How much do you pay for babysitting?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2002
How much do you pay for babysitting?
6
Mon, 10-30-2006 - 2:32pm

Hello All,

Thought I'd give an update... well no more free babysitting for me. My mother moved out (which in and of itself was not a bad thing). I have three children so that makes for very expensive babysitting. I found a person who will do it for $9 an hour ($3 dollars per child). So my Saturday nights out will now be only 4 hrs long at $36. Yeah, I won't be going out as much anymore... and no overnights. :-(

I suppose if I meet someone nice, I can always do a lunch date or something so that I don't have to pay for a sitter... at least in the beginning while I'm trying to weed out the losers...lol. I figure in my budget I'll be able to go out 2 - 3 times a month (but that's a big drop from what I WAS doing). Thankfully, I've already got a sitter booked for Halloween night after the children trick or treat.

Loonybunny

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-13-2005
Mon, 10-30-2006 - 3:14pm

Don't despair. It is a bummer that you lost your mom as your "free" babysitter. I don't know the situation but perhaps she will fill in a few times in the future?

I think that you will find a way to get out no matter the circumstance - perhaps a friend will exchange babysitting? Or you will find a cheaper teenager nearby?

The bigger deal, in my opinion, is to meet someone nice you like. After that the rest is easy - where there is a will, there is a way.

I do like your idea of lunch dates to start. Good luck, okay? And keep us posted!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-08-2006
Mon, 10-30-2006 - 8:13pm

Wow. I've always been lucky, I guess, but is there some way to find a sitter-swap or something? How old are your children? COuld you leave them with a responsible teenager? I typically pay about $20 for a night- and that's from around 8-9 til the same time the next morning. My sitters are great, and I have no idea what the "going rate" around here is, that's just what I've always paid. So far, no complaints, and it is never hard for me to find a sitter.
Sometimes my parents will watch them, but I hate to ask them. I also would rather they not know all of the details of my life. It just works out better for me to arrange my own childcare, and the kids usually have a great time with the sitter.
I typically go out 2-3 times a month, and although it may take some getting used to, you may also find that you really value the time you do get to yourself. I know for me, I really look forward to "my time", especially since school has started- I need the release, and the kids need a break from me, also.

Moody- counting her blessings


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iVillage Member
Registered: 06-04-2004
Mon, 10-30-2006 - 8:51pm

I'm thankful that I have my parents near to babysit when I want to go out. But for those times when they can't, I hire my best friend's daughter- and it's about $7.50 an hour for 2 kids. So when I was dating randomly (before Hiker), it was always a case where I'd have to decide if the guy was "babysitter worthy" because one evening out might cost me up to $50, depending on how early we started! If I didn't think the guy was worth that much, I wouldn't go out unless my mom was available. lol

Now that I'm seeing Hiker, it's usually well worth it to me if I have to hire a sitter. :-)

Wow Moody- I need to borrow YOUR babysitter!! What a great price you're getting for that much time! Hang onto that- and shhhh don't say a thing or you might have to start paying ALOT more!

~shrimpy

~shrimpy

"A man who wants something will find a way; a man who doesn't will find an excuse." ~Stephen Dolley Jr.

~<

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-04-2006
Mon, 10-30-2006 - 9:00pm
I consider myself very lucky in that my ex is around and involved with the kids. He takes them on "his" weekends, and is pretty flexible when it comes to switching days, of course it's usually financially motivated as I've mentioned before. He gets away with paying me less b/c he has them more than most dads. I also do A LOT of trading babysitting times. My sister and sister in law watch my kids occasionally, and I watch my nephews quite a bit. My kids are 12 and 9, nephews are 4,3,2,and one on the way. The best part is my girls love to play "mommy" to the boys so when I do have them I really don't do much. Plus it is a constant reminder to me why I don't want to have anymore kids. It's so much more fun to be the cool aunt than the mean mommy!! When the 2 y/o is mad at my sister, he says "I want Beeshy!" (he can't say sheesh) Something else I tried years ago was to post a notice at the church down the street from my house. I don't go to that church, but I met some very nice "grandmotherly" types who were interested. Also, I worked at a daycare some time ago, I was always up for making a little extra cash on the side by babysitting on weekends or evenings. That might be a less expensive option for you as well. Anyway, hope some of this helps.
Sheesh
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-15-2004
Mon, 10-30-2006 - 11:51pm

For overnites (about 14 hours) I pay my teen sitters anywhere from $35-40 (depending on age)_ & the college sitters, $50 overnite.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2002
Wed, 11-01-2006 - 9:57am

>>I'd have to decide if the guy was "babysitter worthy"<<

I find myself thinking about this now... and I also find myself putting pressure on myself to enjoy a night that's cost sooo much..... Needless to say I'm not having as much fun because I thinking tooo much. Always been a problem for me.

But the good news is that I will be spending more time with the kids. A change I think that will benefit us all in the end.

And I have another story to tell (later when I get a free minute) that will explain WHY I want to avoid my usually hangout. I'm so embarrassed. And it wasn't worth the $40. :-(

Thanks for everyones suggestions!