When I return to work next month I will be paying $25 a day, which is a good deal for where I live (compared to the price of an actual daycare center). A retired family friend will be watching her. But, it seems like $25 is about average for a friend/family deal.
I pay $25 a day to an in-home provider, but I'm also providing all of DS's food right now. Licensed daycare providers in my state (MN) are also obligated to follow a federal/state food plan, so the daycare's food is planned and paid for once DS starts solids.
$25 is reasonable if she is providing all meals and snacks. If your SIL is not going to provide those things, I think it's reasonable to ask for $30 to $35 depending on what groceries cost in your neck of the woods.
Also, I would make it clear what hours you are "open," so your 8-9 hour day doesn't become a 10 hour day. I could see it becoming really easy to "swing by the store for some groceries" when LO is with family than it is when LO is at a DC that will charge $1 for every minute you're late.
You're obviously doing her a favor for cheaper than the DC, otherwise the LO would be there full time. I'd venture to guess the grandparents aren't charging anything.
Me: unexplained infertility - annovulatory
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TTC since June 2009
BFP May 11, 2012
EDD January 24, 2013
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In Michigan, people I know get paid $10/hour to do this. That seems like too much for a family member, but I think since you need the money, you could ask for more. If you plan to treat them more like family--for instance, sometimes they baby-sit for you on the weekends, sometimes you cancel and ask grandma to do an extra day, etc. then I think that rate is fine. If you plan to be more professional, you could say, I've considered doing this professionally, and I have researched this and know that most people who do get paid x. I think this will be a pretty taxing job so even though I want to help, could I get y, which is less than x.
Thank you everyone! The comments have been very helpful. I live in Mass. and after doing more research the $25 seems like a pretty good deal for my SIL!
KateC1029
member
Re: (Untitled)
Violet Mae born 1/15/13
I pay $25 a day to an in-home provider, but I'm also providing all of DS's food right now. Licensed daycare providers in my state (MN) are also obligated to follow a federal/state food plan, so the daycare's food is planned and paid for once DS starts solids.
$25 is reasonable if she is providing all meals and snacks. If your SIL is not going to provide those things, I think it's reasonable to ask for $30 to $35 depending on what groceries cost in your neck of the woods.
Also, I would make it clear what hours you are "open," so your 8-9 hour day doesn't become a 10 hour day. I could see it becoming really easy to "swing by the store for some groceries" when LO is with family than it is when LO is at a DC that will charge $1 for every minute you're late.
You're obviously doing her a favor for cheaper than the DC, otherwise the LO would be there full time. I'd venture to guess the grandparents aren't charging anything.
Ugh, I am going to be working to pay for daycare!