Expected

I don't think you can demand it. You could let her know that, if she'd like to, you're fine with outings to the park or the rec center. Keep a bag packed with all necessary supplies, including snacks, so she can just grab it and head out. She might like the option, but I wouldn't push it. And if she goes to the park and doesn't do the meal prep and cleaning, don't say anything. You might have to have one or the other.

You are paying them about 50% of the going rate for a person who does childcare, meal prep, and house help on a really part time basis. Ugh.

Anonymous wrote:The pay is hilariously low

Yes unless you live in the Appalachian mountains 🏔️ $20/Hr is a very low hourly salary for a babysitter.

Especially one who cooks and cleans.

The pay is hilariously low

Anonymous wrote:If she's supposed to food prep and clean while watching your child then you are out of order.

If she does food prep and cleaning on a separate schedule and then she's just watching your kid for a set period, of course you can suggest walking to the park. She'd probably welcome it. It's more fun than staying in.

It’s done on split schedule.

Who's cooking and cleaning while she takes your kid to the park and recreation center?

There may be an uneasiness that it's not such a sure thing, safety-wise. It's beyond what the sitter is comfortable doing. Probably no more than a preference but I don't think they should need to be sure or need to try to explain it to you.i

I would say, if it's not their idea, don't be the one to suggest it

If she's supposed to food prep and clean while watching your child then you are out of order.

If she does food prep and cleaning on a separate schedule and then she's just watching your kid for a set period, of course you can suggest walking to the park. She'd probably welcome it. It's more fun than staying in.

Anonymous wrote:5-10 hours per week is only 1-2 hours per day. Is that how it’s structured? If so I would not expect a park outing along with all the other chores she’s doing for you.

1-2 times a week

5-10 hours per week is only 1-2 hours per day. Is that how it’s structured? If so I would not expect a park outing along with all the other chores she’s doing for you.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this a regular sitter or a one time thing?

Is the sitter an adult or a kid?

Just one kid or multiple?

How far and what is the weather?

Regular Sitter, Adult(Neighbor helping out), one, we’re in the DMV so it’s been cold but it’s warming up.

NP. If you're paying them, they're not "helping out" - they're someone who has been hired to perform a job. Helping out doesn't involve money.

I mentioned that because amongst neighbors I find the most affordable rates as we see it as community. I’ve been helped out plenty of times by my neighbors who I’ve also paid. But I didn’t want to take advantage (may have already.)

Anonymous wrote:OP: Adding she also helps with food prep, and general cleaning. So maybe more than your average sitter.

Wow, that’s a deal for babysitting, cooking and cleaning!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Is this a regular sitter or a one time thing?

Is the sitter an adult or a kid?

Just one kid or multiple?

How far and what is the weather?

Regular Sitter, Adult(Neighbor helping out), one, we’re in the DMV so it’s been cold but it’s warming up.

NP. If you're paying them, they're not "helping out" - they're someone who has been hired to perform a job. Helping out doesn't involve money.

Anonymous wrote:OP: Adding she also helps with food prep, and general cleaning. So maybe more than your average sitter.

That is a lot for just $20. We paid an afterschool adult caregiver $35/hr. to watch DS and walk to the playground most afternoons. No food prep or general cleaning.