Wow! I'm a Cheapskate!

After reading your request and all the comments on how much to pay a babysitter, I feel like a real cheapskate. But I do really agree with the mom who said WE are the ones driving up the prices. These girls are young and they are LEARNING to care for children. I typically pay $1/hr per child, so for my 3 children we pay $3/hr. (Of course, if you live in an area where EVERYTHING is more expensive ;o) California ;o) then you may have to pay higher. When I was earning $1/hr, my cousin in CA was earning $3-4/hr.)

My 11-year old gets $1/hr if she babysits her siblings (which I think is a little low, but she's gotta start somewhere). So, considering I have an 11-year old to help the babysitter, the babysitter's job is easier.

I do, however, pay bonuses. If the house is clean when I get home, or if the kids indicate that the babysitter actually played WITH them and didn't just put them in front of the TV, then I will pay more, and typically I end up paying around $5/hr.

I have never had a babysitter tell me what they charge, so I just have to hope they are happy with what I pay. So far no complaints.

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