I've been a SAHM for the past year and a half but recently I've gotten my degree and I want to start contributing to our family financially. My only problem is that I cannot find childcare. It's understandable because I live in a relatively populated area mostly comprised of young families. I'm also living in a different state as most of my family and friends so I have no one to even watch my son while I go to an interview. Well, my friend lives about 3 hours away and recently she quit her job. While talking earlier today her and I came up with the idea of her coming up here and becoming my "interview babysitter" and live in nanny for a couple months while she figures out where she's going to move and what she's going to do for a job and while I try to arrange a more permanent childcare situation. I know some people are going to think this is a bad idea but it's my only option at this point besides hiring a complete stranger. I plan on typing up a contract and being very professional about the whole situation. just want to know how much I should pay her. Should it be hourly/weekly/monthly? She initially said $300 a week because that's how much she made at her administrative assistant job she just quit but that seems too steep to me. Especially considering she wouldn't be paying rent, electricity, etc., just chipping in for food. I really want this to work but I don't want to lowball her just because she's my friend and I really don't want her to rip me off. Does anyone have any suggested rates I could offer her? She doesn't have any education in early childhood development and she's never worked in a daycare so it's not like I'd be hiring a childcare professional.