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07-25-2007, 6:50 PM amber_wild_fire Joined on 07-20-2006 Super Sitter!! Re: Babysitting rates these days are ridiculous! - disgusted mother  the VERY LEAST to expect to pay an experienced babysitter (and you need one with more than 1 or 2 children) is $10. $11, 12 would be reasonable.  that is a lot of work.  you sound like you want to cut back a bit, but on your babysitter that is keeping your children safe and happy.  NO WAY, they should be more precious to you than any thing. meals should not cost that much you should be able to get dinner for 2 people for 30 or 40.  If  you want to splirge on dinner don't complain about the babysitter's price.    Report

07-25-2007, 7:38 PM Mommy2Lots Joined on 11-15-2006 Houston,TX Super Sitter!! Re: Babysitting rates these days are ridiculous! - disgusted mother  Chosen7Stone wrote: YES, YES, YES, YES, YES!   Mommy2Lots, you made an incredibly awesome post, especially the tip about going out while they're sleeping.  Awesome.  :) Thanks for the compliment. I just saw this today. I've been a bit busy. :) Parenting/Sitting Articles - If you view these, kindly return back to Babysitting Forums. ;-)    Report

07-28-2007, 12:27 PM Girrrl Joined on 07-18-2007 Along for the Ride Re: Babysitting rates these days are ridiculous! - disgusted mother  erickamcsenn wrote: So basically if a couple wants to go out for the day or evening, you are giving up a days worth of pay just for a couple hours away. If you consider a typical 5 hour night ... dinner=$60.00, movie= $20.00, paying babysitter $12.00/hr for four children=$60.00. That is a TOTAL of $140.00, sounds a bit insane to me. I can't believe people, especially teenagers,expect to get paid that much for watching kids. It's not that difficult. When I was younger I use to love babysitting, if anything I looked forward to it b/c it gave me something to do, and I got paid while doing it. There are some adult jobs that don't even pay $12.00 an hour, so why would a child? I can't believe what this society is coming to, individuals are so money hungry! Wow.  Where to even begin. I'm 28 and have been babysitting for 16 years.  I am currently babysitting full time as my sole source of income, working for several different families at once.  Along with 16 years of experience, I have a college degree (3 yrs of Early Childhood Ed courses), first aid/CPR certification, training/experience with children with special needs, and have read over a hundred books on child psychology/education/parenting, etc. I LOVE being with all of the children I care for, and make sure to tell and show them that; I play/interact with them and give them my full attention, lots of love and nurturing; and when asked, I cook and clean, too.  For the families who want it, I keep detailed daily notes about my time with the children, and maintain great communication with the parents. I take my job very seriously and strive to provide excellent care for the children. And yes, I charge/get paid between $9-13 an hour!  I am FAR from money hungry - I need that money for rent, utilities, food, car payments/repairs/gas.  From the sounds of it, your lifestyle is far more extravagent than mine.  I rarely eat out, and have never personally spent anywhere close to $30 on any one meal, nor have I been to the movie theater in over a year.  I am actually in debt because of dental and medical bills, because you know what, babysitting full time doesn't involve health/dental insurance.  There are plenty of higher-paying jobs I could do - jobs that also come with benefits, regular hours I can depend on, and more respect from society in general - but I choose to babysit because I love the children and their families and am committed to providing high quality childcare, which is a rare commodity these days.  It's really hard to stay in the biz when the very people I am devoting my time and energy to - parents, like you - don't even appreciate or value my/babysitters' work. What in the world could possibly be more important than your children's safety and well-being?  It makes no sense to me when parents unquestioningly pay gobs of money for haircuts, food, and movies, then balk at the idea of paying a fair wage to the people who GUARD THEIR CHILDREN'S LIVES.  Do you really want to gamble with your children's safety by prioritizing finding the cheapest babysitter possible, instead of prioritizing the education, experience, trustworthiness, and responsibility of the babysitter?  I've been talking with babysitters online for about a decade now, and I have come across babysitters who don't take the job seriously and will work for low pay because they just spend their babysitting hours on the phone or watching TV anyway, don't like kids or care about their well-being, don't understand kids, and do things like tie the kids up or make them stay in their bedrooms the whole time and don't feed them. You devalue the job by saying babysitting is "not that difficult," and I would say the only babysitters who have such a cavalier attitude as that ARE the ones who DON'T "work" at all and just send the kids off into the other room to do whatever while they (the babysitters) watch TV and IM and eat all the junk food in your cupboard.  I know that babysitting IS often "difficult" - that is, requires an actual effort on my part.  Merely keeping children alive and safe is the bare-bones of the job - and yet, on its own, vitally important and worthy of fair/generous compensation.  It is more "difficult," more work, to also engage with the children in play, conversation, activity; to help them, teach them, nurture their growth... it's work that I do, willingly, happily, continually... but it's work that I couldn't do without A) RESPECT from parents and B) a living wage.    Report

