Do you remember babysitting as a teenager? Most of us have babysat at one time or another before having children of our own. It used to go something like this: once upon a time, if you wanted to earn some extra cash, you would knock on a neighbour’s door and offer to babysit. In return, you would get pizza to eat, a VHS to watch and a tenner at the end of the evening. How times have changed.
We all know that childcare costs in the UK are high. Everyone from Karren Brady to Ed Milliband comments on it. Without doubt, these high costs are a barrier to women returning to work. But are they also a barrier to keeping our social lives and relationships full of sparkle? (Probably). So, it’s vital to understand exactly what a reasonable rate is. Surprisingly, this can even vary in and around Cambridge. Why? Well, it’s not just where you live, it’s also how many children you have.
For many of us, the decision on an hourly rate for babysitters often poses a conundrum. Consider that rare event of the married world, the date night. You’ve booked the restaurant table, you’ve found the ideal local babysitter (and for tips on that, look here), and you are planning your outfit for that special few hours alone with your other half. (Remember him/her? I know, it’s been a while since you held a glance outside of the mad school run, work rush, parenting routine…).
How many of us recognise this conversation with a potential sitter:
“We would love to have you mind the kids a few nights a month. What is your hourly rate?”
“I don’t know. Whatever you want to pay me.”
“Well, how much do you make for other families?”
“£8 an hour. But they have 3 kids. You have 2.”
And then you’re left with a dilemma. You don’t want to be the neighbourhood Scrooge, but you also don’t want to lose a great sitter – and the chance to go out.
Instead, the conversation can go like this:
You: “We would love to have you sit the children. We pay £6 an hour.”
Sitter: “Sounds great. That’s what I usually make.”
What counts is the going rate in your area. And it’s always fair to include years of experience and the number of children you have as cost factors. Hey presto – end of awkward conversations!
And if you are a carer, you could do worse than follow the example of a super organized babysitter I know who keeps a note of all rates agreed on her smartphone and then sends an email with her bank details after the babysitting. That way, everyone has a written record of what is due and when, which helps with tax and national insurance — as well as her own peace of mind.
What do you pay a babysitter per hour? And do you tip her and cover her pizza order too? Please share.
