[jmax]

I live in Plymouth, and will be using a babysitter for the first time this Saturday for my 2 and 3 year old boys. I asked her what she charges and she said whatever I think is fair. Anyone have an idea what is fair?

[mostie]

I guess it would depend on whether or not you're using a babysitter for a one-time situation, or if it will be on a regular basis. "What's Fair" and what people can usually afford to pay are two different things, lol- is it for an evening out? Or daytime? Usually at night, I would guess it would be a little less, since little ones tend to go to sleep earlier- If it were for a few hours out, I would guess maybe....40?

I'm sorry, I really am guessing, lol- my daughter used to babysit for a little girl every once in a while, and the woman only gave her around 20 for five or six hours.

[magellan]

2 boys at that age? I'd start out at $8, maybe $10/hour. If the babysitter is good, lock them in at $10.

A lot depends on whether they drive or not, or if you have to pick them up. Whether your kids need diapers changed, etc.

Nothing less than $8 though. Minimum wage right now in Michigan is $7.40.

[tjay]

Ridiculous.

$6 an hour.

That's tax free money while she watches tv and eats your food. Don't pay a high amount just because society pressures you...

[DONNIEANDDONNA417]

But dont be so cheap because when you comes to your kids money really isnt an object. Always remember you get what you pay for. I will give her $50.00 for the night. Make sure the kids have their things to keep them occupied...like their favorite toys, movies, etc

[jkels]

Jeeze I would have loved to worked for some of you. I used to get like $20 for like dinner and a movie. I did an overnight for someone who gave me $50 and I was shocked. If the kids are in bed or about to go to bed it makes a difference too. I'd say maybe $30 if it's for like 3 or so hours. I'm with TJay. I don't agree with 'minimum wage' as others have said they are tax free. I pay my sitter when I work $3/hr which is about norm around Lansing. Yes, when you go out on a Fri it's different...

[pugboy]

Hopefully the babysitters will join up with a union and get great pay and benifits.

[Spartan1510]

We are paying $12/hr for two kids: 4 1/2 yr old boy and a 1 1/2 yr old girl. Both are extremely active and the 1 1/2 yr old is obviously still in diapers. We are thinking within the next yr to lower the pay to $10/hr when they will both be out of diapers.

We typically use babysitters for weekend nights out.

But....our babysitters are typically highly qualified ones such as one of the daycare professionals at her daycare.

[baker Freesia]

Sheesh, I would have loved to have baby sat for some of you, IF it were back in the 70's. I baby sat for a couple who went out once a week - a bowling night out, I got paid $3.00 for the evening, I was probably there all of 3 hours, so that was $1.00/hr. Another job I got paid close to $3.00/hr. I would babysit for a total of around 8 hours a day for 3 days each week. If kids today got paid $20 $40 or $50.00 for an over nighter stay or evening stay, I would hope they don't complain. I would have no idea what the going rate is for babysitters today.

[notdeconcentrate]

I think I used to make around $20 or $30 every Saturday night for 3 kids (around 10 yrs ago) while the parents went to work a shift at their restaurant...Maybe 6 hrs? I used to cook/prepare dinner, do dishes, and put them to bed.

This past summer I paid a 15 year old $40 a week to babysit (full time) before day camp started. After day camp was over she wanted $50 a week, because she made more at her parent's restaurant.

Currently my state licensed, home based daycare charges $2.50 an hour, half days, 5 days per week.

I don't think I'd pay over $35 for a Saturday night.