My husband and I like to get away for two or three nights by ourselves, once or twice a year. We're not one of the lucky ones that has family that will stay with our 3 teenagers. I was curious to know what others pay for their overnight help, and any great ways to find willing participants. I generally use a college student that the whole family knows, and I generally pay about $100 per night plus expenses (ie pizza, movie rentals) Thanks!

$100 per night is less than $5 per hour. Sounds like that is quite low, as baby sitters in my area are getting $9 - $12 per hour, just for 5 hours or so (eg. dinner and a movie on a Saturday night). $100 may be reasonable in your area.

We usually hire a male babysitter usually a college kid from the local university. At the end of our vacation I let him have a round in the sack with my wife and that covers his cost.

We pay $50 per day, per child...plus expenses.

Three teenagers? $250/day plus expenses, with a $100 cherry if none of your children get pregnant or isseminate one of their peers during the duration.

Cheap Skate is full of it. Teenagers aare very self sufficient and only need someone there to make sure the house isn't destroyed or a party ensues. I think $ 100 a day is the going rate around here, too. It would be more for babies or young children who need to be fed, dressed, read to etc.

Hell, for $ 250 a night to sit there and watch television, I'll do it.

Sounds like some of you who claim there are no good paying jobs out there ought to take up babysitting. PS I think some of you are overpaying. Double minimum wage to sit on my couch and eat my food and talk on my phone? YIKES but sadly it is hard to find care at that price.

10 Years ago when I babysat for the weekend, I would get $200 plus pizza money and a stocked kitchen.

Boy am I glad I have grandma's to watch my kids. For $ 250/day it's cheaper to take them with us and put them in the kiddie camp!