I'm thinking of having a neighbor girl (16) watch my girls, while I'm home, so I can finally get some house work done. It would probably be one hour after school, one or two days a week. My oldest is almost 2 and the baby is 6 weeks. What should I pay her?
I know nannys usually start at $10, but since I will be home, and she has no experience, would $5 be enough?
I pay my 16 year old babysitter $10/hr. (When I'm gone).
My 12 year old Mother's Helper gets $5. (When I'm home).
For a 16 year old with you being home, I'd probably go somewhere in the middle.
In all fairness I would say $5.00 per hour would not be enough. I used to babysitt for $10.00 an hour and that was 10+ years ago. When I was 16 I had my first job and made 8.00 an hour...I think a number between $5.00 and $10.00 per hour would be more appealing and appropriate. Hope this helps!
I agree with other posters that said if she was younger, maybe 11 or 12 you could pay her $5.00 each time. Since she is 16, I think it needs to be more.
$5 would definitely be enough. I usually pay my babysitter her usual rate minus $1 when she is just Mommy Helping. You can support your decision/rate by the fact that she has no experience as of yet. It is such a great opportunity to get stuff done...enjoy!
Why don't you talk to her and her mom and come up with a fair rate of pay. Tell her to think about what she would like to be paid and to talk to her mom. Then come back tomorrow and let you know. You can tell her that you are thinking $5 per hour. Then see what she says. She may say $6 per hour and then feel better about herself for negotiating. Let us know what you do end up paying!! Hourly is the way to go - then if she is there for a bit more, you can throw an extra couple of dollars at her.
16 years old......5 dollars wont cut it. My daughter would have laughed at that. She would have done it for 20 per week. She is not 12 or 13, an hour is so long for a 16 year old. If you want an older girl you need to pay her like she is an older girl. If you want to pay someone 5 dollars a day, thats for a 12 or 13 year old. Good luck!
I have my neighbor friend watch my child before while I was home- she would come in, play with my oldest and would watch the child for almost 3 hrs.. I would make her dinner and take her out to a movie for the week... kids are just happy you show some appreciation.. She is not there for the money, she is there to help. I am sure she will appreciate whatever you give her, the best gift-appreciation of a thank you!!!
Just wanted to chime in (a little late in the discussion) and say we're paying our 12 year old mother's helper $3 and hour. Her mother won't let me pay her more than that since I'm home. She said mother's helpers typically make half of what you'd pay an older babysitter who is home with the kids alone. Your girl is older, so that's different. I would probably have her stay for more like 1.5 hours and give her $10 ($5/hr is plenty, but I think one hour is what makes the $5 seem cheap).
A little off topic but still relevent...in my opinion (and every other mother I've talked to) it's crazy that high school sitters would expect $10 or more per hour. It must be the ecomony, but most of the moms I know are sticking to their guns with $7/hr for two and $5/hr for one range and we're not having any trouble getting great sitters.
Wages very greatly depending on your location. I would ask her what she charges. I think starting her at $5-7 is a good idea with the understanding that her pay would increase as she gained experience - agree up front on a time frame and an amount of the increase.
You are asking a 16 year old girl set aside certain days to come over for one hour to watch your kids. At 16, unless I am a home-body, introvert, there is no way I would reserve those days just to make $5. (AND It's two kids). It has nothing to do with you being home, whether you are there or not, the idea is for her to meet their needs while you are busy. I would guarantee her two set days, for at least $20 total, and occasionally give her a movie pass, or a starbucks card to go with it, letting her know she is so appreciated. If this was a 12 year old (mom's helper) that would be different. Just keeping it real for you...my kids are all past 16 now, but with their busy lives and friends, there is no way they would have set aside that time for $5. You could do it, but I would prepare for lots of cancellations when something more fun or better comes along.
I think $5 is fair, considering you are paying her with EXPERIENCE! Think about it, you pay to go to college to learn, and a mothers helper is there to gain the experience to graduate up to babysitting ;)
No offense, I have been babysitting for over 16 years, and a nanny the last 10! WHen I was 16 and driving, I would have laughed at a family if they offered me 5 bucks an hour! I would offer for $20/week. I think you'd see it'll yield a better person!
I think $5 would be fine. We pay or sitter $5 an hour when we are not home!
A.,
I would pay her minimum wadge rounded down to the nearest dollar. Since all she will be doing is mostly occupying them. I would definitely ask her first what she thinks is a fair wadge, see what she says and then offer her yours and compromise, come to an agreement together. Or just offer yours and if she doesn't like it she will say no. Or just take hers if you think it is fair. I think that is a great idea.
Good luck
E.
I think $5/hr is very appropriate for a 16 year old with no babysitting experience!! As long as you both agree before hand on the price, and she's happy with it! I would first ask her how much is she expecting? This will be a good indicator to know if $5 is way below her expectations! Good luck!
I'm myself will be looking for a mommy's helper this summer! Let us know how it went!
Pay at least minimum wage.
