Yes, you have to pay someone why not them? I never had Grandparents to watch me or my kids. Now that I am a Grandparent I don’t understand why it’s my responsibility to be your childcare provider. I too have a life. I didn’t work all my life so I could stay home tied to children. HOWEVER if I am available and dont mind, sure I’ll do it. But at this age I no longer want to be an employee
2 Likes
I grew up in a culture where grand parents not only watched their grand children for free days at a time while parents worked hard and gave cooked meals also and money to help the family ! Bought many things for their grand children etc I don’t understand grand parents accepting money from their kids unless they are hurting financially! I would never ask my kids to pay me this is family we aren’t supposed to charge it’s supposed to be care provided with love!
1 Like
I get what some of you guys are saying about it being cheaper than DC, but that’s family. We don’t do that in my family and frankly I’m happy I’m not part of any of your family. It does take a village. I can see maybe paying when you go out( dinner, date, drinks) but she’s working. Idk. To me I think it’s ridiculous to charge family.
2 Likes
I’m laughing at all of the comments, thinking this little ‘miss thing’ got more than she bargained for. She should be a poster child for the ‘Entitlement Movement’. It’s fortunate indeed if you have family that will look after the kids for free, but you should certainly not expect it. Suck it up princess and put on your big girl panties. #adultingishard
1 Like
Couple of things. 1. Regardless of her being family, you are asking for a commitment from her. She is taking time out of her day to watch your child. She could be doing other things with her time. 2. You could be paying alot more at other places. Shes actually asking for alot less than most child care places. Some babysitters charge by the hour. You do the math. 3. Regardless of how well behaved you think your child is, that doesnt mean they are that way with everyone. Watching a child is work. Keeping them occupied, feeding them, taking them to the bathroom upteen times and cleaning them up afterwards. Just cleaning up after them can be serious work. 4. You’re acting entitled and taking her for granted. Stop it. One day, she wont be here. Then what? Appreciate her while she is still here.
3 Likes
Absolutely! I love having my nieces and nephew but sometimes I think parents become used to it and not grateful.
1 Like
Would you work for free 3 days a week. Being that it a good company and nice to work for???
2 Likes
Some can afford to do it for free and some can’t. Be grateful she’s willing to do it at a steal.
1 Like
I watch my grandsons on my days off. I would NEVER think of charging or taking any money at all!!! Their my grandsons and I adore them 
1 Like
Yes you should pay her, you have hired her for a commitment to keep your kids so you can work. It’s daycare no matter who does it and is worth 
. You sound very ungrateful!
1 Like
I offered to pay and still got told no. So you should be grateful or find someone else. Don’t feel entitled.
1 Like
That’s really only about $20.50 a day. She’s not asking much, and it’s way cheaper than a daycare. I would pay it.
1 Like
My mum has had mine 3 times a week for the past year and any extra if asked. Provides snacks and dinner, picks them up from school and brings them home in the evening. She does it to help me and to ensure I don’t have to pay out for childcare. That’s what family does. My nan also helps my sister with her kids as does my mum and myself. That’s what family does. In return we help each other out. We don’t pay each other money.
On the other hand if your nan is asking for it… Its likely that’s she’s in need of it. I know my family wouldn’t ask unless they needed it and were struggling
1 Like
Yes, if it’s a weekly thing its essentially a job. She has to schedule things around that. She should be paid for her time. If you dont want to pay her, I suggest you find a new sitter. But you will probably have to pay them.
1 Like
I always paid my mom and my mother in laws to watch my children when I worked. They watched the kids every once in a while for us to go out for a lil while and didn’t charge us. I watch my granddaughter but dont charge. If she’s living on a fixed income she may need that extra money ey to help make ends meet.
1 Like
You can either pay her what she is asking for or look into an afterschool program to fit your needs.
I am a parent that had 1 set of grandparents that wanted nothing and 1 grandmother that wanted daycare rates. I am now a grandmother and I keep my grandkids every weekend while my daughters work free of charge. But this is my choice. In return for what I do my girls will put money together to send me to the nail salon or grab my favorite snacks for me or just some other token of appreciation.
1 Like
Why do you feel entitled, or expect that she should give up her time, because she’s the grandmother? Maybe she likes her free time. Also, would it kill you to respect her and love her enough to pay her for doing so?
2 Likes
I used to watch my grand babies after school and on vacations. I would never have charged my daughter or SIL for it. They helped me out all the time and they also brought food for the kids to eat. My SIL got transferred and now they live 2000 miles away. Miss them so much!
