Should couples pay their mothers to babysit their kids?say less than they would pay a regular babysitter?

Question

I just want your opinion...mothers don't ask much money they prob don't even ask for any...but i think that couples should pay them something too especially since they have years of experience in raising kids as oposed to some young girl babysitter who might not know as much and u must pay her at least $10/hour..whereas u can pay your mom $5 i'm sure she would take anything...old people need money too. i think its is unfair thinking and taking advantage of mothers who have to babysit kids for free...they had enough stress in their lives already.

Answer 1

My sister totally takes advantage of our parents! They have practically raised her 2 children and is so burnt out that they won't keep mine! She has never once offered any compensation! I think she should- they have lives too that have to be put on hold to take care of her kids. People should at least buy gifts or something for them if they won't take money for it.

I think people are wrong for expecting grandparents to take care of their kids.

Answer 2

There are several sides to this issue.

Most grandparents would be offended by the thought of being paid to babysit their grandkids. However, the proper and polite thing to do would be to help minimize the financial elements- if the grandparents are expected to feed the children, offering to offset that kind of cost is fair and appropriate. Doing nice things for the grandparents in return (housework, tax help, etc.) is also good.

There are limits however. Most grandparents feel a certain amount of resentment if:
- It happens at the last minute for a non-emergency situation too often
- It goes too late into the night
- It becomes an expectation that they will just automatically do it anytime

It is also important to note that the age, behaviors, and numbers of children make a difference. Grandparents can be easily overwhelmed by the energy created by several kids, older kids, or wilder kids. They may not admit it, but I have seen a lot of situations where the grandparents simply cannot keep up.

My suggestion: If this is a standing date, say every Friday night, or every work day, etc., then a fair payment is only right. I would even go so far as to suggest that the parent gently force the grandparent to take the money.

However, if it is an occasional thing and the parents are careful to respect the grandparent's situations (not too late, not too many kids, etc.), then a gift of a cake or something would probably be more appreciated.
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Answer 3

1. Tell her immediately you cannot babysit any more until you are paid IN FULL for all your back wages. Put it in writting and mail it to her overnight/certified, return receipt requested, so you have proof she received your demand for payment of wages. Give her five days to pay you. Do not babysit for her at all during that time period. Do tell me you need the money. You're not getting it right now anyway so use the time to study instead. 2. If/once you are paid IN FULL, quit. Do NOT babysit anymore for this woman, whether she pays you in full or not. Find another job, any job. It will pay more. Check at school for something or do something that's flexible for your school schedule. Flipping hamburgers is better than what you are doing now. Try to get something with benefits. 3. When you prepare your taxes for next year, you should be able to legally deduct mileage expenses any driving you did as part of your babysitting duities (but possibly not the commuting mileage). Consult a tax advisor. 3a. You might be able to deduct the cost of your commute as well if you keep records (daily) of your mileage. Consult a tax advisor. 4. If she doesn't pay you within a week of receiving your demand for payment of back wages, sue her in small claims court. You won't need a lawyer, costs to file are very low and your chance of winning is high, expecially if she doesn't show up. 5. If/once you have a judgment against her, pursue it. If she has a job, have a lawyer attach her wages. If she has property, place a lien on it.

Answer 4

You should discuss it with your mom first. Ask her what she thinks a fair rate would be and don't let her say she won't accept money because no matter what she says, she will probably wind up resenting you sooner or later and feel taken advantage of. If she absolutely refuses to accept any payment, make sure that you either give her a gift or take her out to a nice dinner say once a month or so to thank her for all she does for you and your children. You might want to make sure that you acknowledge her in some other ways on a weekly basis so that she knows you appreciate what she does for you, or even just tell her how much you love and appreciate her help.

Answer 5

My GRANDPARENTS, (the kids great grandparents) watched my first son for me for the first four years of his life. I was a single mom, but even if i was married then, they NEVER would have accepted money. In fact, when i insisted that my son go to day care for at least two days a week, they wanted to pay for that. They were in their mid 70's at the time, and they did great!!! It kept them young, busy, and made them sooo happy. Even now they will babysit BOTH my boys sometimes when i have an appointment, and they are 80!!!
Yes you should offer to pay, but i doubt many familes would take that money. Or if they did, i bet they put it back for the kids.
Families that babysit are the best. You can't get better daycare than that!! Well, my son was spoiled to death, but there can be worse things than that!!

Answer 6

I think the parents should at least offer to pay their mother to watch the kids. Most likely the mother would turn them down, they would just enjoy being able to be with their grandchildren. I know when my mom comes over to watch my daughter, especially if I asked her several times in a row, I'll make her dinner or take her out to dinner somewhere. She wouldn't let me pay her, but dinner is always nice. But it's really up to each family how to work out something like that.

Answer 7

I think it would insult some mothers. I guess it depends on the situation. If you use her as a full time babysitter while you work, then absolutely. But is she comes over on occasion while you get a night out then no. That is what a grandparent does, and usually they look forward to spending time with their grand kids, letting them stay up late, eat chocolate for supper, etc.

Answer 8

I have often tried to pay my mother to watch my daughter she always takes the money and buys something for my daughter. I do think that you should pay them something how much is completely dependent upon you and the grandparent.

But there is a line between babysitting and raising.

Answer 9

Ya know, I think this varies by each individual. Many couples rely on their parents to babysit their kids in order to save money. Many grandparents volunteer their time in an effort to have more quality time with their grandkids. However, if you are uncomfortable and feel as though you are taking advantage, provide food for the kid, something to entertain the kid...perhaps treat your mother on occasion like gift certificates for different things such as spa visits, restaurants and such.

Answer 10

It depends on the situation. Most grandparents will babysit for free, because they enjoy spending time with their grandkids. If they live just round the corner and are constantly being asked to babysit and they find this intrusive, they may feel inclined to ask to be paid. My kids are 18 and 20 now and I never paid my mum or mum-in-law to babysit as they lived far away and didn't see us very often.