Babysitting

[curlyfries81]

What's the going rate for a babysitter these days? The person who is babysitting is over 18 and a very responsible young lady, the daughter of a good friend and colleague.

[Patsy33]

I'm not sure but I'd personally pay £10  an hour.

[curlyfries81]

Thanks, Patsy33. I was anticipating to have to pay more than that. 

Would £75 for 6 hours be reasonable?

[Patsy33]

Yes, I think that reasonable, curly. I meant to have said, at least £10.

[curlyfries81]

Thank you, much appreciated. It's only a one-off.

[dave50]

It's a pity grandparents cant get paid £10 an hour. Fed up of expecting to be unpaid baby sitters for hours on end. We have a life as well.

[curlyfries81]

I'm not sure about your family, Dave, but we regularly take the grandparents out for meals, invite them over for Sunday lunch and treat them to Theatre tickets to thank them for what they do four the kids. On this occasion, however, the grandparents are abroad and cannot look after them.

[Ken4155]

^

Just say no.

[lolasmam]

I believe that £10 per hour is quite a generous rate, especially given that the primary task involves supervision only. Of course, the appropriate rate can vary depending on the age and needs of the children. Personally, I would recommend introducing the babysitter to the children beforehand and allowing them to spend a short period together. This would help ensure that both the children and the babysitter are comfortable before committing to a longer six-hour stay.