It is maybe 1-2 times a month and a full blown meal is prepared before I go out w/ hubby so she doesn't have to cook. Come home kitchen's a mess and the kids are sleeping on the couch. What do you think????
2006-10-11 03:08:22 · 40 answers · asked by cruisingalong 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
My mom watches my two kids during the week (Tues. - Fri.) because my husband and I both work, and yes--we do pay her. Mainly because she quit her job to watch them, and also becuase they're 2 1/2 years and 15 months old, so they can be a bit of a handful. :)
On the rare occasion where we go out on the weekend and she babysits, we don't pay her. If we offered, she'd turn it down anyway.
I think I'd talk with your mom about the messy kitchen and kids on the couch. Explain to her that you have rules. First and foremost, the kids to to bed IN THEIR BEDS--not on the sofa, den floor, your bed, or anywhere else. Secondly, the kitchen is a wreck, and you would appreciate it since you took the time to cook for them before you left, if she would at least rinse the dishes off so the food doesn't dry on.
2006-10-11 06:21:48 · answer #1 · answered by brevejunkie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I didn't pay my mother cash for watching my kids, I did "in kind" trading with her. If she'd watch my kids, I would do a chore for her -- mow the lawn, clean out closets, etc. As far as the rest, I don't think it's really all that big of a problem because you'd get the same thing from a teen-aged babysitter. Enjoy your night out, come home, put the kids to bed, and clean up the kitchen in the morning. Grandma and the kids had fun together.
2006-10-11 03:13:31 · answer #2 · answered by kc_warpaint 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I do. The way I look at it is she raised her kids, she certainly doesn't owe me anything. And seriously, does it matter if the kids fall asleep on the couch 1 or 2 nights a month? Isn't having some grandma time more important?
2006-10-12 07:57:00 · answer #3 · answered by But Inside I'm Screaming 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you are being ungrateful. If you want a housekeeper, hire one. It's not your mother's job to clean your kitchen. My parents live in another state, so I never had the luxury of regular, free babysitting, but they have watched my kids for a few days while my husband and were out-of-town. They did not expect to be paid, but I always brought them back a gift. I also made sure there was plenty of food in the house, the house was clean and the kids had plenty of clean clothes. My main concern was that my kids were kept safe by someone who loves them, not that my house was cleaned for me.
2006-10-12 05:40:17 · answer #4 · answered by Tiss 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
she is your mother. and she should respect your home.. there is no reason the kitchen is a mess and the kids are not up in their bed....
have you thought about taking the kids to your mothers house next time, then you dont have to come home to a mess....
my mom, when she wouldc come into my home to watch grandkid, she would clean from top to bottom, and do all the laundry and prepare meals for the upcoming week and freeze them..
my house was much cleaner when I would get home....
2006-10-11 03:13:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
In the first place, you are lucky you have a Mother! Is Mom being asked to mind your kids, after a long day at work? Be grateful for the love and help you get, she will not always be there for you. Have you tried asking her if minding them is getting too hard for her, rather depends on her age, I think.
You don,t say what ages your children are, or how well behaved, it may well be, that she simply cannot clear up behind them, for whatever reason.As she is there to look after them primarily .
2006-10-11 03:25:43 · answer #6 · answered by mimi_mctit 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would let her know that it is so much easier if the kids are in bed rather than taking a chance waking them up when they are moved. As for the kitchen I honestly would just clean it myself. I would love to have my mom close so I could go out with my husband. It's hard finding people you trust to watch the kids.
2006-10-11 03:13:47 · answer #7 · answered by rebecca 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely not! She should enjoy having them. I guess dont worry about the mess as long as the kids are well taken care of. If the kids are older you could ask them to "help Grandma" clean the kitchen. Sometimes you need those not-so-subtle hints!
2006-10-11 03:18:52 · answer #8 · answered by icestorm 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When my boys were young and needed a sitter my parents were too busy running their business to watch them. As they grew older they didn't have much of a relationship with them. They are now 23 and 18 and family events are a pain to them. I think if your mom will watch them it's good for them. They will build a relationship with them. If it wouldn't be your mom you would have to pay someone else....so I guess that leaves the mess issue. If you can overlook that I believe the bonds built during the time spent together will be worth the time you put into cleaning up. And besides, especially nowadays(?) who can you really trust besides family......
2006-10-11 03:17:57 · answer #9 · answered by Sandy B 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't pay my mum to look after my daughter.
But if she took her out and spent money on her for lunch or bought her something maybe I would offer?
If she isn't helping with the housework and the kids are sleeping on the couch then absolutely no way!
2006-10-11 03:11:35 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