I will be working this summer from 11-2:30. I called the local highschool to see if they could recommend someone to watch my children two days a week. It would be a total of 7 hours a week. What would you pay? My children are 13 and 7. My only requirement is that the babysitter fix lunch, and play with my 7 year old. I also want to interview a few girls with my kids there so they can have some input(especially my 13). What are some good questions to ask? TIA

By Yjja123 on Thursday, June 1, 2006 - 06:51 pm:

Questions:
Do you know CPR?
What would you do in an emergency?
Do you plan on coming alone? (Establish the babysitter cannot bring friends over)
Price? I would say $35-$40 for week

By Reds9298 on Thursday, June 1, 2006 - 07:48 pm:

Great questions Yvonne...I babysat for a woman once who required that I take a CPR class at the local Y (she paid for it). I think that's a great idea.

By Yjja123 on Thursday, June 1, 2006 - 08:06 pm:

I did childcare for a few years. Not once did anyone ask me that. It amazes me. I do know CPR and would not leave my children with anyone who does not.

By Karen~moderator on Thursday, June 1, 2006 - 08:18 pm:

Stori, I don't know what part of CA you live in, but I can remember my sister paying $12.00 for a sitter a number of years ago............YIKES!

By Marcia on Thursday, June 1, 2006 - 11:11 pm:

What about having your 13 year old dd babysit her little brother? My 13 year old is babysitting here and for a couple of other families. She has taken the babysitting course which includes first aid, and she's taken a junior rescuer course a couple of times.
She is paid $5/hr for a couple of families, and $7.50/hr for a family that has 3 kids.

By Kaye on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 09:21 am:

I would sign my 13 year old for a red cross baby sitting class (and first aide) and pay her 5 dollars an hour.

By Truestori on Wednesday, June 7, 2006 - 10:01 am:

Thanks everyone.

I do realize my duaghter is old enough to babysit, but I'm not comfortable giving her the full responsibility.We have talked and she will be required to babysit one of the four days. We also live in a wooded area that has brush fires OFTEN...so that scares me too.