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As an expirenced babysitter, with a CPR/First Aid and expirence watching 12 children at a time I expect to be paid at least minimum wage. I feel it's fair to ask minimum wage or more because I've paid for the certification courses and have extensive expirence. Not to mention I'm 21, I have to pay for things like my car and insurance to get to the person's house that I'm babysitting.
Babysitting prices should be contingent on the expirence of the sitter, the age of the child(ren), and the behavior of the child(ren). If the child(ren) are horrible I think it's more than fair to call the parent and offer them two options: 1. Come home and take care of the child or 2.Pay me $x more an hour, or $x more as a flat rate.
I'm also a stickler for payment upfront.
Keep in mind a good babysitter is priceless. Treat them well, pay them well and they will take care of your most important investment. If you nickle and dime the babysitter the more likely they'll do a bad job.
More and more I'm concerned about the liability of babysitting (I also train horses - and have my clients sign a lock tight release form). I only babysit for people I've known for along time or family. A child is someone's life and it's scary to hold that in your hands even though you do your best to keep them safe.
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Horses come and go, but some leave permanent hoof prints on your life.
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