Hello Ummmmm, Call me weird, but I like to pay people what I think they are worth irrespective of age. I have some employees, and although it's not standard or probably very wise business practice, I pay the 16 year olds the same as the 40 year olds, because the job is skilless and they all work really hard. In return they know they are onto a good thing and are very dilligent and loyal, I suppose I just carried this over into babysitting too, because I think it's a hugely responsible job and the kids deserve to be paid well for the responsibility they take on.