young mother's helper--what to pay?

[Anonymous]

What do I pay a 12 year old mother's helper to play with my 4 year old son (I'll be in the house the whole time)? Again, this girl is only 12 years old so it doesn't seem like I'd be paying the same as I would to a high school student who could go get a parttime job. thanks!

[Anonymous]

You should talk to her and/or her mother and see what they think is fair, but I'd think $6-10/hr? I was actually making $10/hr at that age, but I was also being left alone with the kids.

I do think what you're describing is an unusual set-up and there won't be many people here with a lot of direct experience with it, so best advice is to see what she is expecting, what her mom is expecting (I'm assuming you know her mother), and settle on what you're all comfortable with.

[Anonymous]

$8 an hour seems reasonable. I think $6 is taking advantage. At 12 years old I was babysitting all the kids in my neighborhood and getting paid $10-12 an hour, depending on the family and how many kids they had. You should ask the girl first and then speak with her mom to make sure you are all on the same page.

[Anonymous]

Good advice here so far, OP. It's also a great opportunity to teach/model some negotiating skills. Girls should learn how to advocate for themselves (and others).

[Anonymous]

8-10

[Anonymous]

I think 10-12 is young teenage babysitting wage. If she were watching the child when you weren't there, and had some real responsibility, I could see $10/hr. However, I don't think it's reasonable to start a young teenager doing a helper type job much above minimum wage.

That being said, you could start at $6, and talk to her about a raise if she exhibits good working type behaviors. (Showing up on time, not canceling, helping the child clean up...) Use it as an opportunity to set a good example for what a job really is.

[Anonymous]

What hours will you have her there, and what will your expectations of her be? If you're asking her to make a significant commitment to you (like every day after school for a few hours) I think you should pay her at least minimum wage.

[Anonymous]

$8/hr. I still see many people trying to get professional nannies in outer areas where the market rates are lower for $10/hr (which is totally messed up). If you would be paying a 12 yr old that who is just a mother's helper, then that would be admitting that an actual nanny should be paid at least $16/hr for actual FT nanny work. Most parents don't want to do that, so remember to always lowball the sitter.