If you are hiring a High schooler I say start at $10 an hour. You can always up it to $11 or $12 in a few months then.

I live in CA and our minimum wage changed to $11.50/Hour beginning this year so depending on where you live, I wouldn't pay less than the minimum.

I would suggest no lower than twelve dollars an hour.

Most usual babysitters won't lower their rate for this setup. The bonus in this setup is that you can hire someone younger and less experienced and therefore cheaper than you normally might. I would try to find a high school student in your neighborhood and offer $14 an hour.

My high school kid babysits for $10 an hour.

I'm looking for someone to help a few afternoons a week, namely supervising our 3 and 5 year old's dinner and bath time while I am at home with a newborn. Does anyone have any input on what a reasonable hourly rate would be for a true mother's helper type set up? I would consider hiring a mature high school student or college student.