07-29-2007, 1:57 PM Chosen7Stone Joined on 10-21-2005 Tallahassee, FL Super Sitter!! Re: Babysitting rates these days are ridiculous! - disgusted mother  Girrrl wrote: It makes no sense to me when parents unquestioningly pay gobs of money for haircuts, food, and movies, then balk at the idea of paying a fair wage to the people who GUARD THEIR CHILDREN'S LIVES. Amen to that.  'Nuff said. *Love in Christ from Mary* 1 Peter 2:4-5 Vote my agency, Seminole Sitters, the "Best Overall Business" in Tallahassee for the 2007 Tally Awards at EverythingTallahassee.com!!!    Report

08-10-2007, 7:54 PM deathbyjello Joined on 08-11-2007 Be nice - I'm new! Re: Babysitting rates these days are ridiculous! - disgusted mother Honestly, I'm a 15 year old. I've held down a job both this and last summer- minimum wage. I know how hard it is to earn money and how much you have to work for it sometimes. I generally charge an average of $8/hr. This goes up $1 extra every hour for every additional child. My pay range to date has been anywhere from $5-15/hr. I have a family that pays me $5/hr- currently. This is all they can afford, they only have one child- and I'm more than happy to accept the rate. I realize that money doesn't grow on trees. However, I also have a family that pays me up to $15/hr! It seems insane to me but that's a jackpot for a 15 year old! They also generally give me an extra $20 just for coming out to their house. I've been working for this family for five years, since I was 10. They started me at $10/hr. I asked $5 at the time. If they wish to pay me more, that's their perogitive. Obviously they feel I deserve it or they wouldn't pay me that way. I also have received a $100+ gift card as a Christmas bonus every single year! Yes, they are a wealthy family, but the kids are great, two twins, age 5 now, well behaved, love to play outside- not couch potatoes, it's a babysitters dream job!    Report

08-11-2007, 1:57 PM AP83 Joined on 10-05-2006 Along for the Ride Re: Babysitting rates these days are ridiculous! - disgusted mother I felt compelled to respond to this post. Rates are VERY dependant on where you live, how many children you have, the age of the sitter, and her experience. Most people that are (older) sitters have been doing this for years. I started about 7 years ago, I'm now a college graduate and taking a year off before I start dental school next fall. The going rates in my area can be upwards of 20$/hr for two-three children, with some people paying a little less, and some paying more. The family that I mainly work for during the week ends up paying me anywhere from 280-360 dollars per week. They can clearly afford this, and pay me to drive their girls around and help with homework and get dinner ready because they would rather have someone older, with experience, and whom they can trust with their children, their home, and their car. I'm sure they could get someone a few years younger, or with not as much experience to do the same thing I do,for cheaper. But with experience and age comes a different price range. Also, I have expenses that a 16 year old probably doesnt, and since working for this family is half of my main income,I'd need a job that pays about this much anyway. For reference, I live in the (northern) suburbs of NYC.    Report

