When parents search for a babysitter, the first question they typically ask is about the sitter’s rate. Unfortunately, many new babysitters struggle to provide a clear answer. They might respond with, “You can decide,” or, “Whatever you think is fair.” While this can be convenient for parents, a recent insightful Facebook post from a mom highlights how this approach can deprive young sitters of an important lesson in valuing their work.
Sarah, a mom from North Carolina, recently shared her thoughts on finding a summer babysitter and discussed a common frustration: the conversation around pay. “My husband and I were chatting about babysitting rates, and I mentioned I prefer to ask sitters what they charge first,” she explained. “Usually, the response I get is, ‘Whatever you want to pay me is fine.’ That’s not acceptable!”
Sarah made a compelling case for why babysitters should confidently declare their rates and why parents should encourage them to do so. “Parents, it’s vital to teach young people, especially girls, to confidently state their price. A simple, ‘I would love to babysit your kids, and I charge X per hour’ can go a long way. Practice this with them,” she advised.
She further emphasized, “It may sound unusual, but girls are often not encouraged to advocate for their worth. Babysitting is frequently a teenage girl’s first job, and we should equip them for success in future job situations where they need to negotiate their value.”
Can I get an “amen” to that? Negotiating pay is a challenge even for adults. At 30, I still find it difficult to assertively communicate my desired salary. As a teenager, I know I wouldn’t have had the nerve to state my price, but Sarah is right: this mindset needs to change.
According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, women on average earn about 79 cents for every dollar earned by men. This disparity exists across various industries and impacts women at every career stage. The gap is even wider for women of color. While learning to negotiate and advocate for one’s worth won’t entirely resolve this issue, it’s a crucial step for many girls and women.
Babysitting can be a fantastic way for teens to earn some extra cash, but it also serves as their first job experience and an opportunity to manage their finances. As Sarah suggests, we must empower young sitters not only to earn what they deserve while caring for children but also to confidently ask for their worth in the broader world when the stakes are higher.
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In summary, encouraging young babysitters to confidently name their price helps them learn their worth, prepares them for future job negotiations, and fosters a mindset of self-advocacy that can benefit them throughout their lives.