How much to pay?

camk14 · December 2008

My Mom will be watching DD when I return to work full time in January. If DH and I keep out current work schedules she will be watching DD 10 hours a day 5X a week. I was thinking $100/week. I know its low, but its my Mom and she is retired. When I told her we were paying her $100/week she seemed really happy about it.

In-home daycare in my area is about $200/week.

TIA!

mrshutch · December 2008

The home daycare rates seem really reasonable- around Chicago a lot of places are nearly $1,000 per month. I think it depends on your mom- I know my mom wouldn't be picky about what we paid, if she even let us pay her at all. I so wish she was close by and available to sit! I would just say to be fair to her, and if she feels that $100/week is fair, then that's fine. Maybe you can also do little nice things for her every once in a while, like a dinner or something, just so she knows she's appreciated.

goofyteacher · December 2008

I think that $100 a week would be fair since she is your mom. With that being said you are gettings uch a wonderful gift that someone who loves your child and wants to be with them is able to take care of them so I would definately make sure to let her know how much you appreciate it by making sure she is well pampered. Maybe the occasional spa day, gift cards to stores she loves, etc. Anything to let her know that it means alot that she wants to and is able to care for your child. Throwing in those extras allows you to still get a steal ($2/per hour) and have her feel valued.

AlisaS · December 2008

$100 is pretty low. Does she have money? 10 hours a day with a child is a lot of work.

sparky88 · December 2008

i think that is really low...hopefully you are covering the cost of snacks/meals on top of that.

r9stedt · December 2008

Did you mom work before this? ?Is she quitting a job to watch him? ?KWIM? ?

?Since she is already retired, then I feel $100 is fair compared to what a different DCP would be.

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Besides, $100 is more than I spend for daycare each week and DS goes to an In-home DC. ? Thank god for LCOL!

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katie277s · December 2008

DS is in an in-home daycare 5 days a week at 10 hours a day. I pay $640 a month, which includes food. I would maybe up it a little, unless you are bringing food for her to serve.