If a teenage baby sitter fits your needs, here are a few tips for lining up and maintaining one.
Pay competitively. According to the parents we talked to, the going rate for teenage baby sitters in the Twin Cities ranges from $5 to $10 an hour, based on age and experience. If your sitter is using his or her own vehicle to get to your house, pay a little extra. If you're still unsure, ask the sitter's parents what they think is a reasonable rate to pay their child.
Ask around. Get to know your neighbors. Post a sign at work or put up an ad at the local coffee shop. Recruit your child's after-school helpers or Sunday school teachers if you are a churchgoer.
Be home on time. Especially if it's a school night, you'll want to keep your sitter's parents happy by getting her home at a decent time.
Talk to their parents. Still a little worried about whether the 13-year-old neighbor girl can handle your teething tot? Ask her parents if they think she's ready. They might even offer to step in if their child needs help. You can also start out by letting the teen be a mother's helper for a few days so she can ease into baby-sitting your children under your watchful eye.
Send a text. If you're looking to contact your regular sitter at the last minute, use social media. Most teens are better at answering texts or Facebook messages than returning phone calls.
