Anonymous
05/30/2025 00:40
Subject: How does teen babysitter tactfully raise rates?
Anonymous wrote:I’m glad you have a plan but I also think you should reconsider your language with a young girl about how to address what she is “worth”. Women are taught to be “tactful” about this and that is one of the factors that lead them to be underpaid (don’t get me wrong, I totally get there is a bunch of other misogyny in play). I think it is important to teach young women that they should understand the value they provide and make that clear to others. Just good for thought as you think about the language you used in these discussions.
My friend’s daughter (12) recently helped me at my 8 year old’s birthday party. She did an awesome job helping me cut and serve cake, refill drinks, rub pin the tail on the donkey etc. I paid her $25 for two hours (roughly her age per hour which is my rough rule of thumb). Her mom told me she was thrilled, but hadn’t expected me to pay her. I said “she should know her value.” Also, I’ve had parents of other 7 and 8 year olds ask for her contact info.
Anonymous
05/29/2025 10:56
Subject: How does teen babysitter tactfully raise rates?
We don't pay below $15 an hour.
Anonymous
05/29/2025 10:54
Subject: How does teen babysitter tactfully raise rates?
I’m glad you have a plan but I also think you should reconsider your language with a young girl about how to address what she is “worth”. Women are taught to be “tactful” about this and that is one of the factors that lead them to be underpaid (don’t get me wrong, I totally get there is a bunch of other misogyny in play). I think it is important to teach young women that they should understand the value they provide and make that clear to others. Just good for thought as you think about the language you used in these discussions.
Anonymous
05/29/2025 10:40
Subject: Re:How does teen babysitter tactfully raise rates?s
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. Upon reading all the replies, I agree the approach of individually responding with her new rate when she's next contact by each client makes the most sense. FWIW, I believe the minimum wage was $10 or so in VA when she began, and part of selecting that rate was my feeling that a middle schooler new to babysitting probably shouldn't be making more than an adult in a minimum wage job, potentially supporting dependents. Of course, she probably should have updated the rates sooner, so we'll consider the input on how much her new rate should be!
Thanks for following up, OP. I also think ya'll have chosen the best tactic. Truthfully, she should consider going to $15/hr (+ extra per sibling), esp to new clients. We're MC in RVA and no one bats an eye at that price (and many, esp long time clients, even pay more...while longer, routine gigs negotiate a set fee).
+1. My sibling in Charlotte pays $20 for 3 kids to a teen that doesn’t drive. Good luck keeping a quality sitter around NoVa if you pay less than $15. Most families pay at least that a round up, because they want to maintain access to good teen sitters.
No need to overpay. Most teens will take a reasonable amount. And yes, anywhere between $12-$15 is reasonable. There isn’t some ultra high demand for 15-16 yr olds babysitters. Most people don’t use teen babysitters at all anymore. It’s occasional and pays better than them sitting at home on scrolling their phone.
$15 is not overpaying. A teen will only accept $12 until another family comes along willing to pay $15. My 17 year old no longer babysits because she can make $22-$24 working at a restaurant and the hours are more regular. So you have to take the 13-16 year old sitters before they move on.
I don’t think $15 is overpaying, but $20+ absolutely is
Anonymous
05/29/2025 10:29
Subject: How does teen babysitter tactfully raise rates?
Anonymous wrote: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
+2
Don’t let these kids get taken advantage of. We need to teach them to be paid what they’re worth.
Anonymous
05/29/2025 10:25
Subject: Re:How does teen babysitter tactfully raise rates?s
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. Upon reading all the replies, I agree the approach of individually responding with her new rate when she's next contact by each client makes the most sense. FWIW, I believe the minimum wage was $10 or so in VA when she began, and part of selecting that rate was my feeling that a middle schooler new to babysitting probably shouldn't be making more than an adult in a minimum wage job, potentially supporting dependents. Of course, she probably should have updated the rates sooner, so we'll consider the input on how much her new rate should be!
Thanks for following up, OP. I also think ya'll have chosen the best tactic. Truthfully, she should consider going to $15/hr (+ extra per sibling), esp to new clients. We're MC in RVA and no one bats an eye at that price (and many, esp long time clients, even pay more...while longer, routine gigs negotiate a set fee).
+1. My sibling in Charlotte pays $20 for 3 kids to a teen that doesn’t drive. Good luck keeping a quality sitter around NoVa if you pay less than $15. Most families pay at least that a round up, because they want to maintain access to good teen sitters.
