Mom asked babysitter for a 50% discount since one kid slept the whole time but got schooled instead
She revealed that each time she watched the kids, the mother had 'nickel and dimed' her down to the last minute.
Some people find ways to underpay the people they appoint and come up with bizarre reasons to justify it. Sharing a similar ordeal on October 23, a babysitter posted a story on Reddit about a family who refused to pay for two children she babysat, all because one of them fell asleep.
Reddit user u/anonem123 shared that the family she was babysitting had tasked her to care for two kids. She revealed that each time she watched the kids, the mother had "nickel and dimed" her down to the minute. The babysitter shared that she was asked to watch the kids again recently, from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. She also mentioned that she charges $20 per hour and that the mom knew about this.
During the babysitting hours, one of the kids, who is usually up during that time, fell asleep, making the babysitter look after only the other child. "So I pretty much was just with the one child playing and then putting him to bed," she said. However, when the mother came back, she asked the babysitter if they still had to pay the "two-child" rate. "Well, now she's asking me if this is still considered my 'two-child rate,'" the author wrote. "Mind you, my one-child rate is $18 ($2 less)," she shared.
The Reddit story reminds us of nanny Sophia, who stood her ground after a potential client offered her $4000 less than her usual pay. The client proposed a sum below the U.S. minimum wage for a full-time job, despite Sophia clearly stating that, "My hourly rate begins at $30/hr. My rates reflect the effort and skills I have developed throughout my career." Yet, the client belittled her, saying that being a nanny "was not a career." Sophia snapped back at the client and said that nannying is indeed a full-time career requiring experience, professionalism, and a legal employment term. Her refusal to accept the client's offer was lauded by the online users.
A 2017 survey by Care.com revealed that a vast majority of parents recognize the value of babysitters and believe they deserve fair compensation. According to the survey, 83% of parents said babysitters should be paid above the U.S. federal minimum wage, while 66% of parents stated they would be willing to pay higher rates for sitters who have safety training. The study concluded that parents not only appreciate the essential role babysitters play but also associate higher skills and responsibility.
Soon after the post went viral, many Reddit users criticized the mom. u/Individual-Fox5795 wrote, "Ask, 'if I am paid for one child, would that mean if there is a fire I would only grab one child to save on the way out or both?'" u/Due-Yogurtcloset-699, "Charge her for 2 kids and don’t sit for her again." u/ArtisticGoverment67 commented, "As everyone has stated. You were in charge of 2 kids. Charge for both."
More on Scoop Upworthy
Mom talks about being shocked by the hourly prices of local babysitters, sparking debate
People support burnt out single mom whose babysitter made her feel like a 'failure'
Share on Facebook
