Charging for baby sitting?

[Boobycino]

I was just wondering what others think should be the deal. I've got a little boy being dropped off soon. He's supposed to be here from 1pm till 5pm to baby sit him at my place. They've just texted to say they're running late.

Is it fair to charge from the time that it was booked for and till, or from the time they actually arrive?

I know I'm just at home, so its not like I'm really put out that much with them being late, but I want my time to be valued and this is only his third time here, but its going to be a regular thing on Thursdays from now on. If I just charge from when they arrive, i dont want them to feel like they can be late and it doesn't matter.

I dont know, I'm not sure what a fair thing is?

[Raising Leprechauns]

Yep I'd charge.

And I'd be charging extra if they are late to collect.

Your time is valuable - and you have made yourself available from the allocated time.

I have to pay for my child care - regardless of pick up drop off - and even when they arent there!

[presley]

I think you need to have a frank discussion with the mum for the sake of your relationship. I had a friend come over with her kids to look after them all together while I taught piano in my back room and we specifically agreed on a flat rate which we wouldn't negotiate from week to week so that it didn't get in the way of our friendship. So I said that since I'm expecting her to make herself available during a certain time each week, I was paying to reserve her time. (The same goes for when I teach piano - if they're 10mins late they get a 20min lesson as they are paying for my time!). I just don't know how to phrase it diplomaticallt from your side of the equation! But I think you need to be clear on what you agree on - and don't think your time is not valuable just because you're at home anyway!! If it wasn't valuable she wouldn't be asking you for it!

[emma2938]

honestly? if it was me, id charge if she was running late to pick them up, but not to drop them off. that just me though. Depends if you wnat ti look at it like a business or as an arrangement with a friend.

[melinc]

Depends if your friends or not. I know if it were me, this time I'd just charge from drop off, since she did call you etc. I'm too soft when it comes to things like this and particularly if they are a friend.

However each time thereafter charge from 1pm to 5pm.

Mel

[crazymuma]

honestly? if it was me, id charge if she was running late to pick them up, but not to drop them off. that just me though. Depends if you wnat ti look at it like a business or as an arrangement with a friend.



I wouldn't charge.

[Boobycino]

OKay, it worked out well - reading the threads, its exactly where I was at - hmm, yes, no, yes no... hmmm?

But, worked out well, he (the dad does the pick up and drop offs) pulled out the right money from 1 until 5, even though he was actually about 10 minutes early to pick up.

Its not a friend, even though I have a huge amount of respect for the mum and affection for the baby, I look after her son at a creche, which is how we met, and she approached me for baby sitting - I should have said that up front, but I was hoping to get feedback before they arrived - which i didn't, cos 2 minutes later the buzzer went, but I didn't need th advise anyway.

I'm glad he's assumed that its from 1 till 5, regardless of what times he actually drops off. Because I've had some bad experiences baby sitting, usually for friends, where I end up completely ripped off, because I'm spinless.

I'm so spineless about money that I baby sat for a friend from 4pm till midnight and she never actually pulled out money and I was too shy to ask for it, because I felt weird asking.... and then when she called me a week later to baby sit again 4 till midnight I though, great, I'll ask for payment for both times... and... I didn't ask... and she didn't offer... and then i called her to 'chat' a week later and she didn't answer the phone and then next time I saw her she was obviously avoiding me and we've not really been friends since :confused: so... yeah... or the friend who asked me to baby sit her daughter and then just didn't turn up or call or call to apologise, or call even to chat for about 3 months or so when she called and apologised because she needed me to baby sit again :rolleyes: of course I said yes :rolleyes: because I'm probably a bit too nice...

.... so anyway....

thanks for the feedback anyway...

I probably wouldn't have fussed about it, as we're talking about $6 here, its not a BIG deal, but I tend to get walked on, so I was thinking put my foot down early... so I'm glad and relieved I didn't have to. I suppose because I'm not a friend, its not assumed that I'll just be okay with it (not that is how it should be, friends should value you more... really... :( )

I need to employ someone to do my negotiating and accounting for me or something :o

[Raising Leprechauns]

I need to employ someone to do my negotiating and accounting for me or something :o


Hehee - I'll do it! It's what I do for a living!! :D


Just make things clear with people up front - before it gets to the awkward bit of the night. If you are a bit shy or hesitant - try doing up a little "details sheet".... and you can kind of disguise the money part..... and give it to parents right when babysitting is discussed. Keeps things clear cut and professional and people have the information in writing.

Chels Babysitting

Something nice - friendly, qualified babysitting...

My contact details are.... blah blah

My rates are $$$$$$$

Rates are charged from the initial time of the booking until pickup and additional $$ apply after midnight.

[Mrs Nietzsche]

If I was the person getting you to babysit, I wouldn't even think of not paying from the time of the booking. Chel I honestly think you are too soft.

[Boobycino]

Thats a good idea Amanda. :thumbsup:

I've been advertising for more work a bit, so I should prepare a sheet like this and then if/when I have an interveiw (chat) with a mum wanting ongoing baby sitting I can give them like a 'card' or something that has my number AND that Rates are charged from the initial time of the booking until pickup and additional $$ apply after midnight" on it.. though... 'additional charges may apply after 7pm' because I only REALLY do day time, because once Jasper is in bed at 7pm I intend on clocking off for the day :yes: but I'm happy to have children up until 7 if they're are my place (probably only 6:30ish at theirs, depending on travel time) as I'm a Mummy Nanny... I'm absolutely dedicated carer, but Jasper comes first, so his bedtime is a factor... but... hey... if they were paying me $20 an hour after 7pm I'd probably stick around a little longer ;)

I might also give them a sheet to fill out with very very basic info for me, like the babies date of birth, food alergies/intollerances/things they cant have, emergency contacts (like, their dad, or grandparents, just in case) etc. and additional notes... like if there is anything they want to put on it thats really important to them, or whatever, maybe? I'll think about that one.

Thanks amanda! :D I like the very practical solution. :yes: Also means I never have to really TALK about it. I can write something, read it, show DP think about it, retype it, and then give it to a parent. Rather than on the spot where I kinda freeze up and dont know what to say and wind up saying something stupid (or saying nothing, which is usually the issue) :rolleyes:

The other thing I HAVE to get over when it comes to the money side of it, is I LOVE baby sitting. I love it. particularly with Jasper there. Today I got paid to watch Jasper play with a 9 month old baby and I got to see how amazingly compassionate and understanding my 15 month old toddler is! he was bringing the baby boy toys and showing him things, being gentle, playing peekaboo. I got to cuddle a baby, cos Jasper's not little anymore, so I had that for myself, I felt INCREDIBLY clucky and sad to see him leave and really looking forward to next thursday and then getting paid for that seems strange. But then, we have a wonderful day because i can plan their routines around an outing and when they eat and sleep, and I know what this other boy likes to play with, so I have it out and ready... so... intellectually i can think "yeah, I know why I should be paid", but then, theres never a time when i feel like I'm doing it for the money. And the couple of Nanny jobs I've done for the money I quit... because... its not worthwhile for me if its just for the money.

anyhoo... ramble ramble ramble.

Thanks again Amanda!