Babysitters: 4 Tips to Not Over Paying

Gone are the days where you could simply toss $10 to a teenage babysitter. Today's teenagers consider babysitting a serious job Babysitters expect pay commensurate with their skills and experiences. When determining a fair wage for your babysitter, adhere to the following rules.

What is the neighborhood's going rate?
Talk to your neighbors and friends. Get an idea of what they are paying babysitters. People who pay well below the neighborhood average will find it difficult to hire a responsible, experienced babysitter. Be careful not to pay substantially more than others in the neighborhood or that may become the norm and drive up the rates.

What is the age and experience level of your babysitter?
Experienced babysitters are in higher demand and command higher rates. If you feel comfortable hiring a less experienced teen, you'll save money. If your children require more specialized care and attention, prepare to pay at the upper-end of the neighborhood scale. I charged $4 when I was in high school, but when I was majoring in elementary education at college I charged no less than $6 an hour. Similarly, in England, I pay the teenage girl across the street 4 pounds an hour, but when I hire one of the women who work at my daughter's nursery, I pay a pound more. When hiring someone with more experience, be willing to pay more. As with all services, you get what you pay for.

Are extra duties required?
Day babysitters who are responsible from breakfast until bedtime should be paid more than night babysitters who simply house sit while the kids sleep. If you are asking a babysitter to care for young children who require constant interaction and supervision, including diaper changes and feedings, be willing to pay slightly more than if the babysitter was watching a ten year old who required minimal care. It isn't unrealistic to expect the house to be tidy when you return, but discuss the additional duties and pay up-front. Washing dishes or other non-sitting activities demand a bonus.

How long was the babysitter there and did your return on time?
Your babysitter's time is valuable. If you expect to be gone until 10 pm and don't return until midnight, think of the additional 2 hours as overtime when settling the bill. Time-and-a-half for those 2 hours is customary. If you book a babysitter by the day or week, discuss the rate up-front. Don't wait. Negotiate discounts at that time. Do not try to bargain below a customary rate. Word gets around. Those branded as cheapskates find it difficult to hire responsible babysitters.

Getting some much needed time as a couple or with other adults is important for parents. Hiring the right babysitter can make the time away from the children more enjoyable and less stressful. Keeping the right babysitter by paying appropriately can save parents lots of hassles in the long run.