I have a babysitter that I use once a week who is fabulous. She watches my newborn child and toddler. During the week of vacation, I asked her to come by a couple of additional days. On one of those days, my daughter did not feel well, and I decided that I would stay home with her. I cancelled with the sitter as soon as I realized that I wouldn't need her that day. My question is - should I pay her for the couple of hours that I would have used her?
If there was no notice, yes. It all depends on whether she was arranging her schedule around you, and then had no chance to change it. Maybe offer to pay half if it is an issue for you to pay all of her pay. How old is she? A high schooler would be more willing to take half pay than an older girl.
If the babysitter did not get any notice (before the day of) I say pay her. She was not able to make any plans for that day and thought she had to work and had to act accordingly.It sounds like it was a special situation all the way around, you asking for extra days, then not needing one because daughter got sick....no one was at fault, it just worked out that way and I bet since your relationship is so good and you value her so much, If you could afford to compensate somehow, that would be greatly appreciated...but if you can't afford it, I am hopefully she will understand.
Yes! She kept her schedule free for you. I watch children in my home. I always charge for sick days.
Finding and keeping a good baby sitter is hard. If you really like her, I'd offer to pay her for 2 hours extra next time she comes. I'm sure she would be very grateful.
Yes, I would certainly pay her. If you weren't able to give her enough notice to make other arrangements, I would honor that she would have been committed to your family. If nothing else, it keeps you in her good graces - if she is as wonderful as you write, I'd not chance her not wanting to sit for your family again over something trivial.
Yes, that is how they make their money. I assume that you have paid sick time from work so she shouldn't be left out.
Yes, she was probably counting on the money.
Absolutely! Babysitting for you is her source of income to pay her bills. When I babysit for people I have the parents sign an agreement that if I have less than 24 hours notice of cancellation they are still required to pay me.
I would because she did reserve that time for you and probably planned her week to accomodate your needs. She will know that her time is valued by you.
If you are in the position to still pay her then you should. She blocked out that time specifically for you and possibly turned down othe offers or maneuvered her plans to fit you in. To keep everyone happy, pay her if you can afford to especially if she's good. It will ensure that she'll always be available in the future when she may choose not to for fear that plans will change and she'll be out the money. Also be consistant. If you pay her this time when the kids are sick then also pay her in the future. You could also offer her a deal of paying her half of what she would have earned if you can't afford to pay the full cost. Any babysitter will appreciate either of the two. Most babysitters just get beat for the money and it kinda goes with the territory. Again, if she's good and you can afford to, pay her something.
If your sitter is valuable to you than you may want to consider giving her a little extra next time you pay her. This will also make her see that she is appreciated too!
