How does teen babysitter tactfully raise rates?

[Anonymous]

DD started babysitting for some neighbors a couple years ago as a middle schooler. She advertised in the neighborhood and set a rate of $10/hour. She's now turning 16 and has experience for ages 2 all the way to pre-teen, and she'd like to bump up the rate to maybe $12/hour. Does she send out a text to all her regular families just announcing this? Tell them individually at her next gig for each of them? She's not sure how to handle it and curious for those who have BTDT. FWIW a couple families pay her more because they have their own family rate they pay all sitters, so it's no issue in those cases.

[Anonymous]

The next time they call or text to book she says my rates have increased to $12.

[Anonymous]

This is ridiculous and IMO the families are taking massive advantage unless you live in a a very LCOL area. She should charge $15 at a minimum and probably more like $18-$20.

[Anonymous]

Depending on how long she does this (through college?), I'd recommend she adjust her rates at the beginning of every Summer or Fall. A good/reliable sitter is tough to find.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is ridiculous and IMO the families are taking massive advantage unless you live in a a very LCOL area. She should charge $15 at a minimum and probably more like $18-$20.

This. I was paying $15 for teens and adults $18-20 per hour when my kids were little, 10-15 years ago. She can get a job making $15 per hour at any store.

Tell her to send a text that effective 6/1 or whatever date, her hourly rate will be $15 per hour. Keep it short.

[Anonymous]

No, now it's $15. She should just text this to all her clients.

[Anonymous]

Agree tell them next time that they text for a booking, and agree that $12 is still very low. As a parent if I trusted a sitter I wouldn't balk over an additional $20-30/night, so she should be fine to jump to $15/hr at least.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:This is ridiculous and IMO the families are taking massive advantage unless you live in a a very LCOL area. She should charge $15 at a minimum and probably more like $18-$20.

This. I was paying $15 for teens and adults $18-20 per hour when my kids were little, 10-15 years ago. She can get a job making $15 per hour at any store.

Tell her to send a text that effective 6/1 or whatever date, her hourly rate will be $15 per hour. Keep it short.

+1

[Anonymous]

I think it’s rude. Babysitting is like a contract. Some families pay more than others. You either agree to the terms, or you don’t. End of story.

[Anonymous]

I think it’s weird to send a mass text updating her rates.

The next time a family reaches out she should reply with a friendly message “Thanks for reaching out! I’ve updated my rates to $15/hour starting this summer. Let me know if you’d like to continue, I would love to see the kids on Friday!”

[Anonymous]

She should send out a text to all saying something like "I am looking forward to babysitting for you this summer. Please be advised that as of June 1, 2025 my hourly rate has increased to $14 per hour. Thank you!"

That way they have a little bit of notice, they're not on the hook for the increase, and she's asking for what she's worth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:She should send out a text to all saying something like "I am looking forward to babysitting for you this summer. Please be advised that as of June 1, 2025 my hourly rate has increased to $14 per hour. Thank you!"

That way they have a little bit of notice, they're not on the hook for the increase, and she's asking for what she's worth.

This

But does she charge more if there’s two kids or three kids?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it’s rude. Babysitting is like a contract. Some families pay more than others. You either agree to the terms, or you don’t. End of story.

Are you saying someone can never raise their rates? Why can't the sitter set the terms for her labor and the parents can agree or disagree?

There is no contract, when someone texts her for a job she can set whatever rate she wants and they can take it or leave it.

[Anonymous]

Whenever they reach out and ask. Good life experience and good practice for asking for raises, etc. in future life!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, now it's $15. She should just text this to all her clients.

I agree.