[ive12]

I am babysitting a firend of the familys 4 year old little girl. She more like family cause she is going to marrie my uncle I have babysat her since she was like 2 months old never really got paid to watch her but now I am going to getting paid $ 50 for 3 days every week until she get in to a program that starts in aug. but I watch her all week and weekends she sleeps over I speed about 10 hours a day taking care of her she is a hand full I only watch her but it like I am watching 5 kids and the same time the little girl's mom dose not proved the food we do I am a 17 years old girl that live with her mom and a family of 6 . Should I ask for more money if so how much more?

[bleusong52]

You are being underpaid, very true. Even though this is an almost-family situation, you still deserve to be paid the going rate of any other daycare provider.

I do not know where you live but I know that most providers where I live are charging a minimum of $2.00 per child. You can check rates where you live. There must be ads in the newspaper for daycare. Perhaps you could call one of those providers and ask what they receive. Or you can call your local Social Services and ask what the average rate is.

One of my questions to you is this - if you are watching 5 other children plus this little girl, how is it that you can do this without becoming a licensed day care provider? If your Mom were to be a licensed daycare provider, there is a federal food program that reimburses daycare providers for food. It does not pay dollar for dollar but it does provide some assistance.

You sound like a very responsible young woman. Good luck to you.