OP here, thank you for confirming what I felt. The kids are great. I have a mix of the 5 every day - might be one,might be 4, rarely all of them. One girl has an IEP and needs extra help with homework and takes most of my time. I think for $15 an hour they are getting a lot.

Absolutely you should request guaranteed hours OP.

You tell them that you hold that time for them daily, and it allows you steady income, but if it will not be consistent then you may need to look for something else.

I would happily guarantee a couple of hours a day, at a high hourly rate, for reliable after-school care.

-MB

Yes. Say basically what you say here: it's not worth the disruption in your schedule for fewer than 3? 2? 4? hours a day. You could suggest that maybe they don't need you 5 days a week, or that you do 3 hours M/W/F and 4 T/Th, or whatever, but absolutely ask for a minimum. Most babysitting services would require one.

They are not being fair at all. Even if they think it is just 'pocket money" to you that isn't the way it should work.
If they depend on your availability and need you to help for those hours then they need to pay you for them regardless of whether they actually need you there.
Parents like this make me sick. It's taking advantage.
How old are you by the way? Just wondered if that makes them think you don't need the money as much. Like say you are under 19 they might think you don't depend on it kind of thing.

They likely do not think this job means much to you financially since the hours are so low.

This is unfair to you since you reserve those days/hours for them.

Stress this to the parents + tell them that you will need the days/hours guaranteed or you will have to seek a new part-time position.

If they truly value you, then they will offer you guaranteed hours to work.

Yes, demand guaranteed hours. From this time to that time (like 3 to 5 or whatever) on these agreed upon days. If the parents don't need you on those days they are contracted to pay you anyway.

And start looking for another job. After-school positions are the most in demand and the hardest to fill. You will have another job in no time.

I signed on to watch a family of 5 after school 5 days a week. Hourly rate, rounded to the 1/2 hour- usually 2 hours a day. I carve out part of my day to be there for these folks every day but recently it is "I'm working from home today" etc. and a job that I thought might bring in a little "pocket money" is cut in half. Should I ask for a minimum. I like the kids, it is convenient but when you count on a few hours it is a little disappointing.