down as an agreement/contract, signing it and each taking a copy. It may seem unnecessary but it could end up saving you upset or confrontations later.

 

I pay $20 an hour for my sitter; that's for two kids.

thea

 

I think $10 a day is extremely unfair!! I work in daycare and our running rate for full time infants is $235 per week and the only thing we provide is baby food. Infants are more expensive because they require so much more work!! You'll have to boil bottles and change diapers all the time. Have a place for the child to sleep and things (swing, seat) for him to be occuppied with since he is so little and can't entertain himself. I think asking for min. wage is definately reasonable!! I know the girls at my work that babysit on the side and charge what they make working (10.00) per hour. If the child was older and self sufficient (potty trained, feed itself) then $20 a day would be reasonable but nothing below min wage in my opinion. If they don't agree to that they will have a reality check when they go and see how daycare is!!