08-30-2007, 9:17 PM steph888 Joined on 08-29-2007 Illinois Along for the Ride Re: Babysitting rates these days are ridiculous! - disgusted mother  AP83 wrote: Rates are VERY dependant on where you live, how many children you have, the age of the sitter, and her experience. Most people that are (older) sitters have been doing this for years.   But with experience and age comes a different price range.   I agree with this! I know it's been said by several people, but your children are or should be your most valuble and prized possesion you totally get what you pay for. Sure having a 12 year old might save you some money, but what happens if there is an emergency or something that the 12 year old babysitter isn't able to handle.  I strongly believe childcare is one of those things you don't want to cheap out on. A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous -Coco Chanel    Report

09-24-2007, 2:45 PM erickamcsenn Joined on 06-15-2007 Be nice - I'm new! Re: Babysitting rates these days are ridiculous! - disgusted mother my children "should be" the most  valuable and prized possesion? [...censored...] you obviosly don't know how to read, b/c if you did     A) i was directing this to the younger generation...not women who use B.S. as a meansof living, i'm sorry but a 15 yr old kid should be happy and excited about the fact to get out of their parents house for a while.   B.) i would NEVER use a cheaper b.s. b/c they were less expensive with less experience...again you people can [...censored...] The nerve of you people make me sick!!!  C.) For those of you who focused on how much we typically pay on dinner...sorry your husband takes you to Denny's for a meal, but the 2 times i get out  a year i'd like to spend it somewhere special with my husband. I am really offended that you people are implying that i would rather spend more money on myself than on my kids. [...censored...] Note from Chosen7Stone: I would typically delete your account without so much of a second thought, but I understand you're upset.  That brief empathy offered, let me say this: you obviously know there are young people in these forums.  As a mother, I would hope you understand a mother's desire for her children to surf the 'Net safely, and many of the parents of  young babysitters on these forums consider this website to be safe.  Either watch your language, or take it elsewhere.    Report

09-24-2007, 5:53 PM ggfan Joined on 08-21-2007 Along for the Ride Re: Babysitting rates these days are ridiculous! - disgusted mother We were not implying that you do not love your children only that you should treat those who watch your children fairly. It doesn't matter whether you're 17, like I am, or 24 with a degree in education or something similar, we all babysit because we love children. I don't babysit as a means to get out of my parent's house or because I don't want to get a job in a store or restaurant. I'm sorry if you were offended but you could have definitely stated it in a more tactful, professional way. We all replied maturely and matter of factly to your post in order to state our side of the situation. It astounds me that teenagers can show more respect and maturity than an adult.    Report

09-24-2007, 6:05 PM Mommy2Lots Joined on 11-15-2006 Houston,TX Super Sitter!! Re: Babysitting rates these days are ridiculous! - disgusted mother I agree with ggfan. I thought in my post, I made it clear I was not accusing anyone of anything. I merely wanted to give you some pointers on how to enjoy your evenings without breaking the bank, which, I thought was what you asked for. In fact, I thought most of the people here responded pretty fairly and tried to help. I cannot believe that an adult would have the audacity to post words like that in a forum where teenagers visit. Yes, I know they hear those words in other places, but, I would expect better behavior from a mother. I, myself, am a mother to many, as you can see from my user name. Originally, I wasn't even going to respond to this, but I just can't believe that a mom would use words like that in a place where people under 18 visit regularly. Parenting/Sitting Articles - If you view these, kindly return back to Babysitting Forums. ;-)    Report

09-25-2007, 9:17 AM erickamcsenn Joined on 06-15-2007 Be nice - I'm new! Re: Babysitting rates these days are ridiculous! - disgusted mother blah, blah, blah... Note from Chosen7Stone: 10/1 - Banned for one week.  Consider it a cool-down period.    Report

09-27-2007, 5:00 PM iluvshoes1993 Joined on 09-24-2007 Along for the Ride Re: Babysitting rates these days are ridiculous! - disgusted mother I totally agree!  12/hour is WAY too much!!  When you call someone to see if they can sit for your kids, ask them how much they charge.  If they charge a lot, then just say "I'm very sorry but we can't afford that."  Then later, when you see them just explain to them that you're sorry if you sounded mean, but 12/hour is ridiculous, when most full time jobs don't pay that much.  Then suggest they lower their prices, and then they will get a lot more babysitting jobs.  A lot of kids starting out, who have just gone through a safe sitter course, don't charge nearly that much.  I took a safe sitter course, and they told us to start out charging 3.50/hour.     Report

