Think you deserve more moolah? Here are some ways to really get a raise.
Have a negotiable baby sitting rate
Adjust your rates depending on the kids you're sitting for. Would you really wanna make six dollars an hour after going through three grueling hours feeding a baby?! Didn't think so. Depending on the house, the amount of kids you sit for and the situation (specials needs kids, really young kids or last-minute emergencies) scale the pay 10 % to 15% higher than what you usually get. Calculate the work you're putting in versus what you're getting paid. Watching one nine year-old isn't the same as sitting for two two-year-old twins!
Speak up
In order to get more money, you need to speak up. When you have gained enough experience, babysat for a wide range of kids and have high quality references, then it's def OK to ask for a raise. When persuading your clients for more moolah, it's smart to detail how their children have benefited from your expert care and how you always pulled through on certain situations. What's a good example? Reminding the 'rents of the time they called you up at 7 on a Saturday night to babysit at 8. Or bringing up how Hannah's math scores have gone waaay up since you've been helping with her HW. Some clients may not always agree to give you a raise based on the lack of experience or your expertise so it's always wise to get skills before you ask for more dollars.
Get the experience and skills
Babysit at as many houses as possible and make sure you sit for kids of all ages. Having a well-rounded sitting resume shows your clients that you're serious. You should also get certified in first aid too and to show the 'rents that you are ready to deal when their kids get cuts and bruises. If you have an older sibling, you can watch in when they babysit kids and use those observations as well. Keep a baby sitting log as well, and date and record all of your babysitting situations.
Keep a babysitting log
When you keep a baby sitting log, you can show the 'rents how responsible they are and keep track of how much experience you're gaining. The more experience you have recorded in your baby sitting log, the easier it will be to persuade your clients that you deserve to up your hourly rates. When you keep a log, write down your client's info, what the kids can and can't do, allergies, bedtimes, the kids' fave foods, games and shows and baby sitting rates for certain houses.
So, get out there and get that raise, girl!
BY SHERRYN DANIEL ON 11/26/2009 7:00:00 AM
POSTED IN how much should I get paid