Every sitter job is a little different. Different kids, different routines, different house rules… and sometimes, a whole lot of questions you’re not quite sure you should ask. Is it okay to eat the snacks? What if the parents come home late? Can you be on your phone after the kids go to bed? How much should you actually be charging? If you’ve wondered it, chances are another sitter has, too. So we’re here to help discuss some common questions babysitters wonder but don’t always ask.
Am I charging enough?
Let’s start with the big one: money. There isn’t one “right” babysitting rate. Where you live, how many kids you’re caring for, your experience and the responsibilities involved can all make a difference. But it helps to know what other sitters are earning. According to Sittercity data, the national average babysitting rate is $23 an hour (and $25 an hour for nannies) but rates vary considerably by location. For example, an average sitter rate in San Antonio is $21 an hour (and $22 an hour for nannies) whereas in San Francisco, it’s $31 an hour for sitters (and $32.50 for nannies). So if you haven’t looked at your rate lately, it might be time for a check-in. Consider your experience, certifications, number of children and responsibilities such as driving, tutoring or additional household tasks. Talking about money can feel uncomfortable. But your rate is part of the job, and the work you do is important, so it’s okay to talk about it.
Do things like background checks and certifications really matter to parents?
Absolutely. Sittercity data shows that caregivers who have a valid background checks are 2.1 times more likely to match with a family, and those with an extended background check are 2.8 times more to match with a family. And when it comes to CPR/First Aid training, caregivers who possess these certifications are 1.6 times more likely to match with a family. At Sittercity, you can also run background checks on yourself and add a dated badge to your profile. It helps to think of your profile as your opportunity to help a family get to know you before you’ve even connected. Experience, qualifications, certifications, reviews and other profile details can all help express who you are.
Can I eat the family’s food?
The safest answer: Ask. Some families will happily tell you to help yourself to whatever’s in the fridge or pantry, while others might have certain foods that are off limits or allocated for lunches, allergies or special occasions. A simple “Is it okay if I grab a snack later?” clears things up in seconds and it and beats spending the evening staring longingly at a box of cookies on the counter.
Is it okay to be on my phone after the kids go to bed?
Once the kids are asleep and your responsibilities are taken care of, checking your phone may be perfectly reasonable. But you’re still on the job. Keep the volume down, stay aware of what’s happening in the house and make sure you can hear the kids if they need you. A little scrolling? Probably fine. Getting so absorbed that you don’t notice someone calling from upstairs? Not so much. Be sure to check in with parents, too, about their expectations.
What if the parents come home later than they said they would?
A few minutes is understandable, but if they stroll through the door hours after they said they would? That’s not okay, unless they’ve given you an explanation ahead of time. If it’s getting way later than expected and you haven’t heard from a parent, it’s okay to send a friendly check-in. You also have plans and responsibilities, so it’s okay to ask when they expect to be home.
Do I still get paid if a family cancels?
This depends on what you and the family agreed to beforehand. That’s why cancellation expectations are worth discussing before they become an issue. If you regularly work for a family, consider having a conversation about what happens with last-minute cancellations. You reserved that time for them and may have turned down other work. It might feel awkward to bring up, but clear expectations usually make working relationships easier.
Can I say no to extra chores?
You were hired to care for the kids, but sometimes a request pops up: Could you fold the kids’ laundry? Empty the dishwasher? Give Spot a walk? It’s worth chatting through any additional responsibilities, which can impact the rate for a job. Often extra tasks like driving, tutoring and light housekeeping can increase pay. That said, small tasks related to the kids may be part of a babysitting job, especially if you discussed them ahead of time. But if the responsibilities start expanding beyond what you agreed to, it’s okay to speak up. Try something simple: “I’m happy to help when I can. Can we talk about what you’d like included when I’m here?”
What if a kid tells me, “My parents ALWAYS let me”?
Maybe they do. Or maybe you’re currently talking to a very persuasive five-year-old. When you’re unsure, stick with the rules the parents gave you. If it’s something important, text or call to double-check. You don’t have to make a judgment call just because a kid insists the answer is yes.
Should I ask a family for a reference or a review?
Yes and you don’t have to make it a big deal. Reviews and references are one of the credentials parents consider when choosing a sitter. SIttercity data shows that caregivers who have a 4+ rating are more than 10 times more likely to match with a family and those with references are 2.7 times more likely to match with a family. So, if you’ve had a good experience with a family, why not ask? Try something like, “I’ve really enjoyed sitting for your family. If you have a minute, would you mind leaving me a review?”
Is it okay to ask a lot of questions before I accept a job?
It’s not only okay, it’s super-smart. Be sure to ask about the kids, schedule, responsibilities, pets, transportation, bedtime routines, allergies or other important household information. You can also clarify your rate, start and end times and anything else you need to know. And parents may be planning further ahead than you think and booking future sitters, so always keep your availability up to date, and reply ASAP: Sittercity caregivers who reply to messages within 24 hours are 9 times more likely to match with a family.
One last question: Am I overthinking all of this?
Trust your instincts. If you’re wondering about something, it’s worth asking. That’s part of caring about doing a good job. You’re not expected to know exactly what to do in every situation so feel confident anytime you want to clarify something. Set expectations. Speak up when something isn’t clear. And remember that being a great sitter isn’t about never having questions; it’s about knowing when to ask them.
