Babysitting

10 replies

LogBurner2345 · 11/10/2018 20:50

Just after some opinions as to whether I’m being unreasonable or not.

I recently joined a running club so decided to hire a babysitter, it’s my first time using a babysitting service and leaving my son with anyone other than my parents.

She charges £10 an hour so it’s a little expensive (for me personally, I’m a single parent so money is tight) but she comes fully qualified with all the correct checks (dbs, first aid etc!) so I don’t mind paying her hourly rate as I would rather pay more for a qualified and sensible person.

I booked her in yesterday for 3 hours (6:30pm until 9:30), however I did let her know I might be home earlier. All went well, I arrived home around 8:45pm and when I asked how much I owed her she still charged me for the 3 hours.

As I said this is the first time I’ve used a babysitter, so I basically just want to know is this normal practice? I only ask as £15 is a lot of money for a service I basically didn’t even use (for that 45 mins).

I could maybe see her point had I just turned up early unannounced, but I did let her know beforehand.

AIBU? Thanks

OP posts:

Shelvesoutofbooks · 11/10/2018 20:53

You booked her in for 3 hrs and she probably turned other work down for you. If she is qualified then this is most likely her only source of income - if you booked for 3 you pay for 3. It would've been different if you booked her for the day but only used her for an hour. But you were 45 mins early, meaning you should still pay her in full.

GeorgieTheGorgeousGoat · 11/10/2018 20:53

Why £15? £7.50 surely. And if you book it, you pay for it.

Shelvesoutofbooks · 11/10/2018 20:55

Also all babysitters and agencies we have used have a 3 or 4 hr minimum, as otherwise it's not worth the time or hassle for the babysitter. So even if you need only an hr you'd have to pay for 3

TrippingTheVelvet · 11/10/2018 20:57

She put aside 3 hours of her time for you so you owe her 3 hours pay.

Original poster

LogBurner2345 · 11/10/2018 20:58

Typed the thread in a rush, meant to say I arrived home at 8pm but we chatted for around 30 mins so around £10-£15

OP posts:

Original poster

LogBurner2345 · 11/10/2018 20:58

She works full time in a nursery and as a nanny so this is not her sole income.

OP posts:

worstmotherintheworld · 11/10/2018 20:59

My DD does babysitting for several families and is also paid for the full hour. You told her that she was needed for 3 hours so she will have set aside that time for you. I think childcare is generally paid by the hour and so that is what she would expect to receive. If there is a next time you could maybe see if she is willing to be paid by the half hour

Shelvesoutofbooks · 11/10/2018 21:00

She works in childcare and babysitting is childcare. It's her income. Next time find a cheaper babysitter.

Faster · 11/10/2018 21:01

Doesn’t matter if it’s her sole income or not, you booked her for a certain period of time, she would be unable to work in that other time. You should pay her the full amount.

Original poster

LogBurner2345 · 11/10/2018 21:01

Okay I can see I was being unreasonable... thank you for your replies

OP posts:

Flip