I've just accepted an offer to join a dragonboat team which is something I've always wanted to do. (YEAH!) I'll have to hire a babysitter for it though. What's the going rate now days? Is $5/hr still a go? I may ask a highschool student (neighbour) and if she says no then I know I few young adults I can ask. I'm guessing the rates will differ between teen vs adult care. Anyone?

Congratulations on the dragonboat offer.

I haven't used babysitting too often...the last time was over a year ago, for a young teenager, and I believe I paid her $5/hr. I'd say that's not a bad deal, especially if you're out for more than a couple of hours.

I sure wouldn't mind getting paid around here. Aside from the obvious emotional payoff, of course...

The Dragonboat team sounds like so much fun!
Good for you.

As for the babysitting rate, I haven't a clue.

I so rarely have needed one I have never had to hire anyone. I am so fortunate to have relatives that can pitch in when needed. I have watched a couple of the neighbourhood kids here and there , but that is for free and I could always call on their parents if I were in a pinch.

Enjoy the Dragonboat team. Let us know how it goes.

...I have yet to find a babysitter aside from my parents but I have had friends who I've talked to about this (babysitting rates). Most still pay the $5/h. My one friend, if she's gone for only an hour or two may give a little extra like $6 or $7 an hour. If you're not sure maybe talk to your babysitter and come to a compromise? I would think the $5/h is a good place to start though.

Good luck and I hope you have a great time on the dragonboat team. It's something I've always wanted to try as well Let us know how it goes.

My experience is, they will take what you give them. I had a babysitter who asked for 7 and got 3 and was just as happy. It's not like they have to make a living off the job. They will be glad to earn a little money, period.
I have a different approach now, I actually prefer giving more, just because I like her and trust her. She's older too.
She gets a flat rate for the whole evening, be it 2 or 6 hours (it's usually 4 to 5 ). Makes the budgeting easier, and that way I don't watch the time while being out (and it doesn't feel like every second I stay away costs so much more).

I pay my babysitters like Red does. I have a flat rate for the night, so I don't have to watch the clock. Usually $20 for a few hours of time. I also agree they will take what you give them. $5/hr can start to add up if you have a long event to attend. Sometimes, I will include cost of dinner withthe fee, like if they are going to be babysitting from 4 to 10, I will pay them $20 plus pizza Good luck. Oh and what's a dragonboat?

Thanks everyone. I'll start off with a flat rate first and maybe charge $5 hourly to start. Hopefully that'll be ok.

Seraphin, Dragon boat is a boat that seats up to 20 paddlers. The front of the boat is carved as a dragon head. The dragon boat festival is in a couple of weeks here. If you're in a team, you compete a race with the other teams. It's a lot of fun. Some people take it really seriously and race all throughout the province, country and even internationally, as I've been told. Other people choose to only race locally.

http://www.concordpacific.com/ourneighbourhood/dragonboatfest.html

I'll keep you all posted on my progress ... I'm sooo excited.

quote:

Originally posted by miss jes:
[qb] .... http://www.concordpacific.com/ourneighbourhood/dragonboatfest.html

I'll keep you all posted on my progress ... I'm sooo excited. [/qb]

Jes,
yes, we definitely need updates ! Sounds/looks great. Have fun !!
Dew

Well it turns out that there's only going to be 5 more practices before dragon boating will be finished .. bummer. This woman is going to email me to let me know if they STILL need someone. Gosh!! My friend told me that they needed 10 more paddlers???

Ya I'm disappointed.. what else is knew.

quote:

Originally posted by miss jes:
[qb] Ya I'm disappointed.. what else is knew. [/qb]

What's new is that new is spelled new and not knew

sorry I couldn't resist!

nuthin but love!

heheheh How could I!! of all people missed that one?? lol Thanks for the sarcasm .. thanks for the laughs!

Turns out I got in. My first practice is on Monday. Yaay! I'll let you know how we do on the races.

Alright!
I am excited for you!

So I had my first practice tonight .. WOW! It wasn't as hard as I expected it to be but I'd have to admit, my butt is SORE! I can just imagine what my body will feel like tomorrow. So far it's been real fun. I'm looking forward for our races.

So I ended up racing in the dragonboat festival. It was a lot of fun! All-in-all, we finished somewhere in the middle. Not bad for my first experience.

My son was so cute! I was so supportive of me and so proud to see me racing - even when we lost the race..

I had soooooo much fun!