Archive for February, 2010

How Much Should I Pay the Babysitter?

Author: admin

Feb 13



Figuring out what fair babysitter rates are can seem confusing, but there are many ways to determine an appropriate hourly wage. If you are a sitter and need to determine how much to charge your families or you are a parent who needs to know what a fair rate is, it’s easy if you follow these simple guidelines. Some sitters charge as little as $3 per hour while others can charge as much as $20 per hour. The appropriate rate for babysitting services depends on five factors:

1) Age/amount of experience of the sitter

2) Your location

3) Number of children/pets

4) Age of children

5) Time of job/level of care expectation

Most babysitters are teenagers ranging in age from 12-22. Going on age alone, normal rates for individuals aging 11-14 are $3-$5 per hour, adding $1 per hour per child. This rate increases by about $1 to $2 for teenagers aging 15-16 and then jumps to $8-$12 per hour for those who are 17 years-old and older and who have experience. Some individuals have CPR and first aid training, and these added skills allow the babysitter to charge more.

Your location also has a significant amount of influence on the rate. If you live in a large city, you can expect to pay a few dollars more per hour than individuals living 50 miles or more outside of an urban center. The farther out you live, the more the rates will change.

The number of children and their ages play a large role. It is a general rule to pay $1 more per hour per child, but if you have three kids under the age of five, you might be expected to pay a slightly higher rate because they require more attention. Pet care should also be considered in the price if you are going to ask the sitter to groom, walk, or feed your dog or cat.

Lastly, the length of the job and the duties you expect your sitter to complete also go into the price. If you need the babysitter to drive the kids to a birthday party, want her to take them to a movie, or fix dinner, you need to compensate for her time accordingly. Reimburse her for any expenses and extra duties you ask of her.

Considering these above guidelines, here are two extreme examples. If a 12-year-old sitter were watching your 6-year-old for three hours on a weekend afternoon in a rural area, it would be appropriate to pay her $4 per hour. On the other hand, if you have three children, live in New York City, and hire a CPR-trained college student from the hours of 6 PM to 2 AM, expect to pay her around $15-$20 per hour.

If you still are unsure, try to ask other mothers living in your neighborhood what they pay for their babysitter. Always talk to the sitter before she sits for you to determine her babysitting rates so that you can both come to an agreement on something that is fair.

By: Jane Worthington

About the Author:
If you would like more information about how to how much to pay a babysitter [http://www.ebabysitters.com/babysitter-rates.html] or typical babysitter rates [http://www.ebabysitters.com/babysitter-rates.html], please visit the eBabysitters website.



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Babysitter Services – Don’t Let Just Anyone Watch Your Children

Author: admin

Feb 12



When you need a babysitter there are a couple ways you can go about finding the right one. You can find a babysitter by using a babysitter service or you can try searching through the countless ads in the newspaper that all seem to blend together. The first thing to do is to define the differences between hiring a service, or finding an advertisement in either a newspaper, or even that flier that found its way under the wiper of your vehicle. First, it is hard to find the right sitter on your own. Looking through the newspaper doesn’t always produce results, and if you happen to find one or two people who you can hire, you don’t know anything about them. You have to call and talk to them on the phone, and ask a bunch of questions. Even if you ask question after question, there is always something that you forget the moment you hang up the phone.

Fliers are the same way, but they limit your opportunities even more. Many fliers contain even less information that in a newspaper ad, and you still have to call them and ask a lot of questions. This is really not the way to go.

With a babysitter service, most of the work is already done for you. When you visit one of these service sites, you get a bigger picture of the person you hire. They have a profile that can be viewed, and there is a lot of personal information included. What their age is, which can be very important. How much experience they have, references from other customers that have used them, as well as the most important thing for safety and peace of mind, a criminal background check on each person. Many sitting services also require that the people who sign on as sitters have CPR, first aid, as well as other credentials, depending on what kind of sitter services they provide.

Instead of painstakingly trying to find the right sitter in your area, services provide a whole list of people who are available in your area, all in one place. You get to choose the person that you will be happy with, and usually the person will contact you within 24 hours by email or phone. You can interview many people, or just a few, all from one site. Another reason why you should use a sitting service is that these lists are updated regularly, with new people being added all the time. With a service, if you didn’t like the person you hired, or something happened, you can post comments on their profile, letting other people know about your experiences with them.