1 Like
Absolutely not ! I love my grandson endlessly and love every moment I get to spend with him . I would never expect to be paid for having him .
It depends on the situation of the person watching the child. If they are in need financially than I think it’s a fair amount seeing as you would pay a lot more for childcare. Some people don’t need as much as others but I feel if you need a sitter good luck finding one that dependable that cheap. No reason to criticize the grandmother or anyone who is asking for pay. That’s really unfair to judge them.
1 Like
I’m a grandma and I get asked to watch my grandchildren sometimes. I am I’ll and in pain and I day yes as often as I can. I’m so happy to hear all the support for grandma’s being babysitters. My daughter offered to pay me if I would watch the youngest one every day after school. She pays $100. a week for that. I couldn’t make the commitment because of my pain. Now I offer weekend sleepovers so I get to see the kids. And she gets a break. Not every weekend though.
I live on disability income and would love to get the extra income. Yes, you should pay your Mom to watçh your child. She deserves it!!! It’s the least you can do. And send her flowers to thank her and call her when YOU are at the grocery store to see if you can pick up something for her. Show her LOVE!
I would never take a cent for watching my grandchildren
3 Likes
Absolutely you should have to pay her. She is providing a service for you at a cheaper rate then anyone else would. You KNOW hes safe and in good hands with her.
1 Like
You can tell her your offended and find another sitter for far more and not have the comfort of not knowing them completely.
2 Likes
If I can I do - I cherish every moment with my granddaughter!!! No need to pay me - being with her is priceless!
Who the heck laid down and made the baby? Not, grandma. So not her responsibility. People need to be thankful that the family member has stepped up to help. Isnt going to hurt to pay her some money. She does feed the kid, uses her lights, water, and etc… you should have thought of that before you laid down and made the child… I dont blame grandma. Her time is as valuable as anyone else…
1 Like
Yes pay her! That’s cheap childcare AND your kid is being well watched and loved.
1 Like
YES she deserves to be paid! Nobody is responsible for you or owes you anything including family - anything your family does for you after you turn 18 is a gift not a requirement. Your attitude and the fact that your grandma is only 62 leads me to believe that you are pretty young. $65/week is NOTHING for childcare - look into what a stranger would charge you and maybe you will appreciate your grandma more - if not then you need to grow up. I am unliking this page because it’s supposed to be about fall, and you sound like an entitled spoiled millennial and I definitely don’t have time for that. Bless your poor grandma.
1 Like
Yes, take him to a daycare and your price will double. Be grateful, no one in the family is obligated to watch YOUR child and die free
I do childcare as well for grandchildren and I don’t “demand” payment. However, because I do need a little help with bills every now and then, they pay a portion of one of my bills. I also do understand they need their income for their children so it works out for me. Be thankful and thoughtful. It is true, childcare could cost you alot and that family is willing to give their time. Have a wonderful day. 
My mom babysat my son & she definitely earned the money for taking time to make sure he was well taken care & fed
2 Likes
Take your kid to daycare. Pay double or triple. Worry about what abuse could be happening. Pick up every germ. Pay for prescriptions and drs appointments. See if that $65 really is that bad.
2 Likes
I never charge to watch my own grandkids. It gives me a chance to spend time with them. Love is better then money.
1 Like
I watched my first grandson 1 sometimes 2 days a week and I would never have even considered taking money! And he was here almost 9 hours each time. That’s what grandparents do.
1 Like
It’s called a privilege to have a grand parent or any family member watch over your child/children NOT AN ENTITLEMENT!!! You are asking for a commitment, I think that you should reconsider your attitude and maybe have a back up plan incase grandma can’t babysit due to other reasons… As grandparents we do things for love and enjoyment, don’t turn your needs/wants into something tedious for her… let grandma be a grandma and enjoy your children making happy memories… 
1 Like
I’m 52 years old, I will occasionally watch my grandkids for nothing, date nights, vacations etc. But I’ve raised my 4 children, I don’t want to raise my grandkids by having them daily. If I was asked to do so then I would want some sort of compensation.
Also $65 a week knowing your child is safe with a family member, not being beat or molested by a daycare or random person is priceless.
I paid my mother in law $100 a week to watch my children. Honestly your post makes you sound Like an entitled brat to me.
4 Likes
$65 is a cheap price to know your child is well cared for and loved. Should not matter if it is family or not.
1 Like
I feel if they are watching your kid for you to make $ then they should be compensated. If it’s for you to go to dr or out with hubby then it’s a grandma night…
1 Like
Would you work at your job for free for those hours maybe she needs to by some things she doesn’t have money for you should pay her. for those hours like the money you make if you had to put them on a day care look how much you would have to.
