So I didn't realize that asking other moms for babysitter referrals, is like asking for government secrets! Moms in Kansas City (and maybe this is everywhere) covet their babysitters like a winning Powerball ticket, and I am realizing that I may need to take a few classes in torture tactics, in order to obtain the information I need!!! I've also noticed how annoyed moms get after referring their sitter, when they find out we've used her to sit on more than one occasion. I didn't realize you imposed a one-time only rule. Guess I better review babysitter etiquette 101.
So our regular babysitter broke her ankle last week and will be on crutches, so we were scrambling the day before our planned date night, to get a replacement sitter. In addition to exhausting our rolodex of back-up sitters who were either already committed to other families, or simply unavailable, we reluctantly decided to consider Care.com. Now I understand that pricing varies from place to place, is based upon education and experience, varies with age (both the sitter and children) and the # of kids. What I've not been able to wrap my head around is that you want me to pay you $15/hour to watch my tv, use my internet, and you have unlimited access to our fridge while my baby sleeps for half of your shift?!! Call me cheap, but you're really only working 3 out of 4 of your 8 hour shift. Our regular babysitter is in her 40's, works at an elementary school, is married and has 3 kids of her own, yet only charges $10/hour. She's wonderful and clearly qualified, and was referred by a close friend and co-worker, so why on earth would I pay the 21-year-old stranger $15/hour?!
As my husband and I are screening the applicants and we're becoming more and more shocked with some of the less than desirables charging higher rates, we find a gal with approved background check, an MBA in child development, and after interviewing her found out that she lives right around the corner. The best part of this situation is getting her to agree from $15/hr to $10. Everything's negotiable, and needless to say, she turned out to be a wonderful back-up sitter we will use again. The moral of this story 1. Babysitter pricing these days is outrageous 2. Moms, stop hoarding your babysitters 3. Care.com is an awesome site!
Sincerely,
-OzzyMommy
Visit our website ozzybaby.com
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