Babysitter agencies can also provide other services you may have a hard time finding on your own. Some companies not only provide you with temporary help, but also with permanent nanny services, pet sitting, and even people who are qualified to take care of the elderly or handicapped. These people will also be certified to handle a variety of situations as well.

So now you know why using a sitting service over looking through newspaper ads, or maybe even considering those random fliers that you discover. With how busy most people are today, who has time to have to ask a bunch of questions, and call each person individually. With a service, you can be assured that anyone who you hire, is qualified, experienced, and safe.

By: Eric Baglio

About the Author:
Your children are way to precious to leave in the hands of an unqualified or negligent stranger. Rest assured though that your kids will be fine if you do your homework and hire a trained, certified, babysitter with a clean record. Babysitter services provide you with security and peace of mind. Find the best babysitter services at http://www.bestbabysitterservices.com



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5 Easy Steps for Preventing Identity Theft

Author: admin

Feb 11



Identity theft can be one of the most stressful experiences you can ever have and falling victim to ID theft is becoming more and more common today. Although there are certain situations that are out of your control which can lead to identity theft, there are numerous steps you can take that will lower your risk of becoming an identity theft victim.

One of the easiest steps you can take to prevent identity theft is to obtain a copy of your free credit report every year. Due to the changes to the Fair Credit Reporting Act each major national consumer reporting bureau is required to provide you a free credit report once a year.

When you request your free credit report choose to have your credit report printout contain only the last four digits of your social security number. This will help prevent anyone from obtaining your whole social security number should they get a hold of your report.

Another step to preventing identity theft is to keep all of your personal documents safely stored in your home. All personal documents should be stored within a locked container such as a safe or file cabinet. This is especially important if you employ anyone at your home such as a babysitter or maid.

Password protecting your credit card and bank accounts with a password that is not easily linked to you is also important for preventing identity theft. One password that you should refrain from using is your mother’s maiden name. Other poor choices are your telephone number, anniversary or birthday. Many credit card and bank account will use your mother’s maiden name as a default password, however you should ask to choose a different password that is more secure.

One of the most common causes of identity theft is from your trash. Make sure to use a shredder when you are disposing of old paperwork, confidential documents or mail. Paper shredders have become very inexpensive and are one of the best devices for preventing identity theft. They are the easiest way that you can help prevent someone from digging through your trash and finding personal information.

Finally, when mailing anything that contains personal information take the mail directly to the post office or a postal mail box or to the post office. This is extremely important if your outgoing mail box is not in a locked or secure.

Following these simple steps can greatly decrease your odds of becoming an identity theft victim. Identity theft become a very large problem and should not be taken lightly. Start protecting yourself today.

By: Kurt Howard

About the Author:
Learn simple and easy ways to protect yourself from becoming an identity theft victim.
Identity Theft Prevention



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How Much Should I Pay My Babysitter?

Author: admin

Feb 11



According to a report by Runzheimer International in 2005, the average babysitter in the United States earns $6.04 per hour. In New York City, the average babysitter earns $11.08 per hour. The rates assume that the babysitter is a teenager and is looking after just 1 child. There are a few additional factors to consider when deciding how much you need to pay the babysitter.

Pay the Babysitter More Than Average:

1. What kind of area do you live in?

If you live in a urban area expect to pay more than if you’re lived in a suburban or rural area.

2. How old is the babysitter?

With age comes maturity, a greater sense of responsibility, and a better sense of what to do in emergencies. Expect to pay an extra $.50/hr for ages 16-18, $1/hr for 18-21, and $2 for 22+.

3. How much experience does the babysitter have?

Add around $.50/hr for every year of experience.

4. How many children need to be babysat?

If the babysitter needs to look after more than 1 child, add $1/hr per kid. The more kids you have, the more work it is for the babysitter and the more you should pay her.

5. Do you expect the babysitter to do chores?

If you want the babysitter to do the dishes, tidy up, or run some errands, add around $2/hr. This is usually a very cost-effective option and worth the additional expense.

6. Did the babysitter come through on short notice?

Consider paying $1/hr more.

7. Are you planning on coming home late (after 11PM)?

If so, add around $2/hr.