4 Likes
Yes. She has other things she could be doing. If it’s an every now and then and at her request, no. Otherwise, assume you should pay her.
1 Like
I keep my grandson and I don’t charge my daughter nothing it’s a pleasure to keep him
1 Like
Wow! “Expect”? No!!! You should not “expect” anyone, family or not to provide childcare or childcare for free…grandparents are often “expected” to just give up their own lives after raising their own children to babysit instead of finally being free to relax & enjoy retirement…did you discuss having a child with them & what you “expected” from them when YOU decided to have a child? Why is it that grandparents are just “expected” to babysit? We adore ALL ours, love having them over…I have babysat free of charge BUT never was it expected of me just because they are our grandchildren…It was discussed as an option to daycare BEFORE my children had a child…I never “expected” it of my parents either! My health, like many other grandparents is not great, childcare on a regular basis is exhausting, so not wanting to babysit on a regular basis has nothing to do with loving your grandchildren…seeing them should be fun not a job “expected” of them!
1 Like
This is not the same i understand, but for years i babysat my nieces and nephews, also many times over night or weekends. I always got paid for it, from my sister’s and brothers. especially if i used my vehicle to drive to them. and ran errands of need with the children. My ex husbands sister never paid me to watch her son. i stopped after about the 4th time.
You should be happy that you have a grandmother (relative) to keep him; second if you need the service, then pay her. It’s hard work.
1 Like
I watch my grandbaby for nothing because I get the precious moments and memories ever
1 Like
Of course you should pay her. It’s a job. She already did the thankless job of raising her own kids. She should also get a few paid holidays and Christmas bonuses. Don’t forget to file taxes.
1 Like
Boy I wish I had the option to do this and she’s definitely not asking for a lot. I’d pay her real quick.
Sounds to me you’re not that livid…especially since it sounds like she is still babysitting for you. Most likely because you cannot find a replacement at the price you pay currently and because you know you won’t find a sitter that cares for your child the way a grandma does! Thank your grandma today !
1 Like
I think she should get some kind of pay for watching the child. Yes she is grandma and the child is the grandbaby but she still deserves to be paid.
If she wants to be paid then pay her. You had the child not her, it’s your responsibility to make sure the child is well taken care of when you can’t be there. What better piece of mind than to leave them with a grandparent.
1 Like
I see nothing wrong with paying a family member a little something. You’d have to pay a sitter anyway. I’ve been in both situations of babysitting.
Of course! Its your child, your resposability! When my mom or sister babysit for me they dont ask for anything but i always make sure i leave them with something.
And from my own experience before i had kids i babysit for my sister and its a JOB too! I had to change my whole day/week because of the compromise i had with her. Its just the right thing to do. She shouldnt even ask for it!
I’m ok with paying and charging family for babysitting. If it’s for a special occasion or emergency and I volunteer to babysit then it’s free. But good honest and trustworthy people are hard to find. Even family. If the grandma is 62 I would offer to pay her. I’m sure she is retired and on a fix income and any amount of money would help. I don’t think babysitting was in her plans after retirement. She is doing you a favor and saving you money. Day cares are expensive and you have a random person taking care of your kid.
This way you have someone you love and trust and you only pay a little bit of money to care for your kid.
You shouldn’t have to but they are keeping your child safe a child that is not theirs and even the calm ones require work . I paid my sister to watch my son 5 days a week not because she needed money becuAuse I valued her time and energy in watching my precious son . I valued her as a person and not just as family but she would have easily watched him for nothing but love doesn’t pay the bills .
2 Likes
Why should you expect your grandmother to watch your kids, paid or otherwise!! I adore looking after my grandchildren, without payment, treating them, enjoying them and at same time helping my daughter out ( who doesn’t expect this!) something I choose to do… but my parents?? My daughter would never dream of expecting them to childmind. They are at a time when they just enjoy their company and watch them growing, without the responsibility. Sounds to me.like the grandmother not the selfish one!! Fortunately we are in a position where we are able to do this, maybe she isn’t!
I think you should pay something or at least do something in return for her (deep clean her house once a month or something). It really depends on the situation. (Are either of you a one income household, do you live together, what bills have to be paid, etc). If you can’t afford the $65 a week talk to her about what you can afford in the mean time with whatever pay you do get from the job. And consider if the job is really benefiting you pay wise
1 Like
Occasionally no, as a constant thing, I would offer money, so yes, if asked I would work something out
$65 a week is cheap! Why not pay a little-you’d pay way more than that at a day care.