No need to overpay. Most teens will take a reasonable amount. And yes, anywhere between $12-$15 is reasonable. There isn’t some ultra high demand for 15-16 yr olds babysitters. Most people don’t use teen babysitters at all anymore. It’s occasional and pays better than them sitting at home on scrolling their phone.
$15 is not overpaying. A teen will only accept $12 until another family comes along willing to pay $15. My 17 year old no longer babysits because she can make $22-$24 working at a restaurant and the hours are more regular. So you have to take the 13-16 year old sitters before they move on.
Anonymous
05/29/2025 09:51
Subject: Re:How does teen babysitter tactfully raise rates?s
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. Upon reading all the replies, I agree the approach of individually responding with her new rate when she's next contact by each client makes the most sense. FWIW, I believe the minimum wage was $10 or so in VA when she began, and part of selecting that rate was my feeling that a middle schooler new to babysitting probably shouldn't be making more than an adult in a minimum wage job, potentially supporting dependents. Of course, she probably should have updated the rates sooner, so we'll consider the input on how much her new rate should be!
Thanks for following up, OP. I also think ya'll have chosen the best tactic. Truthfully, she should consider going to $15/hr (+ extra per sibling), esp to new clients. We're MC in RVA and no one bats an eye at that price (and many, esp long time clients, even pay more...while longer, routine gigs negotiate a set fee).
+1. My sibling in Charlotte pays $20 for 3 kids to a teen that doesn’t drive. Good luck keeping a quality sitter around NoVa if you pay less than $15. Most families pay at least that a round up, because they want to maintain access to good teen sitters.
No need to overpay. Most teens will take a reasonable amount. And yes, anywhere between $12-$15 is reasonable. There isn’t some ultra high demand for 15-16 yr olds babysitters. Most people don’t use teen babysitters at all anymore. It’s occasional and pays better than them sitting at home on scrolling their phone.
Anonymous
05/29/2025 09:31
Subject: How does teen babysitter tactfully raise rates?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote: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.
I think it’s rude to take advantage of a teenager!
Oh please. Teens and grown adults make avg $13/hr at McDonald’s. And I guarantee it is far harder and less pleasant work than eating pizza, watching a movie, and tucking a couple kids in bed. Babysitting is probably the cushiest, easiest teen job there is
Not in Montgomery County. Minimum wage is $15.50 for the smallest employers and most pay a bit more.
Child care is a safety issue too and that should command a fair wage. This isn't 1985.
Now that OP's daughter is turning 16, she can get many jobs that were previously off limits due to times (like no working past 9pm) by state child labor laws. She has so many more options now. If families want to keep her, they should be willing to pay competitive rates.
That’s hilarious. “Most” that pay more aren’t interested in hiring 15-16 yr olds. There are still inconvenient labor laws for hiring 16 yr olds as well- that many employers don’t want to deal with so they hire at 18
Sorry your kid couldn't get a job. Mine did.
Why so rude? Do better.
Anonymous
05/29/2025 09:18
Subject: Re:How does teen babysitter tactfully raise rates?s
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. Upon reading all the replies, I agree the approach of individually responding with her new rate when she's next contact by each client makes the most sense. FWIW, I believe the minimum wage was $10 or so in VA when she began, and part of selecting that rate was my feeling that a middle schooler new to babysitting probably shouldn't be making more than an adult in a minimum wage job, potentially supporting dependents. Of course, she probably should have updated the rates sooner, so we'll consider the input on how much her new rate should be!
Thanks for following up, OP. I also think ya'll have chosen the best tactic. Truthfully, she should consider going to $15/hr (+ extra per sibling), esp to new clients. We're MC in RVA and no one bats an eye at that price (and many, esp long time clients, even pay more...while longer, routine gigs negotiate a set fee).
+1. My sibling in Charlotte pays $20 for 3 kids to a teen that doesn’t drive. Good luck keeping a quality sitter around NoVa if you pay less than $15. Most families pay at least that a round up, because they want to maintain access to good teen sitters.
Anonymous
05/29/2025 08:11
Subject: Re:How does teen babysitter tactfully raise rates?
Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks all. Upon reading all the replies, I agree the approach of individually responding with her new rate when she's next contact by each client makes the most sense. FWIW, I believe the minimum wage was $10 or so in VA when she began, and part of selecting that rate was my feeling that a middle schooler new to babysitting probably shouldn't be making more than an adult in a minimum wage job, potentially supporting dependents. Of course, she probably should have updated the rates sooner, so we'll consider the input on how much her new rate should be!
Thanks for following up, OP. I also think ya'll have chosen the best tactic. Truthfully, she should consider going to $15/hr (+ extra per sibling), esp to new clients. We're MC in RVA and no one bats an eye at that price (and many, esp long time clients, even pay more...while longer, routine gigs negotiate a set fee).
Anonymous
05/29/2025 08:09
Subject: How does teen babysitter tactfully raise rates?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote: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.
I think it’s rude to take advantage of a teenager!
Oh please. Teens and grown adults make avg $13/hr at McDonald’s. And I guarantee it is far harder and less pleasant work than eating pizza, watching a movie, and tucking a couple kids in bed. Babysitting is probably the cushiest, easiest teen job there is
Unless otherwise stated, all DCUM discussions are for the DC metro area. The minimum wage is $12.41 in VA, $15 in MD, $17.50 in DC. But for VA, it's for the entire state. NoVa wages are higher. For a teen, I would go with $15 an hour. It's reasonable.
Minimum wage for minors is actually 85% of the state’s minimum wage rate.
Anonymous
05/29/2025 06:08
Subject: How does teen babysitter tactfully raise rates?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote: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.
I think it’s rude to take advantage of a teenager!
Oh please. Teens and grown adults make avg $13/hr at McDonald’s. And I guarantee it is far harder and less pleasant work than eating pizza, watching a movie, and tucking a couple kids in bed. Babysitting is probably the cushiest, easiest teen job there is
Not in Montgomery County. Minimum wage is $15.50 for the smallest employers and most pay a bit more.
Child care is a safety issue too and that should command a fair wage. This isn't 1985.
Now that OP's daughter is turning 16, she can get many jobs that were previously off limits due to times (like no working past 9pm) by state child labor laws. She has so many more options now. If families want to keep her, they should be willing to pay competitive rates.
That’s hilarious. “Most” that pay more aren’t interested in hiring 15-16 yr olds. There are still inconvenient labor laws for hiring 16 yr olds as well- that many employers don’t want to deal with so they hire at 18
Sorry your kid couldn't get a job. Mine did.
Anonymous
05/28/2025 23:40
Subject: How does teen babysitter tactfully raise rates?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote: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.
I think it’s rude to take advantage of a teenager!
Oh please. Teens and grown adults make avg $13/hr at McDonald’s. And I guarantee it is far harder and less pleasant work than eating pizza, watching a movie, and tucking a couple kids in bed. Babysitting is probably the cushiest, easiest teen job there is
Not in Montgomery County. Minimum wage is $15.50 for the smallest employers and most pay a bit more.
Child care is a safety issue too and that should command a fair wage. This isn't 1985.
Now that OP's daughter is turning 16, she can get many jobs that were previously off limits due to times (like no working past 9pm) by state child labor laws. She has so many more options now. If families want to keep her, they should be willing to pay competitive rates.
That’s hilarious. “Most” that pay more aren’t interested in hiring 15-16 yr olds. There are still inconvenient labor laws for hiring 16 yr olds as well- that many employers don’t want to deal with so they hire at 18
Anonymous
05/28/2025 22:51
Subject: How does teen babysitter tactfully raise rates?
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote: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.
I think it’s rude to take advantage of a teenager!
Oh please. Teens and grown adults make avg $13/hr at McDonald’s. And I guarantee it is far harder and less pleasant work than eating pizza, watching a movie, and tucking a couple kids in bed. Babysitting is probably the cushiest, easiest teen job there is
Not in Montgomery County. Minimum wage is $15.50 for the smallest employers and most pay a bit more.
Child care is a safety issue too and that should command a fair wage. This isn't 1985.
Now that OP's daughter is turning 16, she can get many jobs that were previously off limits due to times (like no working past 9pm) by state child labor laws. She has so many more options now. If families want to keep her, they should be willing to pay competitive rates.
If child care is a "safety issue" then hiring a 15 year old babysitter would be illegal.
Anonymous
05/28/2025 22:17
Subject: Re:How does teen babysitter tactfully raise rates?