Should I take the money?

Question

I've been house sitting for my mom and stepdad for the past 5 days while they were on vacation. I also have three kids that I had to pack up and take over there. I made sure the cats and dogs were fed (one of the dogs gets an insulin shot twice a day). Anyway, she left me $50 to house sit. She also wanted me to clean for her. I spent all day today making the house spotless before she gets home. She'll probably try to give me more money for cleaning but I don't know if I should take it. I really need it but she did stock up on food for us. I did not have to buy groceries for five days. I feel like, she's my mom so I should just to it without expecting anything in return, right? I'm just having a dumb moral issue, should I take it if she tries to give it to me or not. Be honest.

Answer 1

I am a mom of older kids and I always give them money when they help me. Yes take the money. Mom can probably afford it and had she hired someone to come in it would have cost a lot more. In cash as well as peace of mind. I am sure she knows you need extra cash, with kids you always do. If she don't offer let it go. I am sure you earned anything she might offer you

Answer 2

Tell mom you don't mind helping out and don't expect her to pay you. Tell her you wouldn't take the money if you didn't need it and thank her for it. She is probably offering because she knows you need it.
In my family if someone offers money you take it and say thank you even if you don't want to. Refusing in my family can start quite a heated argument because the ones wanting to give don't accept no. I am guilty of this also. I wouldn't offer if I didn't want them to have it so if they refuse I just sneak it in their coat pocket, glove box, or give it to their kids if they refuse, lol. That's just how our family is. If I have to accept money I normally find a way to give it back to the person so they can't refuse. Like go buy them something they have been needing or wanting and wouldn't buy for themselves. It's turned into a funny game at times to see who could pass it on the fastest and most original way. The last time my mom took her pooch to the vet she realized how I had been doing that when she went to pay the bill and they told her there was a credit on her account. She actually called me laughing and to 'chastise' me for 'getting her'.
If you need it take it and don't feel guilty. It would have probably cost mom a lot more to have someone house sit, take care of the animal, and clean the place up.

Answer 3

If she tries to give you, tell her how you feel. tell her, I don't know if I should take it or not? tell her that you're not sure what to do and see what she thinks about it.
I have to say, I had things like that with my sisters and looking around with other family members, I have realized that paying someone and taking the money is the best way.
If it is a favor, it is much harder to ask and much harder to say no, sorry, I can't.
If it is with money, every one knows what is expected.
I had the same issue with my sisters, they came to babysit and I talk to them about it and we've agreed that I pay them less that I would have paid someone else to babysit for me , and that they will always say no, if they can't or have other things to do and it worked perfect. no one ever felt bad about it.
talk to her and come up with something that would work well for both of you. any money arrangement is good, everyone is happy, even the giver.

Happy holidays
Ronit
http://www.ronitbaras.com

Answer 4

Sounds like it's not a foregone conclusion, but if she does offer you more money for the extra work you did (in addition to the $50 and groceries she left for you), absolutely accept it graciously! You will be doing her a favor by accepting it (mothers are like that).

There's a lot of peace of mind that comes when going on vacation knowing that your house and pets are taken care of.

Answer 5

Take the money.. Give a warm thank you. Tell her you will use it for Christmas for the kids. She may just like helping you out, esp. this time of year. Moms really don't mind sharing with their kids!! Plus, she would have to pay anyone for this service, and they wouldn't be as trustworthy.

Answer 6

I think that if they offer you money you should just take. It might feel a little like a handout but you did in fact earn it you guys are family and if they are in a good enough situation that they can offer it and you need it then you shouldn't feel guilty for it. Some people think that you should never accept money from family period but I'm obviously not one of them.

Answer 7

You know when my mom offers me money for stuff like that I just take it rather than get into an argument with her.
If it's 50 bucks then she gets it back and then some on her next birthday, or christmas.

Answer 8

When my daughter house sits for me, I pay her tho she doesn't expect it. It's sooo deserved! I have alot of pets too. Dogs, birds, cats, fish, toads, turtles, rats, and a tarantula. Those animals are precious to me. Without my daughter watching over em, I'd have to hire a pet sitter (Expensive!!) and a stranger to my babies. Or just stay home...forever. Take whatever mom gives ya. It's NOT a handout.She wants you to have it!!!!!!!

Answer 9

I would say no at first,and if she offers again,then you have one of two choices.You can either take it,or ask her to take t kids shopping for clothes or something that they need.This way,your conscious is clear,but you still get the benefits of the unexpected money.Plus,it gives the kids extra time and memories with gramma.

Answer 10

Take it and put it in a gift for them. Maby a nice picture album of the kids or a gift card for the local book store. But if you don't need it, tell her that you'll pick it up later and just forget to ask for it later.......Happy Holidays!!!!!!!!