Redditor Struggles With Guilt Over Ending Babysitting For Single Mom Who Can't Pay Rates

OP, a full-time babysitter who also holds a part-time job, has found herself in a tough situation. She regularly cares for two toddlers every week and occasionally looks after a six-month-old baby.

When she does babysit the baby, it's usually for overnight stays, spanning 2 to 3 nights each time. From the start, OP made it clear to the baby's mom that her rate is $40 per night, meaning a typical 2-night, 3-day stint would cost $80.

However, out of the six times OP has babysat the baby, the mom has only managed to pay the agreed amount once. There are always reasons why she can’t afford it, and while OP is understanding and often accepts whatever the mom can pay, she’s beginning to feel taken advantage of.

Most times the mom needs a sitter, she’s going out and still can't pay the full rate OP initially set.

Recently, the mom asked OP to babysit again for a couple of days. OP agreed but reminded her of the rate and mentioned she needed the baby to be picked up by 2 pm on Sunday as she had work the next day. The total cost for the days requested would be $120.

The mom countered, saying the most she could pay was $60-80 and eventually decided to look for a cheaper option or go without a babysitter.

A week later, the mom asked OP if she could babysit the baby for five nights and six days for $100. OP declined, partly because she had prior commitments with her part-time job and partly because $100 for six days is far below her $40 per night rate—essentially asking her to accept half her usual fee.

This situation has led OP to consider setting firmer boundaries. She is contemplating telling the mom that she can no longer babysit the baby unless she is paid the agreed-upon rate of $40 per night and not to contact her unless she can afford it.

OP works two jobs and one of them is a full-time babysitting gig

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OP always babysits for a few nights at a time

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OP rarely gets the money she's earned from the baby's mom

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OP is starting to feel like they're being taken advantage of

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The baby's mom told OP that she can't afford their services

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A week later, the mom came to OP with a crazy offer

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OP isn't trying to downgrade the mom

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OP's rate is very low already

u/TemptingPenguin369

She's unfit to be a mother

u/Werm_Vessel

There's no reason why OP should be working for such low rates

u/savinathewhite

OP's prices are way too low

u/cespirit

The mom is either ignorant or just greedy

u/BlueLarkspur_1929

Setting clear boundaries is important in any professional relationship, including babysitting.

By standing firm on her rate, OP is not only ensuring she is compensated fairly but also preventing potential resentment and burnout from feeling taken advantage of.

It’s a way to maintain a healthy, professional relationship where expectations and compensation are clear and respected.