Child Care Co-Op?

[hazy]

I'm outraged by the price of babysitters in Northern, VA (not just here in BL). Sadly, my friends with kids have moved out of state and we can no longer watch each others children. Is there anyone out there interested in starting a small playgroup to get to know each other and then eventually start watching each others kids so nobody is paying incredible fees for sitters?

Is there anyone out there that pays less then $10-$12 for a sitter?

[wahoogeek]

Is that $10 - $12 per hour? If so, yes.

[saleonar]

Are we talking for a sitter for a Saturday night or for regular, everyday childcare?

[hazy]

wahoogeek - You pay a sitter less then $10-$12 per hour? Lucky you! I can't seem to find anyone willing to take less. How old is your sitter?

saleonar - I'm just talking an occasional sitter, maybe 3 or 4 times a month at the most.

[wahoogeek]

Knock on wood, but our kids are pretty well behaved so low maintenance for a sitter. This also means we can hire a younger sitter, say 13.

[clwjl5]

Are you referring to teens that you are getting to babysit while you go out. WOW!!!! I am glad I have my mom local. I babysat growing up and I don't recall ever being paid more the $5.00/hour..........

clwjl5

[hazy]

I haven't yet met any teens to watch my kids. I prefer older teens or older. I don't mind someone younger if I'm home and just outside doing yard work or even just to run to the grocery store. But, if I want to go out with hubby into the late hours of the night, I prefer someone older. Seems funny coming from someone who started babysitting an infant at age 9...what were those people thinking??? My kids don't behave badly, I just feel better with someone older. Not sure why. Anyway, if anyone has any reliable sitters that don't charge outragous fees, please pass along their names! I'd really appreciate it. I'm dying to get out now and then!

[gammonbabe]

I believe my daughter charges 4 dollars per hour per child, unless it is a special holiday (such as new years eve). I have never heard of anyone charging 10-12, that is ridiculous. Or maybe my daughter just doesn't charge enough.

So if you need a sitter, let me know. She is 17, took all the child development classes offered in school, and is CPR and First Aid certified.

Marianne

[hazy]

Marianne,

$4 per child would add up to $12 for me! But, my oldest is 10 and doesn't require much more then "finish your milk" and "don't forget to brush your teeth". If she's interested in doing it for $8 then drop me an email! I'd love to meet her, talk to her and see what she thinks! That's awesome that she's taken all the classes and is certified. Definitely a plus! Good for her! :)

[saleonar]

Would your daughter possibly be interested/available this Saturday
night? If she is, we would love to meet her and have her meet our 6 yo twin boys. My email is saleonar@yahoo.com. If she is interested, have her email me.

Thanks - Sandy