what would you pay?

[Red Pajama]

I've asked two teenage neighbors (sisters) to watch my kids for one hour after school, twice a week, so I can get some exercise. They've come recommended by another family in our church. I told them what I was looking for, and asked them to tell me what they'd like to be paid for this job.

I have twin 4 year old boys, and a 15 month old. they will only be with them for about an hour, I'll be in the neighborhood walking (not somewhere else at a gym). The baby may or may not be sleeping for this time period. I believe the girls plan to watch them together, not take turns. What sort of compensation would you feel is fair for this situation?

[kirstenb]

I'm not sure what the going rate is in your neighborhood is, but $20-$30 a week seems fair to me.

[Kappa]

I would say $20 bucks, each girl will get $10, enough for a movie or other indulgence. I think that is slightly over-paying them, but if they are good maybe you can extend their hours some afternoons and fit in some more personal time.

[zoebird]

i pay $15 per 2 hr block of time. eg, i typically take 1.5 hr yoga classes, meeting the sitter at the site. that's at least a 15 minute commute each way, and then we meet 15 minutes before class and close up 15 minutes after class. so, each session is 2 hrs, even though it's only a 1.5 hr yoga class and i'm right there in case the baby needs me (he still nurses exclusively).

i don't know if that helps you at all, but it's what i do.

[Chavelamomela]

There is such variation from neighborhood to neighborhood.

Ask the people in your church who recommended them what they paid.

I know that when I have a babysitter in my neighborhood, I've paid $7-10/hour, depending on age/experience, while when I needed a babysitter by my in-laws, I paid $6/hour for an experienced high-schooler , so it really depends. - and we both live in the same metropolitan area!