How much do you charge to babysit?
By waters1748
@waters1748 (307)
United States
November 10, 2008 10:47am CST
I'm looking to start babysitting a couple of children to help out with our finances. I have 2 daughters - 9 and 4 that I homeschool. I love children and thought this would be a good way to earn a little plus my girls would love it too. My question is how much should I charge? I've never had a babysitter for my girls and don't know the going rate. Does anyone else babysit during the day? Thank you for your input!
1 person likes this
2 responses
@CanadaGal (4304)
• Canada
11 Nov 08
I live in London, Ontario, Canada, and the going rate for childcare from a stay at home mom varies slightly. Our school kindergarten program in our area is a 1/2 day one, so the going rate for watching a child 1/2 a day tends to be around $20 per child. For all day (based on 8am to 5pm) it's anywhere from $25 to $40 per child, depending on ages and whether or not you make their lunches and snacks, etc. Any money needed for extra activities such as movie admission is extra.
@waters1748 (307)
• United States
11 Nov 08
My mother-in-law used to charge $5.00 per hour per child. That sounds about like what you are saying. I forgot to ask about lunches and snacks, thanks for bringing that up. I'm assuming most of the rates might include lunch & snack? Good thing I'm a member of Sam's club - looks like I'll be stocking up on Snack Pack pudding, ha ha. Thank you for your input - you definitely made me think!
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157865)
• United States
11 Nov 08
I have not done it in forever so long, I am not sure. I would suggest that you call the Health Dept. or whatever licensing agency and get licensed or registered so that you can take it off in taxes. They would also be able to tell you the going rate, or put you in contact with other providers so you can see what the ball park rate is. I would also call some day care centers and see what I was competing with, although a home daycare is over and above to be preferred to a big daycare center. Good luck.
@waters1748 (307)
• United States
11 Nov 08
Hey thanks. I'm going to do some more research and go from there. We are currently looking to move so I'm going to wait till we get settled, probably start in January. The neighborhood we're looking to move to has a lot of families so that might help too. Thanks again for all your input!
