Should I ask for payment for babysitting my sister-in-law's kids 2 days per week (every week)?

Question

She has 2 kids (age 4&5) that are quite a handful. I'm a stay at home mom with an infant daughter. Money is really tight with us, and it would really help us make bills if I were bringing in money without having to put our daughter in daycare (that would cost equal to what I could earn), also watching them takes away time I could be doing housework-yardwork-playdates, and online surveys and focus groups that bring in anywhere between $1 and $35 every day) etc that I acomplish during my daughters naps.
She's a single mom and daycare in our area would cost her $410 per week (about $82 per day) for her kids (which is about what she earns).
I feel obligated to help her out, and know my husband expects me to, but am not sure if it's fair to ask to be paid for helping her out, and if so how much is fair to ask??

Answer 1

Its an insult that she didnt at least offer, 2 kids is a handful, and it takes your time away with your baby too.

I have a friend with a 2 month old, and she recent asked if she started working soon would i watch her (i stay at home with my one year old) She offered to pay me 85 dollars a week. (i too could really use the money at the moment) she said thats what she would pay the daycare, and she would rather pay someone she trusts. I told her that if i did, the rule would be.. if she really didnt have the money, then dont pay me.

For family or friend to expect you to do soooo much for them and not even offer any type of compensation is just rude...shes getting to go off and earn money while dumping her responsibilites on you...for nothing!

I would talk to your husband about it, and then have him talk to her... when dealing with in-laws on such a touchy subject its probably best coming from her brother.

Or.. you could tell her that you need to start looking for work because things are tight.. and maybe she will offer. But most likely she will just think "oh crap now what will I do"

Good luck, try praying about the situation too.

Answer 2

I am sure she is extremely grateful for your help and probably already feels guilty about the fact that she doesn't pay you. The best thing would be to sit down with her and tell her how much you love her and her kids. Tell her that you are happy to help out and you want to make sure that child care isn't a burden for her but you are beginning to feel a financial strain. Talk about what she would be paying if the kids were in daycare and make sure she knows you aren't asking for anything like that, just a small amount to help pay for the food and activities her children are involved in during the week. For 2 days a week I would say that 50-75 a week is reasonable, that is up to you taking into consideration the other bills she has to take care of. Make sure that this is done in a relaxed environment and that she doesn't feel like she is under attack. It is completely fair and you shouldn't feel bad talking to her about it, in this situation you are not the aunt watching the kids for fun you are their childcare provider and that needs to be clear to everyone involved. I hope it works out for you.

Answer 3

Its a rather awkward Question as she is in the same Position as you perhaps worse off Financially,as she is a Single Mum.It is very hard trying to keep an Eye on a load of unruly Children,and by right you should be Paid if it is going on every Day for a number of Years. I think she should pay you something for youre efforts say possibly 30- 40 Dollars at least.It could cause a Hell of a Row as she is Related to you by Marriage. You will have to decide whether it is worth pursuing this without causing Enmity Between you all.

Answer 4

Since you are taking care of them on a regular basis, you should be getting something from it. I know that when my niece takes care of my daughter I pay her. Even if she only does it when I have nobody else. In order to determine how much, you should talk it over with her considering the amount that she is making and come to some sort of agreement. If your husband gets upset than just remember that you are the one taking care of the kids and making the sacrifices not him. You are adjusting your day to accomodate the extra kids and you should be getting paid for that. She would have to pay if they were in daycare even if it were only 2 days a week.

Answer 5

In colorado the average for an infant (less than 2) is $145 per week for a full week. I have two children (6 and 7) and I may my sister $100 per week to watch both, granted they are both in school.

Answer 6

I think it would be perfectly fine if you are paid some for watching your sister-in-laws kids, it will cost you some money too, like for lunches and a snack here and there. It will be awkward to ask though but she should offer, and you can accept for instance $20.-- a day, that will still save her quite a lot.

Answer 7

You might ask for little to help with the food they eat. I would say about $20-$30 a week or if you have kids exchange the favor.

Answer 8

You are watching HER kids so she can go out and make money...YOU can't go out and make money becasue you are watching the kids! I doubt she would be willing to go unpaid for watching your kids while YOU went out and made money? Working for money is a preiveledge that she is only able to do because you allow her too by watching her kids. She owes you for that opportunity!!! Not all of what she makes but up to half...almost half perhaps... (I don;t know what she makes...) Good luck!

Answer 9

You should not feel bad to ask for something. I would think $5 and hour for each child would be okay. She's taking time from you, what you like to do, you child, and money making opportunities. I think it's only fair you get something in return.

Answer 10

single mom with 2 kids $410 a wk if shes not gettin child support(if she is dependin on how much) she prolly has very lil to offer you financially maybe she can watch your daughter for a date night with your babydaddy or a few hrs on her day off for some time to yourself