Babysitter question

So let me preface this by saying we have only ever had family watch our kids. They go to my in-laws after school, days off, etc. SIL helps us out with a date night here and there. I recently posted about looking for a sitter just for here and there if DH and I want to go out. I was planning when my LO went back to school to see if maybe one of the paras might be interested.

So today was my twins last day of camp. One of their counselors they adore and always talk about. She sends a note home (I've never met her) how great they are, how much she loves them, and would love to babysit if we ever need.

So she obviously does not know they have a little brother that has autism and is nonverbal. He can tantrum and as I also have posted we currently have him back in pull-ups because he is now refusing to pee on the potty.

So my questions are:

1. Would you still consider her to babysit? Of course assuming she is open to taking care of my 3rd also. Although if she dealing with little kids all day, she must have patience (my twins are def not easy going- one is a whiner, crier if things don't go his way, etc.)

2. How do I approach this? Via text? I have her cell?

3. Assuming we go forward, start with a test run, right? Like me running errands or doing stuff in the house?

4. I am so out of the loop because I never paid a sitter, what is an appropriate rate?

Anything else? Can you tell me I am excited and also very nervous at the idea of possibly having a sitter?

Message edited 8/25/2017 5:25:37 PM.

Re: Babysitter question

I totally would and she if she is not comfortable she can say no. I would call her right away and have her over and talk to her. Introduce her to your third child, talk to her see how she is around the 3 kids feel her out. I would start out with an hour here or there just doing short errands and check in with her to see how she feels about it.
As for payment I have no idea. My parents are the only ones that watch my 3 kids. I would be nervous too but she is reaching out to you and your older kids only have nice things to say about her. I use to babysit before kids and loved it. I felt like I was doing a huge favor to the parents because I treated the kids like they were my own. If your kids liked her and spoke about her then she must be someone special.
Good Luck!

Re: Babysitter question

I would definitely consider! Its pretty common for camp counselors to do this....another one of my students is using his camp counselor throughout the school year for after school pick ups......i guess depending on her age and experience for one child is usually 10-12 per hour so maybe closer to 12/13 for three kids?

I would text her and try it out with you or DH still at home...GL!

Re: Babysitter question

Given that she would be taking care of three, and one that has high needs, I Would expect to pay like $18-$20 an hour to be honest.

Re: Babysitter question

I would let her know you are interested in her offer of babysitting but ask her if she is OK with also watching your son that has special needs. I know some people that pay $15 an hour for two kids so i would say $18-20

Babysitter question

This is interesting because my daughter was a camp counselor this summer and one strict rule they were given is that they were not allowed to solicit babysitting work. I wonder why?

I would definitely consider it but have her come meet your son before hand to see how she interacts.

Re: Babysitter question

Definitely! She obviously likes children and working at a camp has first aid and CPR training.

I would expect to pay around $15 an hour.

Re: Babysitter question

Re: Babysitter question

Sooo. I texted her last Friday to ask where she lives and does she drive as we wouldn't need her for regular babysitting just a night out here or there. And I also mentioned in the text about my youngest that he has autism and is in pull-ups so there would be some taking taking him to the bathroom involved so not sure if this would or would not be something she was looking for, but to let me know (and of course I thanked her for all she did this summer).

Anyhow, she never responded so I'm assuming she's not interested. Which is ok. Just wish she would've just texted me back but I know she's probably a young kid and doesn't know what to write back. Bummer. Oh well, things happen for a reason. Wasn't meant to be.

Re: Babysitter question

Re: Babysitter question

Re: Babysitter question