Should I pay family to watch my son?

maysp3 · January 2015

I'm 32 weeks pregnant and plan to go back to work full time, for now. My Mother, Mother-in-law and Sister-in-law offered to watch my baby when I go back to work. Should my husband and I pay them? If so, what do you think is a good amount? If they don't take any money from us, which I don't think they will, what are other gift ideas to give them? Any suggestions will help!! Thanks!!

Sandra

ipumpkin · January 2015

We like to give our family members gift cards for restaurants when they help us. They really appreciate it, as they won't take money ever either.

edited because sentences are hard today.

Katelobster · January 2015

My mom watches my daughter. She would not take money from me, but she doesn't need money as my parents have a comfortably secure retirement. I try to make sure she knows she is appreciated with little gifts, i make Shutterfly books of kid pictures, occasionally bring flowrs, etc. If you think that money would help them out, I would offer. I would also offer to buy any additional baby gear they need for their homes if you will be bringing the baby over there.

sschwege · January 2015

I would for sure! If they won't accept cash than definitely give them GCs every now and again so they know you appreciate what they are doing, GCs to restaurants, coffee, gas, etc.

graciest719 · January 2015

You should be prepared to pay them what you would pay someone who is not a member of your family, whether that payment is in the form of cash or gift cards or whatever. You should also make sure that they are always supplied with diapers, clothes, food, whatever baby needs, etc. just like you would someone outside your family.

pixieprincss · January 2015

We treat to meals out every now and then. Paying is a reasonable thing to have on the table, but for us but it just wasn't what the grandparents' goal was (who both receive lovely pensions). In contrast, there are other family members we pay for different things because they have genuine financial need and this system works as a way for us to help them out but without them feeling stuck in an unsustainable cycle of hand-out or loans they cannot afford to pay back. So, the answer is going to depend on your family dynamic.

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