Parents: What do you think? (babysitting)?
I’ll try to be short. Here is the situation.
This lady called me about babysitting for her 2 young children ages 7 and 4. We met for a short little interview and I told her about my typical schedule and how much I charge.
BTW:
I’m 17 and a senior in high school. I’m certified in CPR and I’ve been babysitting since I was 14. I charge 7$ an hour.
Well she called me the other day about watching her kids once a week from about 3-7:30 but, here is the catch – she’ll need me to pick up her 4 year old from daycare before her other child gets home from school at around 4:00. I’ll need to drive to pick up her child from day care, and while it is only a quick 10 minute drive away, the road there can be pretty busy.
I’ve only had my license for a little over a year now and while I’m confident in my driving skills and am very familiar with the area; I’m still a little nervous about driving her child around. *What happens if I get into an accident!?!* Driving her child home from daycare is a huge responsibility and its one that I’m not accustomed too so I’m thinking of charging her more for the service.
No one has ever asked me to drive with their children in the car. Would you ever ask a babysitter to do this? Should I take on this responsibility? Should I charge more and how much more? Any thoughts on this are welcome.
Thanks in advance. (and sorry it’s kind of long – I tried!)
Mail this post
Sphere: Related Content
Articulos relacionados
- No related posts
You sound very responsible; I would trust you to drive with my kids. Just make sure she gives you any necessary child seats, because if you get pulled over and don’t have them, the ticket is yours and not the mother’s responsibility.
I wouldn’t charge more, but make sure she gives you gas money for driving them around, and make sure she knows that you’re going to charge for driving them to and from her home with the kids in your car – for example, they get out of school at 3, and you have to leave to pick them up at 2:30 – that’s on the clock. If she has a problem with that, dump her. $7 an hour for 2 kids is a steal!
I nannied for a woman who wouldn’t pay me when I was driving her kids around because her kids weren’t "at home" and I wasn’t technically entertaining them and babysitting. She cheated me out of 5 hours of babysitting time one week. I quit her so fast!
November 17th, 2009 at 11:51 pmAlways make sure the child is restrained, adhere to the speed limits and make sure you are relaxed, I am sure you have driven others around in the car before, a little person is no different to a big person.
I don’t think a mother would understand that you want to charge more for your insecurities, I know I would be a little baffled and somewhat concerned that you are not the right person if you do not feel confident driving with my children.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:51 pmTell her you’re nervous about driving her child. I bet she hasn’t thought of that. Maybe she can make other arrangements.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:51 pmI don’t know if charging her more solves the problem. If she pays you more, you’ll still be nervous..
I think it’s great that you’re so cautious & concerned about this. It shows how mature & responsible you are. I would talk with the mother & make sure she provides you with a booster or safety seat if that is what her child rides in in the family vehicle. I would also ask if she will compensate you for your gas & mileage.
Driving with kids in the car is something everyone should always be concerned about, but just follow the road rules & be vigilant about what other drivers are doing. You’ll be fine! Good luck!
November 17th, 2009 at 11:51 pmI’m much older than you, I’ve had my license for many years and I will not drive children in my car or theirs on a regular basis. It is a huge liability for you. If something happens, you can lose everything and your life will be ruined as well as theirs. Do not drive the children without a signed release of liability.
If you do decide to take the chance and drive make sure you are fully insured. She needs to pay you for gas as well as any damage that will definitely occur to your car with the children. This needs to be in writing as well. Also there needs to be something worked out about winter driving. Around here winters are treachorous. I don’t have 4 wheel drive on my car. Even with snow tires and in cars with 4 wheel drive almost every driver slides out of control during winter in my area. I am not comfortable driving other people’s children throughout the entire winter. The kids can take the bus or the parents can pick them up or they can skip preschool on days when it will be hazardous.
Also, I think your rate is low for your experience and CPR. Minimum wage should be your minimum around here minimum wage is $8. I think you could get at least $8 to $10 per hour.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:51 pmMany people have their sitters drive the children (pick up and drop off, etc). Charge to the driving, per mile. Also, make sure your insurance is sufficient to cover any accident and medical bills that would possibly be incurred if you were to wreck.
Make sure the person know that you have only had your license for a short while and make sure they provide you with adequate safety seats. While you are driving, pay extra attention and take extra care with your driving.
If you dont think you can do this, look for someone else.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:51 pmI think the fact that you’re taking this seriously shows that you’re ready to drive a child around. I would charge extra for the gas that you’ll use since it’s an extra service – gas is expensive, just factor the cost into your price. She should be able to afford it since she would be spending that money on gas anyway. Make sure you are familiar with car seat laws in your area.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:51 pmIf you are really nervous about it, offer to drive her around with her children (maybe a quick 5 minute drive) – displaying that you’re competent to her will boost your own confidence.
Good luck!
Something no one else has brought up is insurance. Talk to your parents and find out if you have enough insurance coverage. Also, the insurance company probably would not like the idea of a 17 year old driver providing a taxi service to a toddler even if it is only once a week. Driving with a small child in the car can be a huge distraction that someone of your age is not ready to handle.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:51 pmcharge them 2 more dollars per car trip
November 17th, 2009 at 11:51 pmWell I would be happy enough to let my children go in a car with a babysitter. As long as I knew them well and trusted them.
She obviously trusts you enough to let you drive her children around. All I can say is that you should make sure that both kids have there seatbelt on and some type of entertainment to keep them busy, so you can concentrate on the road.
Maybe you should charge a little extra, as eventually it’s going to have an effect on how much money you have for petrol, insurance etc.
Good luck :]
November 17th, 2009 at 11:51 pmIt’s great that you are cautious but I think you are being a little too cautious. If you are confident in your driving, you will be fine. Always make sure to follow all the rules regarding children’s safety in the car and drive carefully. Don’t charge extra.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:51 pmYou really show maturity by the questions and thought that you have put into this. It is a responsibility that I would not want. Maybe you can talk over your thoughts and concerns with the mother and figure something out. Maybe there is another parent picking up their child at that time and can drop hers off at their home to you. Whatever your decision I do think you are entitled to a little extra money if you decide to do the pickup situation.
November 17th, 2009 at 11:51 pm