By: Michael Gugel

About the Author:
For a free babysitter rate calculator, visit http://www.new-york-babysitters.com/

Runzheimer International Babysitter rate study:
http://www.runzheimer.com/Web/Publications/MR/MR-2006-04-GMS.htm



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Finding a Nanny : Finding a Nanny Online

Author: admin

Feb 11

Find a nanny online by logging on to the Internet to view profiles and important information through various credible Web sites. Contact nanny agencies to find a qualified childcare worker with tips from a full-time nanny in this free video on finding a nanny.Expert: Veronica Baragas Contact: www.mywigglesandgiggles.com Bio: Veronica Baragas was born and raised in Austin, Texas and has been working with children and families for 10 years. Filmmaker: Todd Green

By: eHow

About the Author:



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Step-Parent – A Really Tough Job

Author: admin

Feb 11



Talk about stuck in the middle. A step-parent seems to have equal responsibility and so very little rights. And, truthfully, that is probably accurate. The major role in any blended family is the biological parent. The step-parent must stand alongside the birth parent, participate in all aspects of the family and yet they have very little say, at least directly to the children. It is definitely a tough position, but if done correctly, you will be amazed at the strength of a blended family.

Blended families are becoming a common factor in society today. Regardless of all the reference books out there, a very high percent of divorce is prevalent in blended families. Look at it from a logical perspective, the two adults fell in love, the kids didn’t. The children already have two primary adults in their lives that they love. They didn’t ask for their parent’s divorce and they certainly didn’t ask for a step-parent. It probably took some maneuvering to establish two new households with new rules after the divorce. Now, along comes someone else and a new set of rules.

First and foremost, take a deep breath. Try not to sweat the small stuff and by all means, the spouses need to talk… CONSTANTLY! Although the new step-parent should not take a strong, active role at the beginning of forming the family, their feelings and opinions should be heard and respected by the birth parent. If the adults differ, resolution should be a compromise and done behind closed doors. At no time should the children see the adults bickering over the children.

Throughout life, children as well as adults, adapt to a variety of rules. Rules vary from baseball, football, school, home, playground, etc. Rules can vary between households and between co-parents. Rules can also easily vary between parent and step-parent, given time.

Although it may feel degrading, try starting out like a babysitter. You enforce the rules that the biological parent establishes. Start by being present during an instructional moment. Showing that you both stand together helps mold the future. Co-parenting is essential in establishing the relationship between the children and a step-parent. However, you cannot push yourself on the children. Start slow. Be present but silent, in the beginning.

When appropriate, volunteer to stay with the children while your spouse runs errands. In their absence, enforce the rules that the biological parent established. Be gentle in your words and make sure the positive interactions outnumber the negative by ten-fold.

Remind the children that you are there for them and that you realize you are not their parent. You are there to be their friend and trusted adult but remain respectful of their parents.

Children adapt to change and will grow to love and respect the step-parent but it will take an enormous amount of patience and love. Choose to be a positive influence in their lives. At first they will test many boundaries, including the strength of your marriage. Remain the adult and stay above the invitation to engage in negative behavior. Set the example of the behavior you are hoping to get from them. Be kind, loving and nurturing without crossing the boundaries. The time will come where the family will blend and peace will descend upon the new family.

By: Chris Lowrey

About the Author:
Chris Lowrey

Author and Editor of Family Time Charm

A truly unique family magazine. Family Time Charm is absolutely designed for the entire family.

For more parenting articles, fun games for kids and educational activities for all, visit our website: http://www.familytimecharm.com



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How Much a Babysitter Should Be Paid

Author: admin

Feb 11



Are you wondering how much to your babysitter should be paid to watch your children? You’re hardly alone. As parents struggle find great childcare, it is hard to know what is a good amount to pay for him or her.

There are a number of factors which will go into this decision. These include your location, how experienced the sitter (or prospective sitter) is and how many children they will be tending to.

Recent surveys have shown the hourly rates paid to babysitters range between $5 and $15. To find the going rate in your neighborhood, just ask around and find what your neighbors are paying their babysitter.

One you know what the average rate is in your area, talk to the sitter about their expectations in regards to pay before taking them on; ask him or her what they normally charge and use it as a starting point for negotiations. (Be careful not to pay too little if someone is new to childcare and doesn’t know the going rate. Once they find out that you are under-paying them, they may find other kids to watch instead.)

If you decide to use a babysitter matchmaking service, sitters will typically post their experience level as well as their expected pay rate. You will then know just what the babysitter is asking for before you even meet them.

Remember that if you find a babysitter whose services you are happy with, you should pay them well, no matter what pay rate you originally came to an agreement on.

Keep in mind that a good babysitter can be very hard to find; so you may want to pay an exceptional sitter more than the going rate in your neighborhood. You can then ensure that the sitter will view your requests as a priority and you will have a good chance of being able to hire them when you really need a sitter.

