How much do you pay your babysitter?

We are mid-30s.. we have our moms.. Both are so much drama (although good with kids) that I’d rather hire a babysitter.. not a professional nanny.. just a sitter. I’m talking an 18-22 year old or maybe a mom with one child.

I’m wondering how much you pay per hour? I actually want someone 4 hours a day M-F anytime between 8:30-2 so I can get a little work done from my home office.. for a toddler and 5 year old (who won’t yet be in school)..

No cleaning or anything.. just look after babies.. baby does her nap during that time as well. I’d pay cash under the table..

I saw other forums and some answers were $16-20/hr?! But then I stopped myself and tried to remind myself.. this isn’t 2005 anymore, of course..

The problem is.. wages haven’t gone up that much at most jobs but babysitting has doubled in price in the last 10 years .. so I’m not sure what’s fair and what people are really paying..

I do know for sure most people can not afford to pay $15+/hr so I want to ask.. are you getting a better deal or do you just not go out?

Most jobs in this city pay about this much.. so how could one even afford a babysitter?

I agree we shouldn’t look for dirt cheap but trying to determine what the real rate is and what’s fair.