Yes. My kids great Gramma babysat and we paid her. She is giving up her time for you. Wouldn’t you expect to be paid, especially when this is done routinely.
Yes… plus grandparents like to feed & water their grandies… take them to a preschool care place, you would pay twice th cost…
I’m so grateful my mom watches my baby but I don’t want to just dump him there assuming I’m getting free childcare. Mom has her own life. I tried to pay my mom but she never takes it. She has her life n doesn’t feel well. I want to respect her space too but she never takes it. Instead I’ll buy her groceries or food or house stuff what ever she needs. I even clean her house . I show I appreciate her n not take her time for granted.
1 Like
Most grandparents live off of social security and or a retirement pension which is not very much. I had no problem paying my parents or in laws to watch my kids when they were little. Just because they are family you shouldn’t expect them to watch them for free if it’s on a regular basis.
1 Like
Exactly its considered a Job!! You are asking for her to babysit on set days and hours. You’re child could be at a daycare where there are 15 plus other kids, even though you say he is A Good child, u still should consider Snacks,Lunch,entertainment, and most if all one in one time shes giving your child, most ppl dont get that… Be grateful, if u aren’t happy with the pay, send him to Daycare!!!
1 Like
My grandmother used to watch my son and I “paid” her. Sje watched him full time 3-11 m-f while I worked. I gladly paid her so i didnt have to pay a daycare. Her “bill” consisted of a mani pedi every other week and a lunch date once a week. Lol
1 Like
Little steep but you should definitely pay her he is not her child to care for!
1 Like
Grandma will give better care than any daycare ever will. She deserves something!
1 Like
I generally don’t charge to watch my grands, but my son and daughter in law. Any request I make is honored. But with that said grandma’s are usually on a very tight budget, especially the older we get. So a little mad money is always nice, especially if you have birthdays and holidays coming up. Price a daycare and see what they charge
If she was keeping him every so often …no…but babysitting him for free so you can work and not pay childcare…no…its alot of work on an older person plus they done raised their kids…pay her
1 Like
You should be glad she watches him! That’s the best babysitter. Check prices, you’ll gladly pay that. Just saying.
Pay her. You are infringing on her life and her time. She HAS to be there to watch YOUR child. Child care is a JOB, no matter whose kid and what they act like. Pay or stay home.
1 Like
I’m a gran and love to occasionally sit with the kids but if you ask me to watch them every day so you don’t have to pay child care, absolutely pay me something. I’m the senior and every little bit helps.
I would never ask my sons to pay me to keep my grandbabies… I enjoy every second with them … now with that being said maybe your mom needs the extra money for food and snacks and toys for your baby through the week… if I were you I would be thankful that’s all I had to pay is $65 a week … you know your child is being well taken care of with grandma… I would just pay it and be very grateful and thankful for her giving up her time all week to do this for you baby…
I am a grandma/great grandma and I was my grandkids babysitter. I asked for nothing, but was paid monetarily. I did not ask to be paid but my daughter felt great relief knowing her children were safe. It was a win/win situation. That is honestly asking a lot of a person to watch your child for free taking up their time and dictating their schedule. Ask yourself, would you want someone to ask that of you or expect you to arrange your life to their needs?
My mom watches my baby girl for free while I go to work, but if me and my man want a night to ourselves we’ll throw her some money. But if she did ask me to pay on the regular, I would understand. I know how hard it is watching a baby. Especially at this stage my baby is at right now. She’s teething, crawling, getting into everything, etc.
1 Like
I cannot believe someone has the balls to think that they are owed child care by a family member or anyone else for that matter! you should be grateful you have family who is willing and or able to watch your child at such a reduced rate. you forget they’ve already raised their children. they have a right to be retired and do what they want to do not what you want them to do at your convenience. This generation just thinks they’re owed everything get over it.
We watch our grandson that is eight since he was born!! Wouldn’t trade the time with him for anything. We get plenty of payment in love, hugs, and admiration!! Wouldn’t have it any other way🥰 People…always out for the almighty dollar🤬
That is a low and reasonable cost for knowing your child is safe, cared for and loved. So many bad things happen today it would be worth it to me. Plus your child is building a special bond with family.
She’s 62, she’s worked hard all her life why should she now have to raise your son so you can go out to work. I think she’s doing you a favor by even having him. If you were to pay day care fees it would be more than that. Give her the $65 or put him in child care. It’s not worth fighting over. Pick your battles and this isn’t a battle I would argue!
