[LisaCA]

hi guys,

as a new parent of a 4.5 month old, we are just beginning to explore babysitting options. Our nanny is willing to sit, but at $13/hr, we'd rather have a kid next door sit. They also have their mom nearby in case of trouble. we are surrounded by 15 year old girls and boys (in this case a plus, most of the time a negative:-). Since all these prices are based on location, where are you guys? We are in Los angeles, and would love to know the going rate for a 15 yr old with some experience and a red cross babysitting certificate and a red cross infant cpr certificate.

btw, I remember doing this at age 13. I babysat two spawn of satan, ages 4 and 2. To describe what they did to me would take too long, but lets just say I waited til I was 43 to have kids- and I really had to think it thru:-). Scott and eric are now out there with their own kids no doubt, so may they suffer like i did! For this I was paid 50 cents an hour in 1974.

LisaCA

[kamamsm]

Ok- My dd is WAY behind!! She charged just $3.00 an hour for a 6mo old & a two year old - AND she straightened the house & did the dishes for the lady!

[enchanted]

I received $5 an hour for babysitting two kids. I'm cpr certified and went through a baby sitting course with girl scouts. But I wasn't happy at all and when I turned eighteen I upped my rates to $7.

Babysitters go through a LOT, I would say be very generous with your babysitters, because it is only an occasional thing... tip them, they appreciate it! You will be very happy later when something comes up at the last minute and your babysitter is happy to run over.