This is the correct answer!We always use grandpa's and grandma's. Both sets are in the area and one is usually availabe.
Best thing?? They pay us to let them watch the kids!! :wink:
We have 4 kids (7-5-3-1) and joined a babysitting co-op. Basically, we developed system of wooden sticks to use as currency among several (12) families and there is a set rate for the first child and diminishing rates for additional children. I highly recommend this if you know of others in a similar life stage. You accumulate sticks by volunteering to watch other kids and then when you want to go out, it doesn't cost an extra $30 or so for the date.
We limit the number of families to keep tabs on the currency and interview new families prior to admission to the co-op to assess the likelihood of abuse. The best thing is that we will often get email from other families in need of sticks wanting to watch our kids (4 kids pays a lot of sticks).
Yes, I like to save money when I can.
we have a 3 (almost 4) year old and a 20 month old. we pay a secretary from the office $10/hr usually with some sort of guarantee since we live in ankeny and they typically drive over from urbandale or west des moines. If we leave one kid we usually pay $7-$8 depending on how badly we need someone. If we get by with a neighbor high school kid we might go with a flat fee especially if the kids are going to bed and most of the night will be spent eating and watching television or surfing CF. Say $40 for the whole night.
I have a teenage babysitter that I pay with 5$ per hour. She takes care of two children of my, 3 and 5 years, and she’s satisfied and do the job very well. So, I think this is the right price. Good luck!New father and not sure what I sould be paying for baby sitting of an infant.
What are peole out there in the Metro area paying per hour?