xposted in TAO---how much is reasonable to ask for sitting a whole weekend?

[SimplyRochelle]

A little background: I have a great job watching a 18 month old little boy part time. I watch him 24 hours a week (10-6 on Tues/Thurs/Fri) and I get paid $9.50 an hour.

The parents are going out of town January 1st through 3rd and want me to watch their little one the entire weekend. My dh and I would just come and stay in their home for the weekend, sleeping in one of their guest bedrooms and I would have use of their vehicle if I needed to go anywhere with the kid.

My boss told me to name my price but that can be so uncomfortable if you overshoot or I could be missing out on extra, much needed, cash.

Also, I got a $200 christmas bonus today! How much do you think is a fair asking price for watching their son from mid afternoon on Friday until mid afternoon on Sunday?

[HollyBearsMom]

I have paid a flat rate for overnites but have never done a long weekend. I paid our sitter $175 for an overnite that started at noon and ended at noon the next day. She makes $13.00 an hour so she made considerably less than her hourly rate but I also left her cash for takeout and movies. She came up with fee and we both though it was fair.

I would think a $100/day would be very fair especially if you have use of her car and there is food in the house.

[Evan&Anna's_Mom]

You could try calling one of your local nanny/sitter agencies and asking what their price would be. That would probably give you the going maximum rate. I would expect to pay between 300 and 500 for a weeekend long sitter, but I've heard that the going agency rate is closer to $250 per day.

[meandmine]

Interesting. Minimum $10 an hour, minus 8 hours sleeping; that $160 a day. $320 for 48 hours ... maybe round it down to $300 if they are supplying your food?

Just a thought. I would pay that and think it reasonable.

M