What to do for a friend who babysits?

krose0713 · January 2014

This is pretty far off, but figured I'd get S13 opinion on this one. In March, the school I work for will be having a fundraiser. I will be going of course, as will DH, both of my parents, MIL and FIL, and my aunt and uncle. Right now, the only people who have cared for LO aside from DH and I are both sets of grandparents, and my aunt and uncle would be my next choice to babysit. Since my go to caretakers for LO will all be with me, I have a friend who offered to watch LO that night, and I will probably take her up on it. DH and I have discussed in the past that if my teenage cousin were to ever babysit, we would pay her. Would you do the same for a friend; offer payment? For some reason it seems awkward. Maybe get her a bottle of wine or something?

michaelaelaine01 · January 2014

I had a friend sit for us about 2 months ago and I did exactly what you're doing... consulting other bumpies on what to do about payment! (Glad I'm not alone on this subject!). I took everyone's advice and offered her cash. As expected, she refused. So I sent her a thank you note and included a gift card to a local restaurant that I know she loves. She loved it. Bumpies know best

Zmommy2 · January 2014

Does your friend have kids too? You could offer to watch them at some point to repay, or even pet sit, etc. I would offer some type of payment, and I guess it depends on how close you are to the friend.

AlejandraN2 · January 2014

I think it depends on your relationship with your friend. My friends would kill me if I offered them money since they think I am already too much with gifts and taking them out. So in my case I wouldn't offer. One of my girlfriends actually is watching Zoe on Feb 1st while hubby and I go to a concert (Red Hot Chili Peppers woohoo) and ill probably end up sending her flowers and a thank you after.

Salemkitty13 · January 2014

My friends would probably be offended if I offered to pay them for babysitting. I agree with pp I would send a thank you with a gift card to something I knew that person liked. Unless the friend has kids then I would set up a swap night where I could babysit.

JocelynB0911 · January 2014

Attempt to pay. If she declines, take her out to dinner it get a bottle of wine.

jlp0528 · January 2014

dhaueisen said:
I would offer to pay. If she refuses then I would do something nice like a bottle of wine, or a gift card to a restaurant, coffee shop, or spa.

This exactly my thoughts.