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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW SOU a finalist in national Climate Leadership Competition ... Our View: Water curtailment efforts not just for show ... Officers identified in Dunsmuir shootout ... SOU a finalist in national Climate Leadership Competition ... Our View: Water curtailment efforts not just for show ... Officers identified in Dunsmuir shootout ... PAYING THE BABYSITTER Survey finds babysitters are paid well, but expectations are high Comment By Melissa Erickson More Content Now MailTribune.com By Melissa Erickson More Content Now Posted Apr. 7, 2015 at 7:11 PM By Melissa Erickson More Content Now Posted Apr. 7, 2015 at 7:11 PM » Social News For parents, a night out to enjoy dinner and a movie sans kids may seem priceless, but it’s definitely not free. A new survey shows that on average, babysitters are making well over minimum wage, and paying the babysitter may be the costliest expense of date night. The cost of a babysitter is on the rise across America, and so are parents’ expectations, according to Care.com’s first Babysitter Survey. “Over the past few years, the average babysitter rate has steadily increased and in 2014, the national average was $13.44 per hour,” said Katie Bugbee, global parenting expert at Care.com. “Our Care.com 2015 Babysitter Survey found that moreso than ever before, it’s a babysitter’s market where sitters can not only determine their hourly rate, but they can also expect an annual raise and even a tip. Families may find the extra cost worth it, as the No. 1 thing they look for in a sitter is that their kids love them.” Qualifications and tipping etiquette The Care.com study surveyed over 1,000 members and gathered data from internal sources. The survey covers babysitters whether they’re full-time, after-school or date-night caregivers. “The main takeaway is that parents are looking for a little bit more from their caregivers and they’re willing to pay for it,” Bugbee said. “Eighty-nine percent want a babysitter who is over 20. Fifty-three percent want (the babysitter to have) safety training. Fifty-one percent will pay more for a sitter with more experience. This generation of parents expects more from their children and also from their caregivers.” The majority of parents (68 percent) rely on sitters to set the rate and pay what they charge. The base rate of $13.44 may seem high, but many parents pay even more in big cities like San Francisco ($16.55), Boston ($15.37) and New York ($15.09), the survey found. The survey also found that one in four think they’re paying their babysitter too much. On top of the base rate, 26 percent of parents tip as well. “Tipping is nice but not necessary,” Bugbee said. “For an occasional, date-night sitter, remembering their birthday or a gift card at the holidays is a nice gesture. If you’re dependant on the sitter for regular care or for full-time care, a one- to- two-week bonus is appropriate.” Bugbee adds that most parents simply round up when paying the sitter. Many don’t check references A surprising finding was that many parents don’t really know the person they’re leaving their children with. A whopping 62 percent of parents have hired a babysitter without checking references, and 64 percent have done so without running a background check. Yet, 41 percent completely trust their sitter. “We strongly recommend calling references and doing background checks before introducing a sitter into your home and family,” Bugbee said. Looking to cut costs? Try putting your kids to bed before the sitter arrives. One in five parents pay a lower rate if their kids are asleep. Younger sitters with less experience are also paid less, the survey found. Whatever you pay your sitter, make sure it’s at least minimum wage, $7.25 per hour. Three out of four Care.com parents think sitters should be paid above minimum wage. It’s required by law, and it’s the right thing to do. By Melissa Erickson More Content Now MailTribune.com By Melissa Erickson More Content Now Posted Apr. 7, 2015 at 7:11 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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