How Do I Bring up $$ to Mom I'm Babysitting For?

I would bring it up now. Simply state to her that you know this is may be and akward subject but you want to discuss it because you want to make sure you are both happy with the arrangement. In addition, talk about what the specific responsibilities.

I would put into writing what questions you want to ask before you address the conversation. Also, set up a time to do so when neither one of you has your kids - so you can not be distracted.

Create a list for yourself about what you are willing and NOT willing to do. Also, decide what hours you are willing to work and what you want to get paid. This is a job not a favor for her, you deserve to be paid appropriately and have parameters. If you both have widely different expectations, you both will be unhappy.

As for the going rate of $10-$12/per hour that is for someone who is watching children without any of their own, so I would expect less. I would also broach defining the amount of hours per week and vacations. Are you supposed to arrange your vacations around hers? How much vacation do you get? Is it all unpaid? Is she going to guarantee you a certain amount of hours per week? Most people do guarantee a certain amount of hours per week. How are you going to track hours. Is she going to deduct for 1/2 hours, you to add for 1/2 hours? I use a set amount per week for my nanny and she has a starting and ending time each day. If I let her go early, I don't pay her less. Also, if she stays a little late, she doesn't charge me and we are both happy that way.

Also, how will this woman reach you during the day - what are her expectations there?

By not defining anything she will take advantage of you - even if it is just because she isn't thinking about it. You wouldn't take a job with a corporation without knowing these things and this is a job too. A huge job and is vitally important.

It is ok to be straight up. It can be hard to broach these subjects, but it will be worth it in the long run and remember she is getting something great with you.

Your doing the right thing by asking this group, but if it were me I would charge something and bring it up right away, so it's not more ackward later.

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I would just bring it up - chances are the mom is happy to talk about it. We had this situation with our sitter (only I was the mom whose child was being watched) and I appreciated her just telling us what was on her mind. Just start by telling her that watching her kids has been a pleasure and that things are going well, but that you think you deserve more money for the job. Explain that when she first asked you you had no idea how much to charge so you just threw out a number but now you realize that you were too low. Show her some data about what the going rate is so she has a context.

Jennifer,

I am a SAHM like you and I have been babysitting for a while.

I charge $4 per hour per child because I watch them at my home.

Don't be shy about talking to her about money. Remember SHE NEEDS YOU. Just start the conversation very casually and ask her to pay you cash on Fridays. You could give her the total of hours at the end of the week if you charge by hour.

Good luck!

Jennifer,
You must bring up this subject as soon as possible. You are not working for free, and, as the other ms mother said, SHE needs YOU. If she is offended by what you know is a fair professional arrangement, you will need to work for someone else. Remember, many people need good childcare. If you discuss the details now, you will be able to stop worring about what they might be! (And then if you are pleasantly surprised to receive a generous offer, great!)
Amy

Call her up and ask when she wants to meet to put all the details together for the babysitting job.....then you can bring up schedules for the kids, money, etc....just work it in there. Good Luck!

Hi Jennifer,

I read your note and you should tell her exactly what you wrote. You can start out with how you don't want to sound offensive, but you have done research and found out the going rate. If you sound sincere she should understand. She should do some research herself (I'm sure she knows of people who have sitters/nanny's). You will do doing allot of running around and she should understand. She should also understand how nice it is to have someone she knows & trusts to care for her kids.

I returned to work just 10 weeks after my daughter was born (6 months ago). When I did my research the rate was between $10.50 - $12 an hour. We interviewed someone (I was worried because she was a stranger) who was gong to come to our home w/ her 2 year old son 3 days a week. I already knew what the rate was and what were able to afford. When I asked her what she expected to be paid, she said the same thing you did. I would have liked for her to give me a more specific amount per hour. Luckily we didn't have to hire her because my mom offered to watch our daughter. We pay my mom $10 an hour. She comes to us which is a plus.

There is allot to take into consideration. It's nice to have the extra money, but you don't want to be taken advantage of.

Good luck....I always approach things that need to be taken care of and I'm worried immediately. I do it sooner that later. You will need to do it anyway, so why not do it now and it's less for you to worry about.