Babysitting Fees

Tracy - posted on 02/08/2011

hi, i am a Nursery Nurse, and a mother of a 2year old.
this is really worrying for me to read i now that some parents have to work but for that poor child not see his parents for days thats not good and i would look into if that is a form of neglet on the parents part, as if it gets found out i wouldn't like it for you to get into trouble for this (ofsted) may even help with this.
But you should be gtting payed more for doing all them ours you should have a all day fee or hourly rate and and over night fee, How much? Looking into how much the local childminders charge in your area
Hope you find out all the info you need

Mary - posted on 02/08/2011

I would definitely charge them by the hour!!! It is your time and you are entitled to get what you would if you worked a minimum wage job. Also I would tell them that they need to provide all the necessary items to take care of this child. The wipes and at least snack food? You could add this on to the price of what you are charging them also. I watched my Grandchildren there were four boys and two of my daughters worked different shifts. One during the day and the other at night. So I understand about the long days and nights. You are definitely being taken advantage of and they you need to set down your rules. It is hard but for your own sanity please doooo.

Julz - posted on 02/08/2011

Have a set price for an 8 hour day and charge by the hour after that. Make sure you include all the things the child needs that they don't provide in that price.

Don't charge by the week, charge by the day.
i would also set a limit as to how long you can have the child for. If they are to be late - I would charge them by the hour at a higher 'working overtime' rate.

Let us know how you go!!

Jeni - posted on 02/07/2011

I work for a professional babysitting agency and we charge $15.00 an hour. Maybe you need to put it on an hourly rate so you get paid properly and talk to them about a set extra amount per week to cover food etc.

Deanna - posted on 02/07/2011

oh my gosh! that's terrible! I feel bad for the kid, it sounds like they are just trying to pawn him off on you. you need a raise in pay and at the very least a courtesy call if they aren't coming. I wonder how all this is effecting their child :( at least he has you to take care of him. but if they refuse to meet simple demands to care for their child you may want to call child services.

Colleen - posted on 02/07/2011

you could call a local childcare facility and find out what their fees are and then base your charges on that. you probably won't have to charge that much, you will have an idea of rates in your area. ps - that child is very blessed to have you watching over him, it doesn't sound like his parents really care that much or they would be making a better effort to have him with them when they are able. I would hate to know how his life would be if you weren't there, because childcare facilities don't work those kind of hours. God Bless you!!!

Aurellia - posted on 02/07/2011

I got to say you and that poor young man are being abused. They are taking advantage of you and neglecting their child. The issue of how much they are paying you is of course an important one but from what you have said here there is a much large issue at play that is likely to effect their ability to be reasoned with.

I don't know if you have seen Michelle Dief's post but her comment about calling the DCF would be something to seriously consider.

I would be very interested in finding out how this turns out, also I am majoring in Family, Consumer and Human Development and would be happy to help you find any resources if you need them.

Susan - posted on 02/07/2011

I have done daycare and it is easy to be taken advantage of quickly. For the hours you are providing you need to base your rate on a 12-14 hr day. I live in Ohio and charge $15 for a 10hr day. $25 for up to 14 hrs would probably be good. Then anything over that, charge them either by 4 hr blocks of time or by the hour. You do need a contract so everything is spelled out. They should supply diapers and wipes, but I supply food. It is hard for everyone to bring different foods. Also, if I choose to do an outing, I plan to pay for those that would be attending. You can always ask them to pay, but I wouldn't expect it.

Tiffany - posted on 02/07/2011

You should be charging at least 10-12 an hour. If it turns into a situation that is over 10 hours a day it converts over to a daily rate of $120 p/ day! God bless you girl!

Shelley - posted on 02/07/2011

Hourly! Call around or have them call around and see what the going rate is, and I'm sure they will understand.

Tricia - posted on 02/07/2011

I can hardly believe what you saying, If its true, put your letter of concerns in writting to the family including the cost of food that you have been providing. Save receits for things that you buy like the wet wipes (necessities). So your saying both parents work graveyard shift. I would find a way to remind them of the original aggreement and show them a list of extra fees you'll have to charge for food, and overtime. You are not babysitting, you are the Nanny.
I hope you have fist aid and cpr education.

