How much to pay?

[Mommy Of A Little Angel]

I am hoping to have my brother here to watch DD when the baby is born. I will obviously pay to fly him here, but I also want to pay him for watching her. I am not sure how many days I will need him, but what would you say is a fair amount per day? He would be taking care of a 3 year old pretty much all day. He is fabulous with her and DD loves him to pieces so I am sure she will absolutely love having him here. DH would go home and he could bring her to the hospital, but since I will have a repeat c-section, I need DH in the hospital especially at night. I am sure if I ask my brother, he will say nothing, but that is not very fair.

Oh, he is 21 and will be fresh out of college so I am sure he could use some extra cash, kwim?

Thanks!

[elephantmeg]

When I was in college I took care of my aunt's 3 kids (the youngest was in kindergarten, the oldest in middle school) and she paid $50/day. I was thrilled. I'm 7 years out of college FWIW.

[hillview]

Wow that is hard to say. There is SUCH a range. If it were my babysitter (not brother), she would normally charge $15/hour but for something like this, I'd negotiate a rate for the whole gig. I would think 75-100/day maybe. But we live in New England and this is a babysitter (not brother). In your situation not sure where you are and what the $ situation is. Also just an idea but could you get him a major gift instead?
/hillary

[carolinamama]

When I was in college, I babysat for a family of two kids for long weekends. I was paid $100 for each day and left spending cash to take the kids places and out to eat, pay for gas etc. This was 10-12 years ago (ack, I'm getting old). I was not family though.

[SnuggleBuggles]

I wouldn't pay him like I paid him a babysitter (no hourly/ daily amount). But, I would probably buy him something big ticket that he really wanted or needed for his new non-college life. And I would be sure and supply him with food and $ to eat out with when he was babysitting.

Beth

[Wife_and_mommy]

I would say an amount that's slightly significant yet affordable for you, be it $100 or $500.

Honestly, I'm sure he is thrilled to help you/spend time with his niece so will love any amount you give him. I would do what you can and not stress.

Congratulations!