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Ever wonder what the appropriate amount is to pay the babysitter? It's an awkward conversation to have: The sitter is vague when asked how much she charges. You poll your friends, and the answers are wildly disparate.
You don't want to underpay the gal; she won't come back and she'll tell all her baby sitter friends to screen your calls because you're too cheap. You also don't want to pay so much that you can't afford to go out. And in these economic times, many parents are trading baby sitting services. Just be sure to agree on services up front.
For most sitters, the going rate ranges according to the number of kids and their ages in terms of neediness. But the general consensus is $7 to $10 per hour.
Emma Nash is a local college student who has been baby sitting locally since she was 14. She said she usually charges between $8 and $10 per hour.
She has had her share of disasters in that department, though. She once was paid $4 an hour to watch five kids. That was the end of her visits to that house.
As far as housework goes, she says she's happy to do it if the kids are asleep and she doesn't have anything else to do.
"I really can't stand messy kitchens, and I feel bad getting paid to do nothing when the children are asleep," she said. "Also, I always make it a point to clean up after (ourselves) in the kitchen or playing anywhere in the house; I think it's just a nice thing to do."
Many parents say they'll be home at a certain time and then arrive much later.
Her advice: Call if you're running late and be sure to compensate the sitter accordingly.
Amanda Garza has been baby sitting for about 8 years, starting like most sitters by watching her little brother. She charges between $7 and $10 an hour.
One of the perks to her job cannot be monetized. Baby sitting has made her realize that infants are hard work and that changing diapers is not fun.
"I'm going to wait forever to have children," she said.
Parents should search for a baby sitter who has had CPR training and preferably one who has had the more complete first aid training, such as the Red Cross baby sitter's course.
Of course, expect to pay a little more for the expected quality of care.
Curtis Melde is preparedness and response manager at the Coastal Bend Texas Red Cross and also heads up the baby sitter course.
"Trained baby sitters are taught this is a business, not for fun," Meade said. "They are given all the tools in the course to run their business in a professional manner: CPR, first aid, proper feeding and child management techniques."
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