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Original poster

To want to charge for the extra kid?

39 replies

ShyPearlMoose · 20/04/2024 13:50

I'm a babysitter and regularly babysit for a couple and their two kids. They're off out tonight and have asked me to babysit but also to watch one of their friends children (who is going out with them) as well.
They're all around 10 and the kids get on well.
Should I be charging more or charging a separate invoice to the other family as technically I'm providing a service for two families at the same time? I charge £12ph.

OP posts:
Seashor · 20/04/2024 16:40

Sod that! That extra child is going to bring extra responsibility.
I think you need a conversation with the parents now and I would be telling them that £10 covers their children and not an additional one. You’re not a nanny. Is £10 even minimum wage!

PrincessTeaSet · 20/04/2024 16:35

ByUmberViewer · 20/04/2024 15:45

They will pay you extra, don't worry.

How do you know? Is it you?

Onetiredbeing · 20/04/2024 16:31

MargaretThursday · 20/04/2024 14:40

So if they turn round and say "actually friend isn't going out now, so my 10yo is going round there, so you'll only have one child" then you'd reduce your cost?

If you do charge less for less children then that's fair enough.

No op will needs to be paid the same because it's for the family and not per child. This is an additional child. If this is once off then I would leave it but if it's becoming a frequent thing then op can ask them for more. Maybe just clear it with the parents as well that they don't expect you to do much more additional stuff for the child- cooking etc.

Crunchymum · 20/04/2024 16:26

If they are adding an extra child then I'd suck it up and hope for a decent tip.

If they are adding an extra 10 children, they need to pay you more.

ByUmberViewer · 20/04/2024 15:45

They will pay you extra, don't worry.

MissUltraViolet · 20/04/2024 15:42

If you are going to charge more then to avoid any issues I would definitely make it clear to them beforehand (and give them time to either agree or find another solution.)

If it is a one off you could always leave it and hope the other couple give you at least a tip at the end of the evening. On the other hand you also run the risk of it becoming a regular thing if they think they can just include their child on your current rate and go out together more often.

caringcarer · 20/04/2024 15:36

I think you'd be entitled to charge a bit more for looking after 3 DC instead of 2 DC. Eg if £10 per hour for 2 DC then £13 ph for 3 DC.

kaben · 20/04/2024 14:48

I’d wait and see if they give you a bit extra - I think they would be rude not to

MargaretThursday · 20/04/2024 14:40

So if they turn round and say "actually friend isn't going out now, so my 10yo is going round there, so you'll only have one child" then you'd reduce your cost?

If you do charge less for less children then that's fair enough.

Whateveer · 20/04/2024 14:13

What would you charge per hour if it was only 1 child?

Popchippps · 20/04/2024 13:57

What is your hourly rate for 3 children families vs 2 children?

I can’t see why you’d charge the other family separately tbh but cheeky to not check with you ahead of time you didn’t mind

WigglyVonWaggly · 20/04/2024 13:57

You could charge 1.5x if it will require any more work / effort. Otherwise you might find the number keeps growing each time!

dreadisabaddog · 20/04/2024 13:56

I wouldn't in this situation. It doesn't sound like you're required to do any extra work. I'd consider it if you were looking after a baby on top of two older kids

JMSA · 20/04/2024 13:55

I'd expect a good tip, but not necessarily more. Not at the age of 10 anyway. The kids will surely just amuse each other.