By: Beth Howland

About the Author:
Beth Howland is a reviewer of parenting products like Sittercity

If you need help finding the right sitter for your family, visit http://www.SittercityReview.com for more information.



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Hey! Get Your Own Babysitter

Author: admin

Feb 10



One of the hardest things for some new parents to get used to is the need to find a babysitter so that they can go out to dinner or to a movie once in a while. What gets worse is that they no longer know anyone who babysits.

So what do they do? They ask their friends and try to steal their sitter.

But there is no way their friends will give them the name of the great babysitter that they have found because then they next time that the friends call to need the sitter, she will now be busy. This can actually cause hard feelings between friends and neighbors who share the same person as their primary sitter.

Here are some tips to find your own babysitter without taking your friend’s top choice:

1. Ask teachers. They often know good caregivers in the area or young adults who are responsible enough to baby sit.

2. Ask at church–Pastors and church members offend know people who would love to watch your kids.

3. Ask your hairdresser. These people are the eyes and ears of town!

4. Try an online matchmaking service like Sittercity. They have thousands of awesome babysitters all over the country. You can search their database before you pay for their service and probably find 10 great babysitters right in your area that would be perfect to watch your little ones.

5. Call your local school. Many schools offer babysitting classes and keep lists of kids who have passed the class. This may give you a whole list of new options.

Try these things and you should have a number of great choices without making your friends and neighbors mad.

By: Beth Howland

About the Author:
Beth Howland is a reviewer of parenting products like Sittercity For more information, visit http://www.SittercityReview.com



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Online Babysitter – Find Your Babysitter Online

Author: admin

Feb 10



The old way to find a babysitter was to ask everybody you knew and how you could find someone that was trustworthy enough to watch your child or children. These are times of the past because now you do not have to worry about the hassle of finding a babysitter for one night, many nights or a full time nanny. You can get your next babysitter online with and online babysitter service.

You can now find your babysitter at an online service like Sittercity. This service is perfect about matching parents with babysitters that are fully qualified to watch your children. These will not just be your normal teenagers. Instead, you will be matched with qualified babysitters that are 17 years old or more.

You can sign up with these services for free and search to see what is in your area. You will have to pay the fee to be able to get in contact with the babysitter or babysitters that you are after.

These are starting to become the way to find your babysitter. There are many other services other than sittercity. There are many of them popping up online and they are great for finding the babysitter that you are after. You will be able to check references, qualifications, and even conduct an online interview. This will give you the peace of mind you need in order to find the babysitter you need for your night out or a full time nanny.

Online babysitter services are great because they allow you to find what you need without having to trust someone else’s judgment. By checking the references you will be able to find out whether or not you have a trustworthy babysitter or not. These references will be other people that have hired that specific babysitter and were either satisfied or dissatisfied with the babysitter. This will give you the trust you need in order to hire your babysitter and trust them with your children.

By: Benjamin Robert Ehinger

About the Author:
Are you searching for a qualified babysitter to watch your children tonight, tomorrow night, or sometime in the future? There are many qualified babysitters ready for you to hire them. Get more information here:

Online Babysitter



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Five Tips to Finding the Perfect After-School Babysitter

Author: admin

Feb 10



Believe it or not, it is that time again to find a babysitter for after-school care as you send your kids back to school. Fortunately, it is not as hard as you might think.

Here are five tips to finding the perfect babysitter.

1. Check your local colleges. College aged kids make excellent after-school sitters. They are also making their back to school plans now…so it is the best time to check with local college job boards and placement centers to see what students are looking for work.

2.. Ask your hairdresser. (No… that wasn’t a joke.) They often know more about who is doing what in your town than most. I found one college-aged babysitter this way. She was not only great with my kids, but she was also willing to house sit and watch our dog when we were on vacation!

3. Ask your friends–but don’t expect them to hand over the number of their best babysitter. It just isn’t going to happen!

4. Ask teachers or pastors. They often know good caregivers in the area or young adults who may want to babysit.

5. Try an online matchmaking service like Sittercity. They have thousands of awesome babysitters all over the country. You can search their database before you pay for their service and probably find 10 great babysitters right in your area that would be perfect to watch your little ones.

Using these any of these tips, you should be able to find a great babysitter in no time!

By: Beth Howland

About the Author:
Beth Howland is a reviewer of parenting products like Sittercity. For more information, visit http://www.SittercityReview.com



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