[uniquelyme]

I hope this is in the right section...I have never been approached for this before, but a lady who is quite unwell has asked me to mind her son on a Saturday...not sure how often. He is 9 years old. She said to think about the fees and to be honest, I have no idea what to charge. He was here for 6 hours last Saturday and we went to the park, had ice-cream etc. He also plays with my 8 year old boy. I pick him up and drop him off.
I would LOVE some suggestions, because I always feel awkward about charging...
she also wants occasional overnight care.

[uniquelyme]

Through FDC office and yeah they arent any help. They've basically said, well you set your own fees.
It's frustrating!

[Mozzie1]

What do you charge during the week? And how many kids do you usually have? That would be a starting point...

[Koufuku]

I think I'd consider something like "time and a half" on weekends. So if you charge $8 an hour, charge $12 for a weekend day... not sure about overnight. It's funny, because it's not like you're actually working while the kid's asleep but you should charge more.

[uniquelyme]

Yeah, thanks, that makes sense...yes, so my school age rate is $8 per hour, so yes, $12 an hour DOES make sense. Overnight, I would probably do the same I think. Maybe an extra charge of like $3 for dinner in the case of an overnight. And I only have the one child (at this stage) on weekends. She asked to do it privately, which is fine, but the hourly rate of a babysitter is a LOT more than FDC fees.

[cira]

Charge enough that you wont resent it. Its great that you are able and willing to help-out but make sure it is an amicable agreement on the fee. Around here babysitting rates start at about $15 with $20-25 being more typical.

[JBH]

Given that it will limit your family time I'd charge a bit more. Say $15 per hour until 5, then a flat overnight fee with dinner and breakfast for $50, to your nominated pick up time on Sunday morning.

[Dub74]

Most FDC places I know of charge $6-$10 per hr for weekend/evening. To me I think $10 per hour is fair. BUT that is for someone who does it as part of their regular offering so most likely would end up with $40 per hour with a few kids. And possibly a flat fee of $100 per night .

For a private arangement I would charge something like minimum rate of $50 for up to 3 hrs and $10 per hr thereafter. Is also charge a flat overnight fee - somewhere around $100.

[melanieb530]

You'd both be better off doing over the books than privately as she will be able to claim CcB and CCR so it will be a lot cheaper for her and you will be covered for public liability insurance in case of an accident/injury.
If she is seriously unwell she may also be able to claim special CCB for I think about 13 weeks to further reduce her costs.

[Straight*No*Chas...]

I pay $8.50 an hour on weekends and nights, per child. Not sure what she charges for weekdays, as we don't use her then. I provide all meals. We get CCB and ccr off that too