craftyhunnypie Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 I used to get about £4 - £5 an hour when I was about 18 (15 years ago) & if it went past midnight, the people would give me an extra £5 - £10 or so on top of my earnings. That was then, god knows what the rates are these days. Probably £7 an hour & double time aftewr midnight. Hmm a good job me thinks! But some children can be an absolute pain! Up & down all night long, won't go to bed, wanting a drink, being hungry, feeling ill, crying for no reason, wanting endless stories read to them, throwing all their toys down the stairs. It's not all easy & glorious! You can guarantee if there is a good film on the TV, that they keep you busy all night! Grrrr! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tina C Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 For those who don't have family around and feel that babysitters make a night out too expensive, why not share the responsibility with friends instead? If you agree to do it for one another you'll get free care and fingers crossed a responsible adult with experience to look after your little ones (I'm not saying that babysitters don't do a good job!) My Mum did this when we were little and we loved it! We did try this - just because, as others have said, paying for a sitter makes a night out very expensive. I agreed with a friend to sit for each other so that we could go to our OH's Christmas do's. I ended up looking after their children 2 Christmases in a row, but we got let down twice - both times for very good reasons, but my friend has never offered to make it up to us so I have just let it slide (we are still friends in case you are wondering ) Then last year another friend sat for us and we said we would return the favour so she could have a night out either OH but every time I remind her she says they can't afford to go out anyway. I think she knows the offer is always there - but I do remind her from time to time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted June 12, 2008 Share Posted June 12, 2008 I pay our babysitter £4 per hour and I give her a bit extra if she's putting herself out for us. She was on a placement at DD's preschool 2 years ago during her childcare course. She's mobile too, she had a scooter before she took her driving test, very convenient not to have to drive her home at the end of the evening. I just can't get into one of those reciprocal childcare arrangement babysitting circle things as I'd end up never seeing OH. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 I would always rather pay than get into the whole doing favours thing because someone always ends up feeling used. I did a few babysitting stints for people when mine were tiny and someone kindly had my older two for the day when my youngest was born, and I helped her our when she had a second c-section.There were other occasions where I felt my good nature was being a bit exploited by social butterflies. Now the kids are older we get my OH's secretary to sit if we are going any great distance away from home otherwise ED does it. She is seriously in debt to us at the moment for an MP3 player that she wanted for her Paris trip but couldn't afford. It has given her a real insight into how debt feels and I don't hink she likes it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 - I would be if I'd charged for all the caring - 2 days a week since they were both 4 months old......that would add up! I look after my grandson from 7.30a.m 'til 6.30p.m twice a week too, would be very rich if I charged My younger son used to babysit for a friend of mine once a week, she paid him £20 plus a mini cab to get him home. The child he babysat was 11 yrs old and they sat up playing computer games together, my son could hardly believe his luck that he got paid to do this Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 I would always rather pay than get into the whole doing favours thing because someone always ends up feeling used. Too true - a great way to screw up a friendship! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 I think like any job, the payment should reflect the experience and qualifications... If it was just a friends 16 year old daughter coming around to watch TV and do some homework, then I would pay around £3-4 per hour. But if it was someone more responsible (late teens+) who is qualified in child care or has first aid training and years of experience, then I would expect to pay around £5-6 per hour. And it's all tax free, cash in hand after all, so it probably works out as better payment than some peoples day jobs! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Earthchild Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 I'm fortunate that I have family near by to babysit, however, I do employ my neice and her friends from time to time to help me out with shows. I always find it best to go by the governments minimum wage rates: New National Minimum Wage rates from 1 October 2008 Workers aged 22 and over - £5.73 per hour Workers aged 18-21 - £4.77 per hour Workers aged 16-17 - £3.53 per hour Obviously there is no rate for under 16's but it gives you an idea. Hope this helps. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules. Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 I babysat ( with my mum) from a boy who is now over 6 feet tall & in his 20s. Makes me feel really old. I'm so glad that my parents can babysit for me for no payment ( & provide childcare two days a week as well) . However, we hardly ever ask them to sit for us on the evening, we so rarely go out. Think it was a couple of years ago we last went out for a meal for my birthday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 I'm fortunate that I have family near by to babysit, however, I do employ my neice and her friends from time to time to help me out with shows. I always find it best to go by the governments minimum wage rates: New National Minimum Wage rates from 1 October 2008 Workers aged 22 and over - £5.73 per hour Workers aged 18-21 - £4.77 per hour Workers aged 16-17 - £3.53 per hour Obviously there is no rate for under 16's but it gives you an idea. Hope this helps. I wasn't far out then... Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I didn't think you could legally leave a child alone, unless there is a responsible person over the age of 16 to supervise them. Just look at the Madeline case where they are now being charged with neglect... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 I don't think there are any hard and fast rules about this. We leave ours for short periods ie trips to the allotment and supermarket shopping etc when ED is at home and she is a very responsible 14 year old who will be 15 in 3 months time. She is at a sleepover tonight so the younger two 12 & 9 will have to come to the allotment with us, thay will be pleased when we tell them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 I would leave the 12 year old on his own for a short period but not with his sister. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 Your right chickencam, there is no hard and fast rule: "There is no legal age limit for leaving a child on their own, but it is an offence to leave a child alone if it places them at risk. Parents can be prosecuted for neglect if they leave a child unsupervised ‘in a manner likely to cause unnecessary suffering or injury to health’ (Children and Young Person’s Act)." Quote from: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Parents/Yourchildshealthandsafety/Yourchildssafetyinthehome/DG_070594 But I bet they would be quick enough to complain and bring a charge against you if there was a problem... So I guess it's just luck of the draw then! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoid Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 No one under the minimum school leaving age can be employed in work other than light work. Children under 14 There are some extra rules about the employment of children under 14. If you are under 14, you are not allowed to work at all except in the following types of work:- • to take part in sport, advertising, modelling, plays, films, television or other entertainment. The employer must apply for a licence from the local authority • to do odd jobs for a parent, relative or neighbour • to do babysitting Pay If you are under school leaving age, there is no minimum wage that your employer must pay you. Babysitting You can babysit at any age, whether you are paid or not. You are allowed to look after a child of any age. However, if the child you are babysitting is thought to be at risk because it is not being looked after properly, the child's parents could be prosecuted, or action could be taken to put their child into care. From the citizens advice bureau Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bronze Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 No one under the minimum school leaving age can be employed in work other than light work. You mean I've got to stop sending them up the chimney? pants I could make it lighter if I lit the fire Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickencam Posted June 13, 2008 Share Posted June 13, 2008 The whole thing is a nightmare. Did any of you see the report on the mother in New York who let her child make a 2 mile journey home via a bus and subway train aged 9. They were trying to make him more independent. I think 9 is too young but equally children need to start doing things like going into shops on their own from about that age. Children are too cosseted and protected these days ans I am as guilty as anyone. We live by a main road and I am very reluctant to let mine go out on their own even the older two. There was a programme on tv about this last week connected to the child of out time series. The freedom of children to go out alone has fallen by 90% in 20 years But as a parent you are damned if you do and damned if you don't Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