09-30-2007, 4:22 AM theBab=ysitterGirl16 Joined on 09-30-2007 Be nice - I'm new! Re: Babysitting rates these days are ridiculous! - disgusted mother I am not a money hungry individual, i am a teen helping her family out with TWO full time jobs! i do enjoy babysitting, I love babies! but i am trying to earn decent money for my family to buy groceries. my dad works damn hard at what he does, my mom wants to go to work again but she has 5 kids who need her at home! i work over 15 hours on the weekends, at MINIMUM wage, to earn  less than $200 a month. I need this extra income. you may have had the luxary of babysitting for fun when you were a teen, i do not. people like you are cheap, you wont pay what you should. think of it this way...if you had one child, and your babysitter charged $3 hr, thats VERY cheap. now you have 4 children, multiply $3 hour by the 4 children and ladies and gentlemen you have...$12 dollars hr! 4 kids is alot for some teenagers, they should get paid for the work they do. i am 16, i have 7 years of experience caring for newborns-12 year olds, i know infant/child cpr & 1st aid, i charge roughly around $8-$12 an hour. I know what im doing and i can keep your kids safe, versus say an 11 year old girl who has just began sitting, doesnt know what to do and you want them to sit your 4 children, her rates are $2 an hour. who are you going to pick to watch you precious children, the experienced one with qualifications and experience, or the one who is cheap so you can save money? think people, if you cant afford to pay for childcare, take care of your kids yourself(as my mother says and she is right, me and my siblings were only watched by a couple of her siblings shes trusts and her parents! and that was rare!) so choose, dont go out, pay the price of good care, or put them in the hands of that11 year old girl, your choice. yes child care is getting expensive compred to the "old days: but hey, soda pop dont cost a dime anymore either and i dont here ya complaining! usually the expensive teens are the ones who know what they are doing. i wouldnt pay $12 an hour to a teenager even OLDER than me if she didnt have my exerinece would you? so if you dont think the teen has enough experience to charge that much dont hire them, wait until you find the RIGHT sitter. youll be happy you waited to spend that night out with your husband because now you know your kids are safe and you getting your moneys worth! sincerly, the GOOD babysitter.      Report

09-30-2007, 12:41 PM ggfan Joined on 08-21-2007 Along for the Ride Re: Babysitting rates these days are ridiculous! - disgusted mother I just wanted to echo what theBab=ysitterGirl16 said. $3/hr is only reasonable if you charge that per child. I was paid $3/hr when I was 12 and a mother's helper. When I started babysitting (at 13) I charged $5/hr for 2-3 children and now the same families pay me $8-10/hr because they trust me to take good care of their children, they respect the work I do and realize that I have gained a lot of experience in the 4+ years I have babysat for them. If you charge $3/hr/child then for four children that comes out to $12/hr. That is not an unreasonable price and is pretty standard whereever you live. If you can't afford or believe the babysitter's rates are ridiculous have a close friend or a family member watch the kids for you or just stay in.    Report

10-24-2007, 12:58 PM holla Joined on 10-24-2007 Be nice - I'm new! Re: Babysitting rates these days are ridiculous! - disgusted mother I agree with you 120% some people don't even make at least $10.00p/h . The minimum rate is like $6.75 and babysitters/nannies think the are like the top of the world. Some of them don't even do what theyt are supposed to do most of them are just there for the money and your kids are not well taken care of. I haven't found not 1 babysitter that has taken care of my kids well. There has been a situation where my kids almost been poisoined and that's not acceptable. Just be fair and you will be treated fair.Lower the prices a little and there will be alot of work. People with kids are not rich and not even close to only if you have a really good jod or you win the lotterey.    Report