What Your Babysitter Is Dying to Tell You
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4. Babysitting two kids is not the same as taking care of one. On average, if you have more than one child, expect to pay $2 to $5 more an hour for each additional one. Whatever you do, don’t spring a niece or your child’s best bud on me, saying “You don’t mind, do you?” Yes, I do.
5. A child's bad behavior can be tough, but not knowing how you would like me to handle it is tougher. Share your family rules and let me know how you'd like me to help enforce them. I need to know if a time-out is a powerful tool in your house or a phrase your child has never heard. And remember to clue me in on unusual problem areas, such as your toddler's proclivity to bite or his big brother's fascination with Sharpies.
6. Please don't forget that I get hungry, too! It's not always possible for me to eat before I arrive, especially if I'll be with your kids at a mealtime. If I’m feeding your child, it's nice to have something for me to sit down and enjoy with him. There's no need to prepare a special meal or stock your fridge, but arrange for me to order a pizza for the kids and myself, or to eat whatever your child is eating. I’d also appreciate being encouraged to help myself to anything I can find in your kitchen.
7. Offering to pay for my cab or subway fare home shows me you care about my safety. As you know, life in the city doesn't come cheap. It's expensive to have a night out without kids, but don't cut corners on getting me home safely. Consider my transportation (at least the trip home) a part of your childcare costs. Or, offer me a ride home.
