Childcare

**Emerald_Mommy** · 11-03-2005, 11:51 AM

One of my friends is wanting to go back to school and has asked me if I would watch her daughter (my daughter's best friend, incidentally). I'd love to help her out but I have no idea what to charge her. She asked me to think about it and tell her my rate but I've never kept anyone's child on a regular basis since I was a teenager and I don't have a "rate".

So, what's reasonable for watching a 3 year old, 5 days a week, 3 hours a day? I just want a fair rate not excessive profit, since this is for friends, of course. This is the most awkward thing for me to try and figure out. Thanks for your help!

**kmsinsa** · 11-03-2005, 12:53 PM

It really depends on where you live...where my mom lives full-time daycare is 50 a week..here in San Antonio it's 125/week but that is full time.

Sorry I'm of no help.

**joyofsix** · 11-03-2005, 01:00 PM

I watch a friend's daughter. We agreed on $2.50/hr. It's a bargain for her and pocket money for me.

**SMILESFRSD** · 11-08-2005, 04:52 PM

I also charge my friend $2.50 p/h, I'm in San Diego. I think that's pretty reasonable.

**Scattymum** · 11-11-2005, 03:20 AM

I think it will depend on the area you are in, how great that you can help out your friend. I used to mind a friends 3 kids but it got too much and I had to give up. One word of advice though, make sure you have *rules* in place, things like she provides the food etc, . I ended up having to provide my friends kids with breakfast and dinner out of my own pocket, it ended up I was spending more than I was getting paid!. Its hard to put *rules* in place when its friends but it will benefit you both. good luck and enjoy your new job!