To want to charge for the extra kid?

[ShyPearlMoose]

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

They will pay you extra, don't worry.

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.

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.

How do you know? Is it you?

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!

The other family should have sourced their own babysitter.

Are you now the default babysitter for their friendship group any time they all go out?

I would tell them the cost is now £16 per hour. Still cheaper than 2 babysitters.

You have 3 kids to look free.

Only difference would be if they were all already asleep.

Unless the other person is you how can you possibly know that?

You must not have been on here long if you think CFs dont exist

I would be worried about setting a precedence and would definitely have a rate for one family versus two. Maybe 1.5x for two families? They can challenge you on the logic about child numbers if they want but those are your terms they can take or leave.

I wouldn't bother no.

I’d explain the rate I’d quoted was for 2 kids and add some extra on.

I would expect to pay more for an additional child. Not sure about going rates because we don’t need sitters at this point, but definitely more.

Did they ask you or tell you?

a nice ask and maybe I would let it go as a once off (and phrase it that way)

if they just told you, then they can be told right back that there is an extra charge for more children, especially if from another family

I’d charge more for a sleepover supervision than a straight babysitting and I’d need phone numbers and any relevant info on the third child. In this instance I’d text back and say you normally would charge more for this situation and want to talk to the other parents but you can do it tonight.

If the kids were toddlers charging more would be reasonable. At ten I'm not so sure. It's not really extra work.

I would ask the parent who usually pays you "Is the new child's Mum/Dad paying me separately, or are you paying all together?", which indicates to them that you are expecting to be paid more than your usual 2 child rate. I would expect around £15ph for 3 kids, so an extra £3ph. Let us know how you get on!

If these are regular clients then I’d let it go this once, but make it clear to them so it’s not a repeat occurrence. Something like “thanks for letting me know. Normally I’d charge £X amount more for 3 children not 2, but for this time I’ll keep it to the normal price”.

id be more worried about whether the friend’s parents knew that the parents are going out and being looked after by a babysitter. Nothing against your work OP I just like to know who’s responsible for my child!