What would you have done?

[gidget1978]

Im wondering if I did the right thing here or not.

I have a baby sitter for my 1 yr old son. He doesn't go to the sitters that much b/c I am a shift worker. Depending on the month I may only have to pay her $170 or the most $250. I plan on paying her atleast $200 a month just to make it worth her while. She use to babysit DD so Im happy she is doing it and I know he is in good hands.
At the end of Dec she asked if I needed her Jan 2nd b/c she wanted to take the day off. I told her not to worry about it and I could find someone else to watch him. My FIL ended up taking DS for the day so I didn't have to pay anyone.
I pay her $25 a day for a full day and $15 for 1/2 a day 8:30-12:30) but I always pick him up at 10:30. Then there are days like Fri where I cancelled but of course I still pay her, its not her fault I kept him home with me.I think I cancelled atleast 3 x;s this month b/c he wasn't feeling well for 2 days and he had his needles on Fri morning.
Soooo....I just but a envelope of money in his diaper bag, payment for the month. I only put in $225 b/c I deducted for the day she wanted off. Im wondering now, if I should have paid her. I kind of feel bad b/c its only $25 and I should be greatful to have her.I don't want to seem pety! Yet, Im thinking, she asked for it off, why should I pay her? Should I call her and tell her I added it up wrong? Or should I just leave well enough alone?
Thanks!

 

[RunninTeach]

Lori,

My first reaction was $25 a day?! http://www.wolfdog.org/forum/images/smilies/_blowingup.gif Mind you, I don't have children and am completely unaware of what the going rate might be for babysitters, but that does sound like you are getting off cheap so-to-speak, considering what you'd spend if you were sending him to daycare.

Therefore, I would say pay her for the full time scheduled on days that you cancel or pick him up early. On the days that she requests off, I wouldn't pay her b/c that then requires you to make alternate arrangements that might not be convenient (or free) for you.

[font face="heather" font color=black size=+2]~Cathy[/font]

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[endorphin_junkie]

I agree with Cathy, if she requests the day off you are not obligated to compensate her. I too am surpised at the low rates. I provided in home daycare 10 years ago and charged $35/day and didn't have to get involved in diapers and the like. Nice that you found economical childcare in a safe environment. Dirt cheap if you break it down/hour.

Take Care
Laurie

 

[gidget1978]

Oh I know, it is cheap! Most people charge about $30-$35 around here and I was expecting her to charge around $30 but b/c she is a SHAM she doesn't want to get nailed with taxes b/c her DH claims her on his...soooo thats why she is so cheap. Gotta love it though
Lori

 

[Clarissa]

You don't pay "benefits" to your babysitter like vacation days and Paid Time-Off. You aren't an employer who offers such benefits.
She gets paid for "hours worked". Don't worry about it. You did the right thing. Clarissa

 

[melimcn]

I don't think you needed to pay her for a day that she requested off! I'm also surprised that you pay her for days that you choose not to use her and keep him home. How do I get that job??? LOL!

 

[ldy_solana]

>I don't think you needed to pay her for a day that she
>requested off! I'm also surprised that you pay her for days
>that you choose not to use her and keep him home. How do I get
>that job??? LOL!

LOL i agree. i work for city school part time. as even custodians get sick time etc. not us little ol' lunch ladies. no matter what the deal is if you don't work you don't get paid, it could snow days,holidays death bed if you are not in that kitchen you are not getting a dime.

i am not sure etiquette of the baby-sitter but my sister says she does day care and their are two options. a contract that says you pay this much every week whether there or not or no contract and pay whenever services are used. is there a contract saying this and that? i know she needs to make a living and all but if you don't use her why should you pay? and i have watched enough judge joe brown and people's court to know a written contract ironing out the details would be an asset to both of you. JMO.

kassia

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"And do what thee wilt as long as ye harm none"

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[gidget1978]

Yeah, wouldn't that be nice! hehe I tell her when I am going to need her each week but if I keep him home then thats up to myself. I can't deduct her pay when I have already booked her. Its the same as me getting ready for work in the morning and then my employer calling and telling me that he doesn't need me...without pay. And if he did that 3 or 4 times in a row then thats money I would miss out on and then I would have to go look for another job. Ive learned over the yrs! LOL When I was only 19 though and had DD I use to jip the sitter all the time without realizing what I was doing!

Thanks for your input everyone!

Lori

 

[Affirm]

This is a difficult decision. Is she a licensed day care provider that you have a contract with or someone who is experienced babysitter and you trust to care for you child. Many daycare providers include contractual leave days in which they would get paid. This is something that you should talk about. I know when I needed drop in day care in the recent years, I paid $35 a day. Also, many providers have 2 weeks paid vacation included. I think you are very fortunate to have someone who will allow you to pay part time fees and part time care. This is how things are "normally" done for licensed providers. If it is just a babysitter, I am not sure if they will follow under the same guidelines as a licensed provider.

 

[goldenpath]

If you book the day and cancel, you should pay her. If she requests a day off, I don't think you should pay her. What would happen next time if you had to pay someone else, then you would be inconvenienced and have to pay twice. Once you starting paying her for days she requested off, it will be difficult to stop. I think you did the right thing.

Debbie