Emma - posted on 02/07/2011

Living in London, UK there child would have been removed from their care. Mainly because you have to be a registered childminder and to answer your question over here the minimum in London is £6 sterling per hour so you can see why you would have to be registered (taxes etc) and have CRB (police check) done for you and all those that live with you. He is 2 and half and they leave him like that. I couldn't be without my daughters for more than a weekend, and that;s with themstaying at a family members home. You must be a well trusted and admired friend to them, but even the closest of friends would not take advantage like that. Good luck to you and the young boy. I hope their careers are worth missing the best years of their sons life.

Susan - posted on 02/07/2011

I live in SW Ohio and daycares near my house run around $150 full time per week, but that's normally 6am - 6pm M-F. I do agree however, that you're being taken advantage of. You could charge them $150 for up to 60 hours a week (the normal hours of a daycare center), then add on overtime for over 60 hours, or you could bump it up to another price for 60-75 hours, and so on. At my daughter's after school program, I have to sign her out when I pick her up, and that's how I am billed (hourly) so you could have them sign him in and out. It sounds very disruptive to your life not knowing when they will come to pick up their child. At most day care centers, you have to pick up your child by 6pm. They'll give some leeway if you're normally on time, but after a certain amount of time they'll call the police. A lot of it depends on if you're willing to have the child there all day and all night. If yes, you could work with them. If not, give them a time they have to pick up their child and stick with it. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you put it into a contract and have them sign it and give them a copy.

Sue - posted on 02/07/2011

I'm glad you updated your situation. Sounds like you are at least getting more money for the care you are providing. Good for you. I'm not sure how the money is helping you do more with your own children when you don't have much "family time" together unless you take their child too and pay for him as well. The parents should be providing extra if you are taking him out too. You are not their childcare provider but their nanny and even then you put in way more hours than a live in nanny would be expected to work.

I feel very sad for the boy in your care. If his mother really does stay home with him after the next child comes there will be a major adjustment for him to make since he does not know his parents. If he has any development delays his parents would never know as they do not spend enough time with him. I wish you luck in trying to get them to address that concern I'm sure they are way too busy to take him to a Doctor. If that is the case delaying a call to your child protective agency may not be in his best interest unless you are hoping to continue providing care for him well into the future. You know the situation best and it sounds like you are the only person looking out for him. Goodluck to you.

Jessica - posted on 02/07/2011

I would charge $7 to $10 an hr or a base fee for the day, the day being like a half hour to an hour before and after their work hours sometimes it takes people more time to get to and from work. Charge extra fees if you have to provide diapers and wipes most daycare/child care providers provide food, unless it’s an infant. If you agreed to watch him while they sleep charge a two day fee. When I worked a night shift the provider charged me less for the night hours, since my child was asleep the whole time, and then charged the day fee for the hours I slept. My day fee was $35 and night was 20. So for one work night and sleep time it cost $55 a day for 4 to 5 days a week. When I worked 24 hour shifts she would keep my child for the 24 hrs plus 6 hrs for sleep, it only happened about 1 time a month and she charged me 2 day fees and a night fee. I think you are being used and I feel horrible for you. You are entitled to be paid for the hours you work. And like one person said in some states more than 24 hrs is considered neglect unless it’s a prearranged agreement.

Denise - posted on 02/07/2011

i have a grand daughter is 2 and is potty trained and i don't give her anymore drinks after 5pm 6 pm the lastedt try that and see what happens keep me posted on how he does

Serena - posted on 02/07/2011

It sounds like you put your foot down. Good for you! An overnight because of snow is one thing (I live in Chicago--it's been a rough week!), but on a regular basis, 50 hours a week should top it. What's going to happen when #2 comes along if they can't handle it with this guy? And if they admitted they make over $200k combined a year, then they should be paying you at least $12 an hour.



Good luck--and definitely keep us posted on how this continues to pan out!

Leslie - posted on 02/07/2011

Just a quick note- 150hrs is over 6 full days. So if your math is correct and you have this child 6 days a week most weeks then I would say that you need to contact the local DSS or child services office. Otherwise charge a flat fee for the first 12 hrs ($25-35 depending on what they provide- diapers, wipes, food, etc) and an hourly fee for additional time ($7-10, again depending on what they provide). Make sure to keep good records though. Have a sign in/sign out sheet so that you can reference it at any time.

