Babysitting

Since we moved to Boise I have been nannying for two families and babysitting on weekends for a few regular families. I have found each of them through SitterCity.com and they have all been great (with the exception of one family being just alright). I realized that it's a pretty good gig compared to what I thought babysitting was like, but now I think that that was because my past babysitting days were as a teenager for families from my ward at church. Here are some key differences that I have found.

Mormon Families:

1. have several children, often an infant, but only pay a solid rate/hr

2. they expect you to cook and clean

3. they like to live frugally - I'm guessing, because we're taught to and also they have several kids sucking down their income - so they want to pay you minimum wage

4. they expect a thirteen year old to take care of their four children and newborn the way they would

Other Families:

1. normally have three or less children

2. they pay you per child

3. they understand that leaving their child with someone capable and responsible costs money and they are happy to shell out the extra cash for a night out

4. they frequently come home tipsy, or drunk and this often leads to overpaying

5. they don't expect you to clean the house before they get back

I know that there may be a big difference in what teenagers get paid to babysit their mom's friend's kids these days, but from what I remember it sucked. However, I know that Caldwell, Nampa, and Meridian are like the Mormon suburbs of Boise and parents from those areas postings on SitterCity are always like "4 kids, 2 dogs, $6/hr, must be super active and friendly, cleaning a plus..." and I'm like "Hell no!" I can work in Boise with one easy child for $10/hr and more if it's last minute. Also, most families like that I have my own child and have no problem with me bringing her, so that's been great.