Paying younger cousin to travel with us (locally) and watch kid during wedding

[Anonymous]

We are paying my 19 year old cousin to travel about 90 minutes with us and watch my 2.5 year old over two days as we attend a wedding. We're covering her transportation, hotel (in NYC) and meals. What on earth is a good rate to pay her? She is great with my daughter, works as a babysitter and probably undervalues in what she charges other families she sits for. She's in college, we'll be picking her up and bringing her back to campus.

It's a full two days... $300 for the weekend? $400? $500? WWYD? I am super grateful she will be able to do this, so I want to reflect that but don't want to be foolish.

[Anonymous]

How much of the weekend is she really "on duty" vs. just a part of your group?

If she's 24x7 for that time why bother bringing the toddler with you at all?

If it's ceremony and then taking LO back to the hotel for bedtime until you get back & similar then $250 is probably plenty.

[Anonymous]

I agree $250 is probably a good amount. $500 seems excessive unless she was alone with your kids all weekend while you’re out of town.

[Anonymous]

I think $500 is fair, especially if you want her to do it again sometime.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree $250 is probably a good amount. $500 seems excessive unless she was alone with your kids all weekend while you’re out of town.

$250 for two full days? So, like 24 hours? $10 an hour? No. At least $500.

[Anonymous]

OP here. My daughter is a flower girl in the wedding. It's my husband's sister. So we can't leave her behind she will be "on" with her (e.g. alone) about half the time. She'll also tag along to the wedding (with my sis in law's blessing) and take my daughter back to go to sleep when it's her bedtime, so she will hopefully be able to have some fun with us, too.

[Anonymous]

$500.

[Anonymous]

How many hours will she be responsible for? 15/hr for ~15 hours makes it 225 and round upto $250

[Anonymous]

$200 per day. So $400 total.

[Anonymous]

$300 is perfect! It’s a great trip and opportunity for her after all. On top of that, she will make some money.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:$300 is perfect! It’s a great trip and opportunity for her after all. On top of that, she will make some money.

Actually, I changed my mind: $250.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:$300 is perfect! It’s a great trip and opportunity for her after all. On top of that, she will make some money.

I think this is a good amount. $150/day. $200/day is venturing into generous. $300 is outrageous

[Anonymous]

$300 is good. Looking after a 2 year old out of her normal routine sucks. This is not a vacation for your cousin. You know it sucks which is why you are hiring a babysitter. Plus I find it's better to go extra for family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:$300 is good. Looking after a 2 year old out of her normal routine sucks. This is not a vacation for your cousin. You know it sucks which is why you are hiring a babysitter. Plus I find it's better to go extra for family.

When I was 19 going to a wedding in nyc would be exciting! Babysitting is really not a big deal for the average 19 year old. They have tons of energy!

[Anonymous]

I'd say at least $300 for the weekend, and then maybe a tip.