Crystal - posted on 02/06/2011

Hi Stacey,

A short week is 70 hours!? Oh My, does the little tyke call you "mommy" yet? I live in the Calgary area in Canada - a cheap day care is around $900 a month and that is for (I believe) a 6 30 am drop off to a 5 pm pick up. Lateness is charged extra. Some include one meal eg breakfast or snack. Personal items such as diapers, wipes etc are provided by the parent. Outings (like to the pool or the zoo)are paid extra. I like the suggestion from one of the other moms: $8/hr for the day $6/hr for night. Say day hours are like a daycare and night would be after that - 5 pm or 6 pm.

I assume that you are concerned for this child given the lack of apparent interest of his parents. Is there some sort of agency that you can contact informally to know what your (and his) rights are? I am unsure what programs you have in your State that you could access for advice; would Social Services be overkill?

An amendment: I hadn't read all of the comments to the end. Good for you for standing up for your self in regards to pay; shame on them for having another child that will, no offence, likely end up in your care. Children who do not have enough physical contact as small children can end up with behavioural issues accepting affection/physical attention as well as language and developmental barriers. (side note - my older brother was in an incubator for close to a year after he was born so my mom couldn't cuddle him etc, and even after he was brought home he didn't like to be held; he was diagnosed as being autistic as a child; he is 33 now and still does not like to be touched and communicates minimally, though he understands what you say to him).

Bless you for taking care of this little boy and giving him what love you can.

Trudes - posted on 02/06/2011

Stacey, well done for standing up to them and ensuring that your family is not being disadvantaged financially and that you are being remunerated for the care you provide for their son. The fact they are having another child is beyond belief, my heart weeps for those children but I thank god they have you as a constant source of love and attention in their life. Sadly, it does sound as though this dear little boy is facing some developmental/emotional issues that require further investigation. I am not sure how it works in your neck of the woods but here if a child is diagnosed with Autism or the like, there is additional funding available for care requirements and developmental programs to aid his progress in life. This is perhaps an angle you could take with his parents to get them to have him assessed - dangle the promise of the almighty dollar in front of their faces and they may just take him for assessment.

Thank you for having the heart to care for this little boy, it is thanks to the likes of you that children such as this have a chance in life. And to his parents, shame on you - no financial gain is worth leaving your child without his parents for 150 hours a week. Children are a gift not a right!

Janice - posted on 02/06/2011

Stacy, I'm glad you finally stood up for yourself concerning payment. It is soooo sad that this little boy has such terrible parents. If I understood your message- They are having another child?!? Why?!?

Anyways, I think that based on what you have said there is a major possibility that this child is on the autism spectrum. A two year old would bounce back from neglect very quickly and If he has been in your care and around your children for a few months then he should be trying to play too.(I have my BA in early childhood education so I do know a lot about such things). I definitely think you should call child protective and just talk to someone. They will be able to guide you in what the law is and if anything can or should be done concerning these "parents." I'm pretty sure when it comes to abandonment, since he is in your care he is not in "eminent danger." So they wouldn't really do much unless you (or another person) wanted to get custody of the child then you could use him being left for 4 days against them. I would call anyways. especially since this child sounds like he needs services (whether or not he is autistic he is very behind) and he won't get them if his parents don't do something.

Thank you for being such a kind-hearted person and helping this child in need. Most people would just walk away.

A - posted on 02/05/2011

In many states and countries if they leave your child for 4 days the law states they have abandoned their child. Obviously they are not caring for their child and from the sounds of it they don't even want the child and he's just in the way of their life. I would call social services and have them investigate why parents would abandon their child for several days.

Betty - posted on 02/05/2011

Oh my gosh, Stacey, I cant imagine going through what you are dealing with. You are amazing for doing this, and I totally get why you feel you should. I am so freakin mad at these horrible parents, they really arent his parents at all, are they !
I am positive the fact that he barely talks or even plays, has a lot to do with the fact that they've never given a rat's a** about him. The only thing a child needs (other than food and water) is LOVE, and that is a basic need to survive.
I realize that this is a long way away yet, but once he is in school, these "parents" wont be allowed to get away with this crap any longer. The school/teachers will be on it like crazy.
I agree with you he needs to be tested, but I think much of it is a behavioral/emotional issue.
They are taking advantage of you 100%, because they know they can. But unfortunately, it means that their precious son is taking all the weight of this terrible parenting (or lack thereof).
I really do think you need to contact family and children services (or whatever it is called in your area) to report child neglect. I know that would be really hard for you to do, but in the best interet of this boy, he needs to live permantently with a family that actually wants a child. These parents seem to not want to be parents. I can imagine it will only get worse from here as he grows old enough to understand that they dont want him.
My heart aches for this poor boy....

