how much should I charge for child watching?

[kugrrly]

I am taking care of some kids after school (work), and the parents have asked me how much I charge. I have not done this in a while, and I am trying to think of a fair price. Basically I will be helping the children with homework, and taking them to sports practices three days a week for a few hours. What do you think would be fair price??

[jki]

It depends on where you live and how many children. Why don't you check your local Craigslist and see what the going rate is?

Here, you could probably charge $16/hour for 2 kids.

ETA: This rate is assuming you'd pay for your own gas and other related expenses.

[salysaturn]

holy crap! I am starting to watch kids :)

Back when I babysat after work/school, I charged about $5/hr (for one kid), that was like 7 years ago. I'd check the local listings as well. I would think maybe $50 a week? That would be about $7-$8/hr 2 hrs a night, 3 days a week?

[Standrea]

You should also take into account your gas for picking up these kids, and driving them to practice. I think between $8 and $10 is reasonable. Depending on how old the kids are too, of course!

[artist]

I've been paid $10 an hour to babysit. Though I've casually asked people I know who are parents how much they pay their sitters and I've heard $5 an hour. To me, $5 seems pretty low, but maybe they are hiring a 12 year old to do it? Considering you will be helping with homework and being the taxi driver, you could probably charge more like $12+ an hour. Will it be your own car and your own gas and insurance? Charge more in that case.

[j*east]

As an adult, I'd charge at least $10 an hour for babysitting, $20 in a particularly wealthy area. The driving part is especially a big deal.

Plus, I'm a teacher, and tutoring would be at least $50 an hour. With HW help as part of child care, I'd probably do $20/hour, no matter where I am. My job is exhausting, so I would charge as much as I can to do more work after school.

It all depends on the going rate where you are, though--but don't undersell yourself. You are (I'm assuming) much more qualified than a high school kid, and that's why they want you. :)

[udsweetpea]

I'd think the $5 range is for teens who babysit. I'd charge something around $10/hour plus gas.

[eli1126]

If you have any after school programs in your area, I would call around and see what they charge. You want to make this worth your while because otherwise, it will get old really fast! Because you will be driving the kids in your car, I would make sure you have adequate car insurance and if not, up your policy to make sure you would be covered if you were to get into an accident with the kids in the car. If you are providing snacks, you will also want to figure out how much this will add to your weekly grocery bill. All these things will add up so you want to make sure that the rate you charge covers any increases you will have to undertake as well as gives you money to put in your pocket. Good Luck!

[kugrrly]

we decided on 15 an hour.

[princesse]

Totally reasonable.

[Delta]

I pay a college student 12 dollars an hour to watch my 3.5 yo and sometimes baby.

[salysaturn]

pays more than I get paid now...rethinking my career :)