When I quoted $15 as a babysitter, the family said something like "I asked around, and the norm/standard in our neighborhood is $20/hr" which was appreciated.

Anonymous wrote:I just give a huge “tip” to bring it up to what I think is fair.

This

Yes. Tip or round up.

Babysitters are always more apt to accept a job from families that pay well and/or tip.

Mom of 2 teens who babysit.

Anonymous wrote:Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll figure out a way to add a tip or round up. Good ideas.

Our prior babysitter was also from the daycare and I basically had to slip cash into purse because she didn't want to accept payment, so we excel at awkward babysitter experiences! Haha.

I think your idea of at least 20/hr is smart, OP.

Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll figure out a way to add a tip or round up. Good ideas.

Our prior babysitter was also from the daycare and I basically had to slip cash into purse because she didn't want to accept payment, so we excel at awkward babysitter experiences! Haha.

Anonymous wrote:You already asked her if she wanted more?
I wonder what she’s getting paid at the daycare if she only asked for 15/hr.

Sorry. I didn't phrase it well. I asked her what her rate was. I was thinking we'd pay $20/hour. But if she requested, say, $25, I would have paid it, so I didn't want to create awkwardness by lowballing her. Of course I created awkwardness in another way. :-/ No good deed goes unpunished!

And yeah, daycare teachers are paid so poorly for such an important job, and she's REALLY good. I really hope she gets decent pay at our daycare.

I just give a huge “tip” to bring it up to what I think is fair.

Agree with PP. just round it up to whatever you want at the end.

Just pay her more at the end. If she demurs, tell her she’s worth may more than a random teenage babysitter.

We did. We had a preschool teacher come babysit and she requested the same hourly wage she makes at the school, which was $12 an hour. She is certainly young, but $12 an hour! No. I can't remember what we decided, but I think I told her she needs to charge AT LEAST $15 an hour and then I added an extra $20 on top of what we gave her. This was for maybe 4 hours total. She was so wonderful and sweet I couldn't scam her.

I currently pay the 13 year old down the street $12, if that helps you. I'd think $20 is good.

You already asked her if she wanted more?
I wonder what she’s getting paid at the daycare if she only asked for 15/hr.

A beloved daycare teacher is babysitting my 2 kids this weekend. She requested $15/hr, which seems low to me. Any tactful ways to offer more? I was thinking $20/hr but asked her in case she wanted more.