I have always seen babysitting as more of a service than a job. Even as an adult, I have watched two children together for $3/hour. If the parent(s) are working while I’m sitting, I don’t want to take most of what they’re making. If they’re going out on a date, I want them to be able to afford to do so somewhat regularly. I don’t think I have ever made more than $7/hour babysitting, and I wouldn’t really want to make more than that. If I were looking at it as a job, I would do daycare or nannying; as it is, I really do see it as a service.
I disagree with the people that said babysitters don’t cook, and should be paid extra if they do. From my first time babysitting as a kid, I have always been in charge of meals when I babysat. Given that I’m eating their food, it’s not exactly a burden. The only time I would let the kids watch TV was while I was cooking, and I always made sure to clean up the kitchen before I left. I’m not just there to entertain the children—I’m there to take care of them. That includes making their meals and cleaning up.
Also, I am not convinced that the amount of work is perfectly related to how many children you’re watching. Many people say that you should charge a certain amount per child, but I don’t think it’s that much tougher to watch four children than three. Frankly, it’s not that much tougher to watch nine children than four (yes, I am speaking from experience). I firmly disbelieve in choosing a rate and multiplying it by the number of children, unless it’s something like $5 for the first child, $1 for the next two, and $0.50 for each child thereafter.
Personally, I have never charged for babysitting. I simply accepted whatever they chose to give me. But, like I said, I have a different mindset about it than most.
@chyna I agree. It seems ludicrous for a fourteen-year-old to make $20/hour for babysitting. I make less than that teaching college.