How much to charge for babysitting?

[Itsumo-nana]

Hello!

I just turned 15. I have babysitted a lot (ever since I was 11 -) and have passed my Canadian Red-Cross CPR course.

A new family wants my services, but it leads me to this : how much should I ask per hour? Parents, how much do you pay?

The other families, I started babysitting their children at age 11/12 and so I didn't ask much because of my lack of experience and young age (7$/hour for 2 young children, for example). I am now older and with a lot of experience in my pocket.

I don't know how many children they have neither their age yet, but I'm guessing it'll be 2 children around 2-8, and pehaps one being mentally disabled. Only a strong guess. Should I ask more for an autistic child?

Thank you very much! <3

 

[SailorRosette]

Treat the children as equal as you can. Parents will appriciate it greatly.

As for price, I typically ask $10 and it seems fair to me. Sometimes, for a discount (like that, cheaper) parents will reward you later for doing a good job. Keeping the children happy, doing special things with them, not letting the TV do the work... Those things. Kids will help you earn more (in some cases) by letting parents/guardians know they had a great time with you. Always a perk of showing you care about what the kids want to do. Given, it stays in line with the rules of the house. Always be sure to learn those from the parents/guardian ahead of time. Kids will always try to bend them or tell you different.

I try to find a common ground with the kids. For me its easy... Such as MLP, or a favorite movie... Whatever. Or even showing off your cool things. My neices/nephews love checking out older toys. (just beware of what you choose, they will want to touch or play with it)

 

[ciara683]

legal minimum wage is $10.25 here in B.C

depiste it not being legitimate services that you can file they still have to pay at least minimum.

 

[Eternal Mametchi Fan]

I don't think you should charge extra for an autistic child ;o

I'd recommend charging at least $10 - $12 per hour. Perhaps a few dollars more, since you say you're more experienced.

 

[Itsumo-nana]

Thank you very much for your comments! <3 10$ sounds good.

EMF@ I know some girls who charge extra for deficiancy, I'm not comfortable with taking more so that's why I was asking you guys.. basically it would be harder to focus on all 'my' children at the park when one starts to stim or goes where he's not supposed to, but I love children so bring on the trouble LOL.

SailorRosette it's awesome you mention it, I've found many young boys in my city were playing Wizard101, a game I've played for years in my childhood. :> As for the girls, animals are the most common strong interest... cliché. Come on, girls! :/