Irritated.

Just tell her you'll find someone else to look after your child then.

we don't have anyone else unfortunately

Yeah I feel like that’s a little shitty to do 😅 I’ve always watched the younger kids in my family and they paid me in groceries and gas but that’s pretty much it. I get that she’s ambitious and wants to make more money, but surely she knows and understands your situation?? If not maybe have a conversation with her or the FIL. You don’t have to do it.. actually it’s probably better if your husband does it

sounds like she’s an adult. OP said her husband’s niece went to school for business… i don’t personally charge for babysitting but, I’d be asking for more than $50 too if I needed the money.

How many hours is she watching them in a day?

oh I was thinking she was a teen my bad idk how I glossed over that 😅

Raising the rate might feel sudden? I mean especially in this economy? Absolutely 😂BUT it’s important to remember that regardless of anyone’s financial situation, she also has her own responsibilities, expenses, and a life to manage.

Honestly, it sounds like she was already offering you a generous rate. Given how much childcare typically costs, her request seems reasonable and reflects both her experience & the value of her time.

If she’s been caring for your child for over five hours a day at just $50, I’d argue she’s been significantly underpaid. That kind of care at that price is rare. If she’s your only option, it might be time to either adjust your budget to meet her new rate or have a transparent conversation—without making her feel guilty, especially when she’s clearly not being unfair.

She knows her worth, and any family would be fortunate to have someone like her.

@Victoria~ anywhere between 6-8 hours depending if my husband finishes work early.

Background: 21, living with her parents, and 4 other sisters so she's not doing it alone. My BIL has told me they hang out in the garage together. The other girls have told me they've taken them on walks and the younger girls stay home for summer.
I asked for 3 days in June, this will be the second time she's upped the price and I know if we keep giving in she'll keep doing it.

$50 is super low for 6-8 hours of babysitting imo. At best she’s only making a little over $8 an hour.

So she’s getting $50 for 8 hours. That’s 6.25 an hour 😳 You should find a daycare where the state will pay for it. The minimum you should give anyone to watch your kids per hour is $15 an hour.

Iiwii atp.