Should a grandmother babysit her grandchildren free?

Question

My daughter just started back to work at a new minimum wage job and can't afford daycare. I am retired so I offered to babysit for "free". So, what do you think?

So many great responses and suggestions that I never thought of too. Bless all who shared their thoughts.

Answer 1

I don't think there's anything wrong with that. In fact, my mom watches my child for free. I think it's great that you can help out like that. I bet there's alot of women out there that wish they had help like that.
You go girl.

Answer 2

I think it is wonderful of you! If you are willing to be so generous then it is the right thing to do. You get to spend quality time with your grandbabies and you are helping your daughter out big time.
I think that if you were inconviencing yourself by missing things you would have done during the day, driving them around alot or feeding them multiple meals a day then the mom should compensate you whatever she can. I would probably throw my mom gas money or food money if she were babysitting my kids for free.
Keep it up, this will benefit your grandchildren far more than being in a daycare!!

Answer 3

I'm a grandmother of 3... 11/12, 5 & 3. The oldest and youngest live with me and the middle one is here several times a week, including nights. Also, 2 of my daughters share a home with me- not because we HAVE to but because we WANT to. I would never in a million years dream of charging my children for the privelege of having my grandchildren here. I am a working grandma (professional nanny), I teach 26 kindergarteners every Sunday and see my grandkids every day- what could b better?!!!! AND, even if your daughter could afford daycare, wouldn't you rather have your grandchild with you?

Answer 4

I think you are AWSOME! I can't get my mother to watch my daughter for a couple hours without paying her and she knows we can't afford it. I pay my sister to watch her but my sister is patient and waits until I can afford the money but my mom isn't. Even though she owes me quite a bit of money from a bill she caused in my name. If she OFFERS she will do it for free but if I ask her she expects money!!!

Everyone at work says that they can't believe that a grandmother has to be PAID to watch her own grandchildren. Now because you are watching them EVERYDAY I do think you should maybe barter? Is there somethings you daughter can help you out with so you don't have to pay someone else??

But my fiance exwife's mother was the same, since they got help with day care through the state she decided to go out and get certified with the state so everytime they dropped the kids off for a couple hours she would submit it to the state and get paid. If she qualifies for this it may be an option for you if you would like to make a little extra money????

Answer 5

I think if the grandmother has no problem with it then it is fine.

However, when an adult child makes the assumption that the grandparent will babysit for free I feel it is very wrong. A grandparent shouldn't feel obligated to babysit. They should WANT to do it.

I've seen to many grandparents getting the raw end of the deal by just babysitting but it usually lead into total care of their grandchild.

Answer 6

Yes I believe you should babysit for free. You are the child's grandmother and shouldnt have offered if you didnt want to do it.

You dont say how long or how many days it is for, but you could always suggest one or two days a week or a couple of hours a week would even help out.

Besides it would be a great bonding experience with your grandchild.

Answer 7

my mom babysits for free (she also has a full time job with flexable hours) it saves my sister and i alot. She baby sits my child for free when i have to go places such as a doctor appointment a meeting etc that would be hard with a child. but i try and pay her (if i can) when she babysits so i can go on a date with my husband or for fun things. My sister doesn't pay for any time (she likes to go out alot) which bothers me so i think that you are willing to babysit so she can work is a blessing not many people are so lucky. besides you get to see the grand kid(s)

Answer 8

Hi there,

If you can do this for your daughter, it is truly a lovely and special thing. Your daughter is so lucky. Do make sure she supplies as much as possible the things you will need. Maybe even some food. When I worked my mother watched my daughter, but we paid her a little. Far less than daycare would have caused us otherwise.

Also, you will probably end up having a special bond with your daughter's kids. Maybe be fave Grandmother! :)

Answer 9

I think it's a wonderful thing for you to do if you have the time. I would only expect to pay a grandparent for babysitting their grandchildren if they were having financial trouble. You get to spend quality time with your grandchildren getting to really know them and them you. Your daughter won't have to worry if they are safe like she would with a stranger. But I would set up some kind of guideline so you don't start feeling taken advantage of. For ex. a reasonable pick up time and discipline plan.

Answer 10

My Mother in-law and Father in-law watch our child (5months old). from Aug.- June and use the summer for their vacation home. I have Tried to pay them several times and they never take it. So I do the next best thing and make sure I supply all the things my kid will need while he is with them so he will not be a financial burden to them. Example Diapers, milk, wipes, any food, and plenty of clothes. I also will do fix'in up jobs around their house or take them out to dinner as a way to thank them for helping us. So bottom line it's between you and your Kids to set the price for babysitting and the rules that you are willing to adhere to.

Answer 11

I babysit my grandson for free. I would pay to keep him. It has been such a blessing and joy in my life these past 5 years. If my exdaughter-in law and my son were high earners I would appreciate them gifting me weekly however, they are not. I count this a joy. I also have kept one of his little friends 2 days per week this summer FOR FREE just so he would have someone to play with. That mother is a hair dresser and we call it a barter. She does my hair, treats me to Star Bucks gift cards, brings in home made items and pays for any restaurant lunches I take her son to. Has worked great! But, I would have done it for free.