Stacey - posted on 02/05/2011

I really didn't think that this question would get some many responses. But here goes with the update. I made them sign an agreement that the 150 covers a 50 hour week. That's giving them 8 hours of work time and an hour of travel each way. I also wrote out that every two weeks they were to bring me an entire box of diapers and an entire box of wipes, and whatever he didn't use I would send home with him at the end of the week. On the weeks when I have him the crazy hours while they work nights and go home and sleep they get the first 50 under the 150 we agreed on after that it's 2 bucks a minute. And any time they want extra it's just a straight 60 on top of everything else.
They went ballistic because that means an extra 180 bucks this week for me alone which brings the total to 330. They weren't happy about having to pay me more but truth be told it really hasn't stopped them as far as leaving him here. We recently had some bad ice storms move through here and they dropped him off the night before so they wouldn't have to drive him in it in the morning. Fine, they paid an exra 60 for that luxury but then they called and wanted me to keep him again that next night I told them fine for an extra hundred I will, which puts you at 310 for the week (which was this past week). They called back about 2 hours after that and the dad's exact wording was "so do you want us to come get him now or what...?" I made them come get him which they were not happy about. And when they got here they made a comment about how they had to stop at their house and get his carseat first which means they had no intention of coming to get him.
This week is midnights and they drop him off at 9:45 pm and don't come back till the next day at about 4:30 pm, you do the math they have him for 5 hours and 15 minutes a day. And this is their 7 day work week I will have him about 130 hours this week. Although I'm willing to bet today that they don't show up at all cause it's snowing and they will use that as an excuse to leave him here, for an extra 60 he can stay. I've also started recording our conversations because they like to twist things around a lot. Shoot she's already asked me to watch him while she's in the hospital having this next one, why me...because she's already burned her entire family out of watching him. To answer some questions do I need this job no but the money does help loosen things up enough that I get to do more with and for my kids. I have also looked and can't find anything on our DCFS website about the neglect so I am still digging through some stuff trying to find that answer. And then there is the million dollar "why do I put up with it" question, and this is the answer. I feel sorry for the boy even though his parents deny it I truly believe he falls on the Autism spectrum he's only 2 months younger than my son but most people think there is a least a year or more difference in age. He doesn't really talk and when he does it's just 1 word or 2 most everything else is just grunts and noises that you can't understand. He doesn't try to interact with my kids and he doesn't play with toys so much as he just holds them or carries them around. I've tried talking to them about having him tested so that way he can get the help he needs but they deny there is a problem. So while he's here I spend the extra time with him because at least then I know he's getting some help. And it's worked those 1 and 2 words he can say are things I've taught him.

Linda - posted on 02/05/2011

Since times are flexible, charge hourly. They get paid hourly. It would be one thing if they had set hours. Please do talk with them, I sure they don't want to loose you. Do it soon

Julie - posted on 02/04/2011

I agree with everything you all are saying...more money, supplying food etc. And I understand that what I'm about to say isn't really what Stacey's question was asking...but here goes. What about the little boy that is being raised by someone that isn't his "parent". I feel very sad for this little guy:( You Stacey must have a "huge heart" to take this on...your with him more than either of his parents. I think it's appauling that his Mom and Dad leave him that much. I get that people have to work but why have children for someone else to raise.
Kuddo's to you for caring for him!
Plain and simple you are not getting paid even close to what you deserve...set some good boundries regarding $$ and how long you keep him.
Good luck!

Janice - posted on 02/04/2011

You are being used! Why did these people even have a child? Anyways based on what the average price for day care is in Ohio you should make 150 a week for 40 hours roughly. I can't believe these parents! You should be making at least double considering how many hours you are with the child!

Helen - posted on 02/04/2011

I baby sit and i think u should charge on a hrly rate, they r taking advantage of u

Sara - posted on 02/04/2011

If I was you id up the price seriously. They are the ones that should be providing everything for him Food, clothes, toys, diapers, wipes, not your responsibility to provide that. Draw up an agreement when you do it cause if you dont they can screw you over and from what I hear they will! When I use to babysit I charged 10 a child and if there was a 2nd then 5. when you do an agreement you should put the hours in it and if they are not there to get him by the time they are suppose to then put in the agreement that they are to pay you a certain amount. They know they can get by with what they want with you and will continue as long as you allow it. For as many hours that you are doing it id say from anywhere between 300 and up. Thats insane its like he is yours. Goodluck!

