Hi. I'm in my sixth month of pregnancy. Shortly after I give birth, when I feel comfortable, I am going to start watching my friend's baby (she's due in four weeks) three to four times a week. It'll be long days, 10-12 hours, starting at six in the morning. I do have plenty of child care experience. Because this is for a friend, I really don't know what to charge. I mean, I would like to cut her a break but it is going to be hard work watching two newborns. Basically, it needs to be worth my while but not over the top. I figure it probably would be best to charge by the hour, considering that some days may be longer than others. Any help would be appreciated!

First are you going to have to "declare" this money as income, which means you will have to pay taxes on it. ** OK I know legally you are suppose to, but know a lot of people don't. But if they want to use the childcare as a deduction, you are going to have to declare it as income.

If so that means 30 percent or so of what you charge is going to be paid in taxes ** depending on your tax status**
But what I would do is call around and price similar services at other locations in your area and then decide what discount you wish to give your friend

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Originally Posted by Fr_Chuck

First are you going to have to "declare" this money as income, which means you will have to pay taxes on it. ** OK I know legally you are suppose to, but know alot of people don't. but if they want to use the childcare as a deduction, you are going to have to declare it as income.

If so that means 30 percent or so of what you charge is going to be paid in taxes ** depending on your tax status**
But what I would do is call around and price simular services at other locations in your area and then decide what discount you wish to give your friend

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Can't rate Fr_Chuck yet, but he is right on target.

Find some baby sitting adds, call as a potential customer, and ask how much they charge.

Several calls and you will have a good idea of what the average is in your local area.

Well, I've made some phone calls and there is a huge discrepancy between what day cares are charging versus babysitting. An expereienced babysitter is charging 10-15 an hour but day cares go by the week and are cheaper, between 100-200 a week. So I still don't really know what to charge.

I was in the same boat I have a nepehew and my son are 6 weeks a part my sister is a stay at home mom so we sat down and figured what I could afford and what she would be OK with and we came to a happy middle

I would go for 9 $ for every hour. But 18$ since she has 2 kids. So good luck! :)