how much should i charge a low income friend to watch her kids?

Question

ok, so she has a 8 month old who poops and cries more than any kid i have ever seen and a 3 year old with a laundry list of behavioral problems, some of which are that she chews up my son's toys and abuses my animals at evey opprotunity. these are not easy kids to take care of. but she has a minimum wage job and recieves assistance and i don't want to ask for too much. i need the money for my own family. how much is fair? i have them about 3 days a week for 4-6 hours a day. i would say about 14 hours a week. i was thinking about $80 a week. is that too much? that is $5.71 an hour for both kids. most daycares charge arround $12 an hour for 2 siblings. (i actually did some research) see she thought the county would pay her childcare but now they have denied her eligability and we need to discuss payment. i think any less would be not worth it to me.

Answer 1

I think anywhere from 80-100 dollars is very fair. Especially with the poop you're putting up with.

Answer 2

Wow, this sounds like a tough situation. It sounds as if this mother is so overwhelmed that it's showing in behavioural issues in her kids. I'm guessing these kids are not getting enough physical affection and attention. My guess is that their behaviour issues would clear up very quickly if they had the consistency of caregiving by you. Studies show that even very young children can accomodate different expectations and parenting choices from different people. I would say you have a big job ahead of you because you will be providing more than just care, you will be helping to bring up these kids. From their ages, it sounds as if they will quickly grow to love you if you treat them with love and compassion. I think that some "time-outs" in a quiet, private room may be in order in the short term for the older one, just make sure that you hug her and tell her you love her when you pull her out. I would suggest that for that 8 month old, you stick her in a sling or Snugli right away and "wear" her as much as you can and you will find that the crying will curb once she starts to feel some security. It sounds like you're going to have to be careful not to get too angry at the 3 year old in the short term until those "time-outs" start to do their job, as the child is going to feel very insecure in an environment where she doesn't have a loved one, especially with a new person giving her time-outs. Definitely make sure you give those hugs after the time-out..

As for what to charge, as you say, this is a tough one. I would be inclined to barter away some of it for something you really need. Maybe a date night on Sat. night with your hubbie and she brings her kids to your place for that? Perhaps she could make some meals for your family to take some pressure of you?? You can figure out what might work for you. As for how much to charge, only you can decide. I would charge $5 on the assumption that I could get those kids behaving and quieted in the way that I need in fairly short order. Also, I would be satisfied with that amount, but if you would not be and would feel that this is unfair to you, then go for the full $5.71. It's all about what will work for you and what feels fair to you. She is desperate, you are not. Take that into consideration without taking advantage of her desperation, but also keeping in mind your needs. Also, has she exhausted all means of assistance? I'm guessing there must be other options for her? Don't worry about the kids behavioural issues as they will improve under your care, just be sure that any discipline is matched with an equal amount of love and everyone will win.

Cheers,

Sarah

Answer 3

I think $80 a week is fine, most people pay way more than that for 2 kids, so you're really giving her a break.

Answer 4

i do not comprehend the guidelines on the issue of safe practices guards on your section yet what's well-known is that your rights and the guidelines of your state supersede some thing he might want to call his regulations. as long as you obey the regulation he's out of line and committing a criminal offense in harassing you, your persons or your spouse and kids.If the criminality is overt and on that section he's assigned to he might want to call the police. certain regulations might want to nicely be instituted by the owner of the construction and enforced by safe practices in the journey that they are printed so as that each and every you'll see them.There aren't any condition the position a residential construction safe practices can search for everyone no longer to point a 15 twelve months previous lady. good down what he does and and save that list for the police.the man feels like a perv getting a loose sense and that i can make confident he pays for it.

Answer 5

How about Barter trade? We had a nanny in exchange for meals and free treatments by our father who was a doc. Not to mention the support and friendship she received by being considered part of the family. It all turned out in the end: priceless!

Answer 6

i life in philadelphia, and sometime if i really must to do something important i ask the other indonesian to take care my kids, and ussually i paid them 2.5/hour for 1 kids, and i have two kids(7 and 4 and they are behave very good) so i paid $ 5 /hour.
and for your case because you take care very young toddler with many problem so maybe you must charge more, at least $3/hour for each kids.
if your friend cannot afford it then ask or talk to her better take care her own kids, and ask more help to welfare.

Answer 7

Jill Daniel is right, the government will provide assistance.

Answer 8

The government will pay you for watching her kids.

Answer 9

i would say since they are a handfull $80.00-$100.00 would be best. good luck