What would you pay ??

[Boadiccea]

So looking for some guidance, the situation is this;

A couple I am friendly with pre booked me over a month ago to move into their home for 6 days and be responsible for their 5 children while they go on holiday. I have done this for them before, but that was during term time. They have organised for grandma to come help out for dinner time and dinner's are pre-cooked and frozen, so need to make breakfast and lunch. Also arranged for a young girl to take out 2/3 older ones for 2 afternoons, so will be less children for me to entertain. Children range in ages from 18 months - 12 years.

The problem is we did not discuss payment prior and I am broke and jobless so need the money, this is not merely just a favour (I told them this to begin with).

How much would you pay me? What would make it reasonable for both parties?

In London.

No Grandma can't be alone with all 5 children, and cannot lift the baby.

Baby wakes at 7 and the rest are up at 7.30/8. Last one goes to bed 9.30. They don't require night care, unless one is unwell or nightmare (like last night at 3am).

It doesn't matter how many children you have, you are being paid for your time. It should be your regular hourly rate and then depending on the children's sleep routines, paid hourly throughout the night or a flat night fee.

If they used a child minder it would be £5ish per child per hour. So 14 hours per day, x 5 kids = £350 per day (though theoretically you are on duty 24hrs per day).
Probably too much to ask for, but if you explain that to them, you can negotiate from there. Bear in mind that you have no living expenses for yourself for that week (well food anyway)

I realise that as i was typing MrsM. Thats why I added the brackets. Will save on electricity and gas though by not being at home.

I would charge about £100 per day. They are able to afford a holiday and you are enabling them to leave their 5 young children in your capable hands meaning they can relax and enjoy themselves knowing their children are happy and being well looked after. I know from personal experience it can be difficult to discuss money but they should pay you what you are worth, especially if they are hoping you will do it for them again in the future. After all you can't leave 5 kids with just anyone and expect to come back to happy, clean children in a tidy home with homework done etc. Good luck!

No probs MrsM. Not a big saving I know, but the couple might bring it up in negotiations, so just as well to gave thought about how much the saving might be.
Sounds like the child care might cost more than the hol!

i'm doing 4 days @ 150 a day, next month - As i'm happy with that this time

GW - I am dreadful at discussing money, but I know I have to try and you are so right about expecting happy kids and the possibility of doing it again. I'm just afraid if I stand up for myself it might turn into a argument...

sued - They might mention it, but yes no major savings for me. Doesn't childcare always work out the most expensive thing ;)

Indeed! So don't sell yourself short! It's hard work looking after 5 kids.

I do a lot of babysitting too. My friend who is very successful in business taught me how to get better at discussing money. They will not be unpleasant to you i shouldn't imagine as i don't think they will know that many people prepared to look after 5 children for a week in future. The couple might spend £100 on a nice meal and wine in one evening. You just say 'this is how much i am' not 'how much were you thinking/do you pay your other babysitter?' etc. Do it by text if you are worried.

So I have (with the help of a good friend) created a invoice with hourly breakdowns of £4ph during night, £6ph when other help around (grandma) and £8ph when I'm alone. I feel this is reasonable and am expecting some negotiations and bargaining. I'm not good at speaking up for myself so this is a first and I'm not gana lie I am extremely nervous!!!

iluvkids what do you mean by this time?

I'd be charging £200 per 24 hours as have to pay a 1/3 in taxes plus my other expenses plus you have to take into account no break time for you in the week.

That sounds great. How much did it come to in total out of interest? Do it by text/email if you are worried. It'll be easier next time. Let us know how you get on and good luck looking after 5 kids all week!

Yes, I'd be charging a minimum of £150 per 24 hours.

I would charge £200 per 24hrs

agencies advise from £150-£250