to not pay the babysitter

[salsarocks]

We are meant to be going to a friend's Christmas party tonight and had arranged a babysitter, not our usual but a girl who helps us when our usual babysitter is busy. I have just had to cancel as one of the kids has become ill, the party is 45 mins away and DD doesn't really know this babysitter well. DH doesn't think I should pay her but I'm feeling guilty. AIBU not to pay her?

50%

Just went over the road to her house and gave her £20 in an envelope. All got quite embarrassing as she point blank refused any money and said she had no other plans for tonight. Anyway eventually I just shoved it in her hand and bolted. Thanks for all the advice.

Twas the right thing to do

definitely the right thing to do

Def offer something.

One woman gave me £20 token payment after she cancelled with an hours notice (3rd time in 2wks) the babysits had been booked wks before (one was 6wks). The only reason I took the £20 on that occasion was because I had turned down 5 other babysits for that eve.

She obviously wasn't too happy at giving it tho as she never asked again.

Too busy with other work anyway

I wouldn't pay, no. But I suppose it would be nice of you to give her a fiver.

X-posts.

You know you can always ask again.

Hope your DD well soon

You gave her £20

You are v nice lady

YABU and you should pay her the agreed amount. Not only can she not get any other work she may well be relying on the money for xmas. You should pay in full and feel good about the fact you did the right thing.

You did the right thing, now you can concentrate on looking after your ill child without being distracted by...should I have thoughts :)

When I babysitted I had one mum who would constantly cancel at last minute. Really annoying.

I would suggest paying half or a gesture amount say 10 pounds, as she may have turned down other work to work for you, and its really the only fair thing to do.

You've just got the thumbs up from my 15.5 yo. She had said that she wouldn't have expected to be paid under the circumstances bit when I read her your post about shoving £20 at the lass and bolting before she could decline again DD laughed and said, "Ooo! That's kinda sweet!".

You have the approval of a teenager - you're doing very well. :o

Aww yes I agree with nancy - she will have already had it spent in her head/could be relying on it to buy Christmas presents. So yes, I'd pay her full amount, although I'm sure my husband would have a heart attack.