[Scarlett9284]

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!

[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 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

[progunr]

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

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.

[Scarlett9284]

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.

[TheBugsLife]

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

[HaloDoggy]

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