"Ericka" wrote in message
...
Kat wrote:
"Ericka" wrote in message
...
Kat wrote:

I'm just wondering if $10/hour for this is too much or too little to
offer for the job. I'm going to try and catch her today, or even leave
a note on the door if all else fails. I just would like to be "fair"
for both of us with the amount paid.
I think it's about par for the course, at least around
here and for the older one. I think these things can vary a lot
by region, though. Yes, it is an easy gig, but on the other hand,
it does wipe out a weekend night. Around here, a popular babysitter
or a difficult night to place could run you significantly more than
$10/hour, so I'd go for it if I were looking in my neighborhood.

I wonder, though, what a 12 or 13 year old would have better to do on a
Saturday night... You never know, though.

Personally, for that late I'd much prefer the older
sitter. I have a 13 year old, and I wouldn't have him sit
for my own kids for that long/late. There are some 12/13
year olds who are really responsible, but unless you know
the younger girl well, I wouldn't feel all that comfortable
with her sitting for me until 1am. I know she likely doesn't
have to do much, but the point of having the sitter is so
that someone is there in case there *is* a need ;-)

Best wishes,
Ericka

I wasn't too keen on the idea of any babysitter around 12-13 or so
babysitting, but then my mom pointed out that *I* was babysitting when I was
that age.
The one good thing is that they live right next door - we share a wall. I
did talk to the girl's mom first, so she is aware. I think I'm more
comfortable with it because I know the mom is home right next door. If an
emergency comes up or there's anything at all, at least her mother is right
next door, knows that her daughter will be here and I had said the times I
was looking for a sitter.
If there happens to be a need for anything, I would feel far more
comfortable with an adult available (the mom next door), if given the choice
between even an older teenager (like the 16 year old sister)
But I do see what you are saying for sure. I do think that I feel a little
more comfortable knowing that the mom is right next door and knows exactly
what's going on and what the plans are.