20-year-old babysitter of 3 kids has hourly rate reduced from $30 to $25, dad claims it's because her job is too easy

It is a lesson that every working parent only has to learn once: never mess with a reliable babysitter. Being able to do your job or go to your adult-only social engagements in peace without making frantic phone calls at the last minute is a privilege that can be taken away much more easily than it came about. It is not something to be taken for granted.

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  • A young woman looks at her phone while sitting at a table with a matcha in front of her
    via Curated Lifestyle (Unsplash+)

    A young woman looks at her phone while sitting at a table with a matcha in front of her

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • Nonetheless, there are plenty of parents who have an unfortunate tendency to push the boundaries when it comes to their childcare providers. They constantly expect them to do more with less, or are way too strict for any babysitter to truly keep up with. 

    Most importantly of all, they want to get their kids watched for the smallest amount of money possible. There is no denying that childcare can be expensive, but those who keep your kids safe and happy for several hours a day deserve a decent wage. 

    While some are blessed with available family members who are willing to babysit for free, that doesn't mean that professionals are going to extend a similar generosity. After all, they are providing a vital service for which demand is always going to be there.

     

  • Parents want to cut my pay by $5 an hour

    Hey everyone I'm 20F, located in Southern California, and I've been babysitting for this family for 2 years now.
    via Sensitive-Mango7155
  • I've been watching their 3 kids (6M, 5M, and 3F) 2 days a week usually Tuesday and Wednesday from 4pm-8pm.
    via Sensitive-Mango7155

  • A college student was making money by watching three young kids a couple of times a week, and had gotten used to charging a rate of $30 an hour. This meant she was surprised to receive $25 less than expected when she babysat over the weekend for a date night that the parents had.

    She texted the dad of the family about the discrepancy, and he explained to her that he felt the need to cut costs and that he had been paying her too much for an easy job. She wasn't sure how to approach him about the fact that she disagreed with this.

  • They pay me 30/hr. Well Sunday night they asked me to babysit for a date night but when they paid me this afternoon I noticed they gave me $25 less.
    via Sensitive-Mango7155
  • When I texted asking if they had made a mistake the dad called me and told me he felt $30/hr was a lot for 3 kids who he called self sufficient.
    via Sensitve-Mango7155
  • Three young children lie down on grass together
    via Nathan Dumlao

    Three young children lie down on grass together

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • He told me all they do is watch tv or play video games and it's an easy job but he still felt they were paying me too much.
    via Sensitive-Mango7155
  • He felt $25/hr was more appropriate to pay and because I'm still in college it was still great money for a college student.
    via Sensitive-Mango7155
  • He also mentioned how inflation was causing him to cut any unnecessary expenses. I'd like to add that I walk to their house after my classes and they're ok with me bringing my puppy along with me which has been great.
    via Sensitive-Mango7155
  • That being said I think a $5/hr pay cut is too much. They live in a 6 bedroom house.
    via Sensitive-Mango7155
  • I don't know how to approach the parents and say that I'm not ok with the pay cut.
    via Sensitive-Mango7155
  • A woman's hands hold a fan of 100 dollar bills
    via Alexander Mills

    A woman's hands hold a fan of 100 dollar bills

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • seaclifftonne They're treating you like a child, telling you how much pocket money you earn for your chores. Tell them that you're only willing to accept the agreed upon rate. For the next booking, ask them to pay ahead of time including the remaining fee they owe for this sit. That way you're covered should they find another sitter
    via seaclifftonne
  • Sensitive-Mango7155 Original Poster's Reply Yeah he told me he talked so his friends and one of his friends pays their babysitter $20/hr for their 3 kids which he thought was a fair price. It felt like I was being talked down to
    via Sensitive-Mango7155
  • Numerous-Sherbert-70 Does the mom know he paid you less?? This sounds like a weird power move on his part. I would let her know about the incident. If she agrees then you need to communicate with them that you will not accept less than the current rate if $30/hr. You are already being underpaid IMO. Again, she might not know and this is a weird move on his part (speaking from someone who works with a weird DB)
    via Numerous-Sherbert-70
  • Sensitive-Mango7155 Original Poster's Reply Mom is really nice and when I first started it was $25 an hour and she quickly changed it to $30 but dad is a bit more in charge and I don't think she would say or do anything. I've kind of noticed they make way for him for everything
    via Sensitive-Mango7155
  • Routine_Climate3413 That's definitely not ok and they didn't even tell you- they just expected you not to notice. I'm not sure what the best approach is ,but hopefully someone in the comments can help
    via Routine_Climate3413
  • seaclifftonne Can you afford to resign the position? Would you be able to replace them as a client? What they've done is incredibly disrespectful. This isn't how you conduct business and as fully matured adults they know this. I think you need to work for people who respect you, not decidedly short-change you. They absolutely could have approached you before making a unanimous decision, but as they haven't I think it's not worth negotiating.
    via seaclifftonne
  • Sensitive-Mango7155 Original Poster's Reply No I don't have anyone to replace them unfortunately. I'm going to start looking. It put such a bad taste in my mouth it's making me not want to do my best with babysitting for them anymore.
    via Sensitive-Mango7155
  • uptown_girl8 That's something they should've discussed with you prior. 4-8pm is a rough shift. You're feeding them, playing with them and I'm assuming getting them ready for bed.... Tell them your rate is $30/hour going forward or they can find someone else for $25. It shouldn't matter if you're 20 or 40, in college or not. Your rate is $30.
    via uptown_girl8

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