To not know how much to pay babysitter today?

[flownthecoopkiwi]

Due to a family emergency my DH couldn't look after the two children today, aged 4 and 9.

I managed to find one of the preschool workers to come and babysit them today from 8-4 while I work.

I raised the issue of money. She said 'pay me a sum of money'

ARGH?

What would you think would be ok? I initially said £50 but thinking that might be too low?

We pay £7.50 per hour for agency babysitters at night so I'd say £60 would be reasonable.

i have no idea what that would be?

Nursery staff we pay £10 per hour (South East) for babysitting (their request). We now pay a local teenager (17) £5 per hour (her request) now the kids are older (7 and 5).

Tbh she needs to give you a flat rate or an hourly rate or risk a cheeky fucker (not you op) going 'ok here's 50p'! Whereabouts are you? Might cost you more in the South East where I am?

I would think a minimum of £10 an hour, so £80 for the day.

I'm in the East. She is doing us a huge favour...

At least minimum wage for her age.

At least minimum wage, and then some to thank her for helping you out last minute.

Where in the country are you? You can bear in mind that this is cash in hand money for her so she will not be paying tax and NI,'at least minimum wage' doesn't apply. £50 sounds reasonable unless you are London/South East, then maybe a little more.

10 per hour for nursery workers doing babysitting round here (NW london)

It shouldn't matter that it's cash in hand - surely someone looking after your children to help you work is worth at least minimum wage?

We pay nursery staff £8ph (or part thereof) to babysit in an evening. Usually give a few quid extra to make the nearest fiver. If it was short notice I would put on a tenner for helping out.

When I occasionally did some baby sitting I charged £7.50 an hour but they would generally round up to closest fiver. If it was very late notice (i.e. Morning of) Some parents chucked in a little extra for the flexibility but I wouldn't have asked for it.

I think 80 quid.

We've had someone in over the holidays and we pay minimum wage. If we have her to babysit we pay £10 an hour.

As she's doing you a massive favour is throw in a little more or buy her a bunch of flowers on the way home.

I'm surprised by the rates people are being charged.

Generally, I don't think people should be paid £8 or £10 per hour. Or certainly not for older children. Not in the evening anyway.

I used to get paid £20 for a whole evening. Which I always thought was very fair because the children were asleep and I never actually saw them!!

It seems mad to pay someone to look after your children virtually the same amount some parents would actually be paid for working their own shift .

£10ph would be standard I think (although it will depend on the going rate in your area).

£50 would be much too low I think.

I think £80 is fair.

£8-£10ph here in the south west for nursery staff. Obviously you'd pay less for a local teenager but then you're not getting a professional.

numbmum That's the way it is for many working mothers.