1 Like
yes you should ,cause their doing you a servce by taking care of your kids ,and they already raised their kids and shouldn’t have to do it again ,even if they love them ,it just shows you appreciate them ,and it helps you out ,you cant take it for granted that they well always be there for you ,
1 Like
Why would it be ok to pay a “babysitter or daycare” but not your family? $65.00 for your child to be somewhere safe and loved is worth every penny.
Just pay her. I think it’s deserved to give up her personal time. I would personally not accept the money but I would certainly appreciate the offer. If the mother insisted that I took the money then I would spend it on the grandchild taking him to the zoo and movies and museums etc.
1 Like
Call around and find out how much you would be charged elsewhere. At 62 “Grandma” is considered a Sr. Citizen and more than likely on a fixed income, That $65. would help buy groceries or pay a bill. Babysitting a grandchild occasionally is one thing, a steady JOB is another. And who is going to take care of your little one better than Grandma???
Yes, family should be paid. If she is like me, it goes back to the kids. If they paid someone else, it would be alot more
Could be shes on a limited income, a gft card for groceries or gas now & then to show your appreciation. I babysit my Greats when ever & consider it a labor of love
The behavior of the child doesnt decide the amount you have to pay out for someone to watch him thats alittle funny to me lol
3 Likes
When I watch my two nieces I charged $60 a week. I couldn’t have a job then, and that was technically my job.
I paid my mom to watch my kids so she could afford to do so… it’s your grandma, $65 a week is super cheap even for only 6 hours. Now if grandma doesn’t need the money then I would feel differently. As family if she is well off then I would think she would want to help you.
1 Like
Yes they should be paid!! If not monetarily, then by doing something in return for the babysitting that they may need!!!
It’s sad the amount of people these days that think they are owed babysitting for nothing and the ones that take advantage of family when they wouldn’t do it to anyone else.
Pay her or pay a stranger who will charge A LOT MORE. I was paying my babysitter $60 a week 35yrs ago.
1 Like
I guess everyone is different but my mom or dad my sons grandparents have never asked me for money they do it solely to have that relationship and bond with him but also to help me get through college and be able to work! It’s all out of love however my grandma has never watched my child I’ve never even considered her a option so idk. Everyone’s family dynamic and situations are different though. I have been blessed in mine. (I try to always let my parents know how much I appreciate them though) I would do anything in the world for them.
1 Like
My mother babysat after daycare closed so i could work. I don’t think I ever asked her to watch them at any other time, and no I didn’t pay her but she never asked me too.
Grandparents did their part - they raised you - now it’s their time - pretty cheap day care if you look at normal costs
If I was the Grandparent willing to tie myself down every week I would expect to be paid also - if not I would just say No / you figure it out - I don’t owe you!! They are your kids
1 Like
Your grandma wasn’t there when that baby was made and it’s surely not her responsibility to watch your child. However some grandmas like myself love every minute of time spent with my grand babies. If she watches your child on a scheduled basis yes she should be paid to do so just as you are paid to do your job to be paid. Just be thankful that you have a grand mother still living that is good to your child and is trustworthy. And pay her for being there and helping raise your child. Can’t get better raising than love sweetheart!!!
Stop acting like your doing her a favor. There’s an alternative- they call it daycare. Sure she enjoys spending time with your son, but your taking advantage of her generosity. You should provide all of baby’s needs, supplies and give her something for her time. Be grateful you have someone that cares enough to help you!
1 Like
Everyone is saying $65 is very cheap for a week but keep in mind, it is only for 6 - 12 hours a week.
1 Like
Yup you should pay her. My mom watches mine Monday - Thursday and I pay her because it is a commitment she is making to watch them. She use to watch her one day a week because she wanted to and then no I didn’t pay her, but if she is going there instead of a dayhome absolutely.
1 Like
You would pay anyone else… right? I must be a horrible mawmaw, I watch my three grandsons and charge my daughter and son in law 50 a day.
I doubt she “demanded”. Most likely, she asked, and good for her. It’s a job. If it’s too much, check out the price of childcare…
She did not retire to raise or watch your kids. The statement that she demands to be paid and that you are livid make me think that you don’t appreciate what she is doing for you. She might be trying to teach you a lesson in gratitude. I would charge you if I were your mom. I would probably put that money I earned for babysitting in a 529 plan for the child’s education, but that’s me.
1 Like
If you don’t want to pay grandma for helping you take him to daycare. Grandma has raised her family and is doing you a favor giving up her time helping you out