WWYD?

J+O

So a good friend of ours asked us if I would be interested in watching their little girl (about a year older than Jack) 2-3 days a week.  He didn't say anything about paying me (sent to my DH via text)... so I'm not sure what he's expecting.  I don't know what is typical to charge someone like this either, I want to cut them a break but I also don't want to do this for free... I mean 8 hours a day (possibly 10 hours if he has to work over) 3x a week is a lot to ask someone to do for free, plus I'll be providing at least 2 meals.

WWYD?  How much would you charge a good friend?  Or is this a completely bad idea?  I hate the thought of doing any type of business with a friend... KWIM?

emiliemadison

I know it *could* work for some people, but if you value your friendship and your ability to do your own thing at any time, then dont do it. If he didnt evne mention paying you, I'd be afraid that if they even DO plan on paying you, they'd expect to do it for pennies. 

loveumike

I would talk to them and find out their expectations.  It would be a ton for you to take on.

vanillacourage

What is your motivation for doing this?  Is it that you want to earn extra money, or because you like the girl and want a playmate for your DC, etc?  Basically - unless you actually want to take on the care of another child, I wouldn't do it just because this guy asked you to.

I would email him back and say "I think the arrangement has potential to work out, and you know we love little Olivia.  What details were you thinking of in terms of pay, the days/hours she'd be with us, etc?"

mlc92404

I dont have any advice as far as money but some things to keep in mind and talk to them about is if they have any back up if you are really sick or your LO is sick and they dont want their child exposed or if you want to take a vacation...as well as holiday's (day after holidays) or how things would be handled if you plan on having another LO.  Also, since it will be full days, what about driving their LO (store, park, etc)

Mrs.Hizzo

Well...do you even want to do this, or are you just signing on to be nice? I would never want to watch someone else's child indefinitely, unless we really needed the money. If you don't think you're going to like it, I'd just speak up now.

If you're sincerely interested, I wouldn't cut him much of a break. I mean, why? Your time isn't any less valuable because you know the guy. If this were one week, sure, but not for a long-term commitment.

I wouldn't have any clue what to charge. For that kind of care I'd probably have to pay someone $10 an hour. 

alshepherd

One of our good friends watches DS during the week for 8 hours a day. She charges us $25 a day. She provides snacks and meals while he's there.

ElizC

I wouldn't even consider doing it.  If I wanted to watch other people's kids, I would get my daycare license and actually charge a competitive fee.  IMO someone who asks thier friend to watch thier kid is looking for something cheaper than daycare.  I value my time with DS and myself to much to watch someone else's kid.  I know that sounds very selfish, but it would have to be a very large amount of money to make it worth it to me.  Way more than the average daycare center charges in my area.

J+O

You guys have given me a lot to think about!  Thanks  

snowinlv

I watch another 15-month-old 2x/week for $7/hour. It works out well for us since DD has a playmate at home and learns to be around other people. The other LO's mom watches DD a few hours a week for me. I wasn't really looking to doing it for the income, so I didn't argue with the $7/hr.  We weren't friends beforehand, so not sure what I would've charged a friend.