When parents are on the hunt for a babysitter, the first question often thrown into the mix is, “What’s your rate?” Yet, many young sitters stumble over this question, responding with vague answers like, “You can decide” or “Anything works for me.” While it might seem convenient for parents, one mom recently shed light on this issue in a compelling Facebook post, highlighting a crucial lesson that young sitters are missing about valuing their work.
Meet Sarah Thompson
Meet North Carolina mom, Sarah Thompson. As she searched for a sitter for the summer, she discussed a common frustration with her husband about the awkward salary negotiations. “We were chatting about babysitting rates, and I told him that I prefer to ask the sitters what their hourly fee is first,” she shared. “Typically, they respond with, ‘Whatever you think is fair.’ NOPE. That’s not how it should be!”
Sarah made a strong case for why every babysitter should confidently declare their price and why parents should encourage them to do so. “Parents, empower your kids—especially your daughters—to state their worth clearly,” she advised. “Something simple like: ‘I’d love to babysit your kids, and my rate is X per hour.’ Just practice it with her.”
She continued, “It may seem trivial, but girls often aren’t encouraged to advocate for themselves. Babysitting is frequently their first job, and we need to equip them with the skills to succeed in future roles and not shy away from asking for what they deserve.” Can I get a high-five?
The Importance of Negotiation
Even as an adult, negotiating pay can feel daunting. I’m in my thirties and still struggle to assert myself about my worth. I know for a fact that as a teenager, I wouldn’t have had the guts to state my rate, but Sarah hits the nail on the head: we need to change this narrative.
According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, women typically earn about 79 cents for every dollar a man makes—this gap spans various professions and impacts women at all career levels. The disparity is even wider for women of color. While learning to negotiate pay won’t single-handedly fix this issue, it’s a valuable first step for many girls and women.
Babysitting as a Learning Experience
Babysitting not only provides teens with a chance to earn some extra cash but also serves as an introduction to managing their finances. As Sarah emphasizes, we owe it to these young sitters to prepare them for success, ensuring they earn what they’re worth while caring for children and learn to advocate for themselves in the broader world, where the stakes are much higher.
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Conclusion
In summary, it’s essential for babysitters to confidently state their rates to build a foundation for future negotiations. This practice not only empowers young women but also contributes to closing the wage gap in the long run. For helpful resources on this topic, visit Wikipedia for information about artificial insemination or check out Make A Mom for fertility tips.