Publications
Partners
A mom has started a heated debate online after taking to the Facebook community Mamas Uncut, saying how angry it made her after her 62-year-old grandmother demanded she gets paid for watching the woman's 5-year-old son.
She posted:
"Should family be paid to babysit? My grandma (62) watches my son (5) for 2-4 hours 3 days a week while I work, and she DEMANDS I pay her $65 (R1110,88)/week, and it makes me livid... Also he is not a hard child to watch. He’s the calmest, most independent child I’ve ever known honestly. He doesn’t throw tantrums or run around screaming. He’s very well behaved."
The group was unanimous in their 'Yes' to the question and that the amount the gran had asked for was what most daycares charge per day.
For a few others, the mom's stance of free babysitting by family members wasn't a problem, with some grannies saying they gladly babysit their grandchildren for free.
Here's a look at a few of the replies.
'The audacity'
"How do you even have the audacity to be offended for being asked to pay. You don’t have to pay but she also doesn’t have to watch her grandchild. It’s not her obligation. Babysitting is stressful and everyone’s time is valuable. Anyone else watching your kid wouldn’t do it for free so what do you expect. The simple fact that YOU wouldn’t even offer and then on top of it be mad is ridiculous".
'Don't be ignorant and take advantage'
"Family is not your built-in babysitter. Grown enough to have a child then grown enough to pay for a sitter. If they do babysit and offer it for free then don't be ignorant and take advantage. Just because one is related to another doesn't mean they owe them anything".
'She raised her own children'
"I think a grandmother should be compensated for babysitting, she raised her own children and should not be taken advantage of to babysit her grandchildren on a daily basis. It's ok to babysit once in a big while without pay so parents can have a date night, but not expected to babysit while parents are at work and not get paid".
'Nobody is obligated to babysit your child for free'
"You could always take your child to daycare and see how much that costs you. Nobody is obligated to babysit your child for free. Your grandma raised her kids a long time ago. Let her enjoy her older years. You could give her $165 (R2819,93) a week which is what a normal daycare would probably charge. Stop acting like your grandma owes you".
ALSO READ | Why grandparents are more than just good babysitters
'That is what family is for'
"No. I did it for free so did my siblings, that is what family is for. You do, however, provide food, snacks and drinks for all involved".
'I love to watch my grandkids!'
"Oh hell no! I watch mine - with all my love! I love to watch my grandkids! Their hugs n kisses are enough payment and a thank you, love you mom from my kids is priceless".
'You don’t have to give me money'
"My mother in law never asked us for money, she would say 'those are my grandchildren you don’t have to give me money'".
'Depends on the situation'
"Some nans/grandads see it is an opportunity to spend quality time with grandchildren instead of babysitting, but some also will need the money as if babysitting it will mean sorting lunches out etc. so might need the cash. My parents would be insulted if I offered to pay them..as they see it as being their job to help out and get to spend time with them to".
'I wouldn't dream of charging'
"I wouldn't dream of charging my daughter to babysit. But if the grandmother is struggling financially then she should pay".
'You have a right to say yes or no either way and so does she'
"I think it's up to the person you ask to decide, I also think you have a right to say yes or no either way and so does she. You also have a choice in who watches your precious little ones".
What's your opinion on paying a family member for taking care of a child on a regular basis?
Chatback:
Share your stories and questions with us via email at chatback@parent24.com. Anonymous contributions are welcome.
Don't miss a story!
For a weekly wrap of our latest parenting news and advice sign up to our free Friday Parent24 newsletter.
