"Hazard pay" for babysitters during coronavirus?

[Anonymous]

I am trying to line up babysitters for my first grader during school closures, as DH and I both have jobs that can't allow telework. Should we offer to pay more than our usual rate (we usually pay people $20 hourly) as they are increasing their risk by coming to our house? If it matters, our usual sitters have their own kids so aren't available so we'd be hiring new people (teachers who have no kids).

[Anonymous]

There are so many kids desperate for something to do. My FBfeed is loaded with neighborhood kids soliciting babysitting gigs. I’d think you could pay less because you can guarantee a lot of hours.

[Anonymous]

Please pay them $20. They are helping out in a time like this and possibly risking themselves.

[Anonymous]

Stop it people. Seriously. Follow CDC guidelines.

[Anonymous]

I would not allow my daughter to babysit for any amount of money during this pandemic. You and your DH can rotate taking vacation time.

[Anonymous]

Yes you should also a lot more than $20 an hour.

But you shouldn’t hire anyone.

[Anonymous]

They could be nurses or doctors, you don’t know.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They could be nurses or doctors, you don’t know.

OP here—We are not in health care but both in public service fields that are law enforcement related and thus fully operational. Otherwise we’d take off. One of us may be able to rotate out with coworkers in April if schools remained closed but not for this month.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They could be nurses or doctors, you don’t know.

OP here—We are not in health care but both in public service fields that are law enforcement related and thus fully operational. Otherwise we’d take off. One of us may be able to rotate out with coworkers in April if schools remained closed but not for this month.

Where are you located? I have seen many day cares offer up temporary care.

[Anonymous]

I think offering extra pay is very nice.

[Anonymous]

Extra pay is definitely appropriate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes you should also a lot more than $20 an hour.

But you shouldn’t hire anyone.

More than $20. That's crazy. We pay neighborhood kids ~$12.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They could be nurses or doctors, you don’t know.

Doctors can afford $40 an hr.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Yes you should also a lot more than $20 an hour.

But you shouldn’t hire anyone.

More than $20. That's crazy. We pay neighborhood kids ~$12.

You are just cheap

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would not allow my daughter to babysit for any amount of money during this pandemic. You and your DH can rotate taking vacation time.

If DD is old enough to baby sit, wouldn't it stand to reason she can take care of herself without Mommy and Daddy being home. Why would you need to take vacation.