Claire - posted on 02/04/2011

I am not sure of the laws in your state but I would have a contract with them. Are you licensed with the state? you decide how you are going to run your daycare, have it ALL written out in a contract that they sign. If they do not like how you run things they can find someone else. What knid of parents leave their child for 4 days in a row! Thats crazy!

Sherri - posted on 02/03/2011

Mariam if you want people to respond you need to start your own thread you can't hijack somebody elses.

Joyce - posted on 02/03/2011

I feel sorry for that poor little boy. He won't even know who the parent is if he's spending more time with you than them. They Need an incentive to be there for there son. And it sounds like its there pocket book! Sounds sad but true. No parent who truly loves their child could keep him away for so long on a regular basis. I know I couldn't!

Mariam - posted on 02/03/2011

I never had a baby sitter before for my kids. But now i m planning to get a baby sitter to watch for my 2 kids when i go back to school. How much shud i be paying them for 2 kids hourly and wat shud i b looking for in the baby sitter. Replies will b appreciated.

Jessica - posted on 02/03/2011

When my son was going to daycare we were charged $150 a week and he was there at most 50 hours a week and that was only when my husband had to work overtime. You need to be charging at least double that and you should probably tell them that they need to start providing more for him while he with you. Its ridiculous how much they are leaving him with you. I can understand leaving him while working but I take my son on errands with me. There is no reason they can't do the same.

Casey - posted on 02/03/2011

I actually have run a business providing childcare and training others to do the same for several years, as well as being trained in child development, being an RN, and having children of my own. First a question for you: Do you have a written contract with the parents which outlines the hours that you are available, the daily or hourly fee that you feel is appropriate (depending on your area; a typical 9 hour day should begin at 75 to 100 dollars for a 5 day work week (45 hours), what you will provide, what the parent is responsible for providing, charges for late fees and overnights (these should DEFINITELY be outlines as not being at home is difficult for children of any age), etc? If not, you need one so that you cannot be unduly used as these people are doing. Since your weeks begin at about double the norm for most childcare providers, I would tentatively suggest NO LESS than 175 dollars per week for the 70 hours if you provide food, and a minimum of double that for the longer weeks. Overnights should cost more as well. I would suggest a flat fee of 45 per night between the hours of 10pm and 6am (a time when most childcare facilities re closed). It is always the parent's responsibility to provide basic care items that are unique to their child (such as diapers AND wipes, bottles, sippy cups, extra clothes, etc). If they do not provide these, and extra charge is more than acceptable, since you are now monetarily responsible for that. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact me via email for NO CHARGE advice at revgriz@live.com. Good Luck with your dilemma! Rev Griz

Diane - posted on 02/03/2011

At the very least I would ask them to pay for wipes and also for food. The sad thing is it sounds like they're really missing out on his whole life right now, it might do some good to remind them how much he misses them.

Candi - posted on 02/03/2011

Tips on paying your babysitter from Care4hire.com...http://tinyurl.com/2fqc48l

Nanci - posted on 02/03/2011

I would be calling DCFS.....thats abandonment!! 4 days in a row!! What kind of people are these 2??? I couldn't imagine leaving my child with a babysitter 4 days in a row!! RAISE your price and make them suplly EVERYTHING!!! including adoption papers

Brittany - posted on 02/03/2011

Where I live daycares charge 120 a week from 8 to 5 and after that it's approximately 15 per hour after 5. I suggest calling daycares in your area and find out what they charge. Also very few places supply wipes and such. I would keep a list of how much you have to spend for wipes, Tylenol, etc. Maybe they will open their eyes...

Katie - posted on 02/03/2011

I'm currently paying for daycare in CA. I pay about $40/day and she has my LO for 8.5hours. Every minute I'm late outside of our scheduled time it costs me $1 per minute. I provide the diapers but she provides the food. I hope that helps you...you should definitely be charging more.

Anna - posted on 02/03/2011

Do the parents let you know the hours you will have their child ahead of time or do you just not see them for a few days? If a full week is 40-50 hrs what are they doing for sometimes as many as another 100 hrs? That is alot of errands and sleep. It would be nice to have a babysitter so I can sleep during the day. I think my last full 8 hrs in a row was in 2003 LOL.

