07928

1

13-16

$5 or less

My 15-year-old daughter babysits for 4 different families in our neighborhood. The furthest family lives a mile away the farthest within 3 blocks (big selling point). She receives $15 an hour, the typical rate in Chatham. (15 years ago, I gave sitters the then going rate of $10/hr – inflation?). Often, parents l my daughter up to $20 an hour if they have more than two children. In addition, they often round up her pay significantly if she sits for two hours or less.

In another study, it might be interesting to look at why parents choose sitters, especially if there are many sitters to choose from. My daughter receives excellent referrals and ends up being children’s favorite. I believe, however, that parent’s interest in a new/potential babysitter is also influenced by observing a sitter and whatever positive attributes she/he may demonstrate. For example, my daughter is very mature and kind (adults comment on this all the time). One parent who was considering my daughter and two other girls regularly sees my daughter walking home from school stopping to say hi to neighbors including seniors and the kids she sits for.