How long would you pay for a sitter?

[eratmama]

Next Thursday, Carrot is off school for parent/teacher conferences. I am meeting with her teacher at 9:45, and Zucchini's teacher (to wrap up a few things) at 10. I should be done by 10:30 at the latest.

I feel strange asking a sitter to come for less than an hour. So, I am going to ask her to come for at least two . We are going on vacation the next day, so I figure I will have some errands.

I fantasize about shopping and , gasp, trying on clothes. Or drinking a latte sitting down.

How long would you pay for a completely indulgent sitter and what would you do with your fantasy time? (No spouse)

[ct]

It depends on the budget, of course, but I see nothing wrong with enjoying a few (or 5!) hours of child-free time.

[twomoms2twins]

we were gonna call a sitter because we had a 20 min period where we needed someone I would have paid her for a full hour and We would have done errands or something. it all depends on budget and if you are willing to pay.

[2brides]

I agree with CT. There is nothing wrong with child free time. Enjoy it! Get that latte, do errands in peace, go to a movie, eat lunch with a book! Sounds awesome!

[kershnic]

If you can afford it, definitely take a couple hours and do your errands and relax.

[bluedaisyus]

Yup, nothing wrong with paying for a few extra hours if you can afford it! I would go out for a nice lunch (and maybe a margarita) at this Mexican restaurant near our house. My wife isn't a big fan so I don't get to go there often. I'd probably also do a little shopping.

[seattlekari]

Heck yeah if it's in the budget, take some time for yourself!!!

[thiswillbe]

We usually do a 3-hour minimum, but that's mostly because S insists on giving sitters $10 in "gas money" in addition to their regular hourly rate, so if we don't do at least 3 hours it's not really worth it in my mind.

Given that school stuff can run late, I'd probably get your sitter for 3 or 4 hours. Then you can enjoy your latte AND try on clothes!

[2brides]

Mar 21, 2013 14:52:20 GMT -5 thiswillbe said:

We usually do a 3-hour minimum, but that's mostly because S insists on giving sitters $10 in "gas money" in addition to their regular hourly rate, so if we don't do at least 3 hours it's not really worth it in my mind.

Huh? I wish my job gave me gas money in addition to my hourly rate. Are we just cheap? We pay $12-$15/hr.

[awkwardpenguin]

Mar 21, 2013 14:52:20 GMT -5 thiswillbe said:

We usually do a 3-hour minimum, but that's mostly because S insists on giving sitters $10 in "gas money" in addition to their regular hourly rate, so if we don't do at least 3 hours it's not really worth it in my mind.

Given that school stuff can run late, I'd probably get your sitter for 3 or 4 hours. Then you can enjoy your latte AND try on clothes!

Sign me up to be your sitter!  My gas expenses will be relatively high, coming from Chicago and all.

[hensmum]

Take the time for yourself as budget allows!!! It will feel amazing!

[thiswillbe]

Mar 21, 2013 15:01:29 GMT -5 2brides said:

Mar 21, 2013 14:52:20 GMT -5 thiswillbe said:

We usually do a 3-hour minimum, but that's mostly because S insists on giving sitters $10 in "gas money" in addition to their regular hourly rate, so if we don't do at least 3 hours it's not really worth it in my mind.

Huh? I wish my job gave me gas money in addition to my hourly rate. Are we just cheap? We pay $12-$15/hr.

I know, right?! We pay $15/hr plus a flat $10 for "gas money." It's one of the reasons I really want to find a sitter who lives close. I think if I did I could talk S out of the gas money thing (and we could therefore go out more!).

awkwardpenguin-- lol!

[ct]

I actually dont think her "gas money" theory is crazy. We always tip, which is similar in my mind. Are we the only ones who do that??

[hensmum]

Oh... I don't tip....

[trisholio]

I want to work for some of your families! I do babysitting at my home during the week and also watch for a few families so the parents can have date night. I charge $10-$12/hour. I usually ask for at least a 2 hour minimum or else its not worth interrupting my day or evening.

[twotrue]

I don't tip, nor was I ever tipped in all my years of sitiing.

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