Stephanie - posted on 02/03/2011

I think that $5.00 per hour is reasonable. Since Ohio's minimum is $7.40, and I doubt you're taking taxes out - I would do that. At 150 hours a week and $5.00 per hour - that would be $750 a week! Quite the difference.

Kari - posted on 02/03/2011

I did read a few of the responses and it sounds like the mother is pregnant again?? Very sad that she doesn't spend and time with her child but is having another one. I guess we can all hope that after the baby is born, she will realize what she has been missing :(

Kari - posted on 02/03/2011

Wow, I understand that people have to work, but this is ridiculous! I would definitely up the price to at least $250 per week. The daycares in our area (Chicago) charge between $299 and $399 per week and that is just for working hours between 6am-6pm. You are being taken advantage of, and it's sad to say, but the child is probably more attached to you than his own parents. I'm not sure I would contact child protective services, only because if they are good people, just stupid in that they are busy with their own schedules, the child may end up in a worse situation. Best of luck to you.

Katlynn - posted on 02/03/2011

My daughter goes to her sitters every second Friday night from 7pm until 12pm the next day, I pay 60.00 just for that night and 10.00 an hour any time added before or after that. I also provide all of the things she needs (diapers, wipes, toys snacks, and milk). You defiantly need to start charging more your time is valuable and 150.00 a week is b.s. It would barley even cover the cost of food for him that week.

Heather - posted on 02/03/2011

I don't have an answer for you BUT what kind of parents leave their child for days on end??? This just sounds crazy to me.

Betty - posted on 02/03/2011

I have to admit, I am really concerned that this child is being neglected by his parents.
That is terrible- the poor boy isn't seeing his parents or going home for days on end ? I would definitely say that is neglect.

I can't help on the price,Stacey- (although I would agree you are not getting near enough!) , but certainly if I knew about this situation, I would contact child services. These are negligent parents, and they should not be getting away with handing off their own child to someone else for days on end ! -And taking advantage of that person,too, I might add...

All the best, Stacey !

Laura - posted on 02/03/2011

wow, stacey...i really hope this situation gets 'righted' soon! saying you are being taken advantage of is an understatement, i would say. that being said, i also live in ohio (central) and have 'babysat' or nannied for a couple different families, and am currently nannying 2-3 days a week for two children, 4 and almost 2, along with my own daughter who is 14 mos. i get paid daily, per child, and i think the situation is ideal: pay is so that the family is saving money that they would be shelling out if they had to use daycare, but i am making money and able to stay with my daughter. i make 60 for a full day, 30 per child, and i come to their home, so food is included for both me and my daughter. if it wasn't, and i came to the family, i would expect more. i have been paid 60 per day by another family, and am about to begin watching another child a day or two a week for 30 a day, so it seems pretty normal for this area. i would say, for you, 60dollars a full day should mean no more than 8 hours, then maybe charge hourly after that, say 6-7dollars and hour. i strongly encourage you to demand AT LEAST this much! people far too often take advantage of their childcare providers (i have had a couple bad situations that i had to find a way out of) and it is ridiculous! people take their prof. relationships with their massage therapists more seriously than they sometimes do their childcare provider, and they need a wake up call. the services you are providing are PRICELESS...you are looking after the safety and well-being of their CHILD, for pete's sake!!! sorry, these situations get me fired up;)
good luck to you, and i hope something i said you find of help.

Kimberly - posted on 02/03/2011

I would charge them $3 per hour on a regular daily bases and set your hours from say 6:30am to 5pm! If you don't mind the overnight care taking then I would work out a different deal for overnights! You could also do like a daycare provider I know and charge so much for minute that they arrive late after 5pm! Not sure what has been the communication between you and the parents or how they originally came to start leaving the child overnight ... but, if they just aren't showing up for the child I would consider reporting them to child services! Known as DCYF in my area! So, they can be investigated for neglect! Sounds severe, I know...but, like I said, not sure what kind of communication you have with these people as it almost sounds like they don't communicate with you and just leave the child without showing up! That is not good! Good Luck!

Debby - posted on 02/03/2011

What was the original arrangement? How many hours did you agree to? I feel sorry for the child. I understand that his parents must work different shifts (did they know how llittle time they could spend with him when they decided to have a child?) That being said, $150 a week is reasonable for an 8 hour day but it seems you are working twice that and more "150 hour weeks". At $30 per 8 hour day you should be charging them $30 for each 8 hour span per day/night. You already know they are taking advantage of you but what they are doing to their relationship with their child should be a crime.