[ashey23ole]

Hi All,

Im a 20yr old college student and a family I babysit for asked me to join them for a week in the Poconos (Pennslyvannia) over the summer. Of course, I'm young, I could be doing many other alternatives however they are great and I get along well with their 2 kids who are 10 and 6. They said they would only need me for 16 hours total throughout the week. They are paying for everything for me including meals and water park entrances. They asked me what to charge them for the week. I was unsure so I asked a couple of friends and most said in between the $250-$300 range. $144 for the 16 hours, $50 gas for driving (I have to drive to their house which is 4 hours away before and after) and the remainder for my time... fair right?

They gave me their number first, $200...

Should I accept $200 or ask for more?? I mean I am staying for a wholeeee week for only 16 hours of it. Plus I have a feeling ill be with the kids way more than 16 hours. The oldest loves me and will want to do everything with me...

Please thoughts!! Feedback!!

Should I accept??

[Jake2008]

That works out to $9.00/hr for the sitting, plus the $50.00 for gas.

Considering that these are older children (no diapers, bottles etc.), the fact that it is only 16 hours out of the entire week that you will be sitting, and all your expenses are being paid, I'd say $200.00 is a bonus.

I think it is a nice opportunity for you to mostly vacation, not work, with no worries about paying for meals, accommodation, waterpark fees etc. which would be a tidy sum in itself if you were going otherwise.

If you choose not to go, and find another job for the week, that is understandable.

But, considering they invited you, for very little in return, for which they are willing to pay, I'd say go if you can, and have a great time.

[dglennware]

I would say you should maybe ask for the gas money you mentioned and that is about it. I had at one time asked a babysitter to go on vacation, fully paid by me. She agreed to go even if nothing else was paid to her. If you really like this babysitting job, take nothing and the family will probably be willing to use you as a babysitter for a long time!

[Justwantfair]

I think $200 is extremely reasonable for an all inclusive vacation. The children are old enough to not need complete supervision and your waterpark and assuming food is included. I think $200 is generous.

[stevetcg]

A conservative guess would put the cost of a week in the Poconos at about $800 a person, plus $200 in pay... so you are making a grand for maybe 16 hours of babysitting.

If you don't want to do it, I will!

[ashey23ole]

Thanks for the help guys~