For those of you that have looked into day care costs?

My cousin had a baby 6 months ago and quit her job to stay home with her child. I WISH I could do this, but there is no way that we can afford to financially.

The good news is, my cousin will take my son when I do go back to work. At first she did not want to take any money, but I am insisting that if she watch him full time, that we come to some sort of financial agreement. This way she can CONTINUE to stay at home with her baby, and I will have piece of mind knowing our son is in good hands. So she refuses to give me a $$ amount that she would want, so i am to come up with something. She knows we cannot afford full day care price, and the bonus for her is this will be cash tax free money. We will lose out on the tax benefit of it, but still so worth it in my opinion.

My question is, what do you think would be a fair offer to pay her weekly? I know this was long winded, and I thank anyone who responds...I just want it to be fair for both of us.

Re: For those of you that have looked into day care costs?

so far I have found daycare to be in the range of $250-500 a week.

Re: For those of you that have looked into day care costs?

I am paying a woman to do it in her home per day. She is asking $40 a day- I thought that was low. I know some one who pays her sister $50 a day. Typically the one at a home are cheaper than the chain places.

Re: For those of you that have looked into day care costs?

My sister pays $35.00 a day for each kid !

Re: For those of you that have looked into day care costs?

I was going to say I woukld offer her 100-150.00 a week (20-30 a day)
its a little bit of $$ for her and not that much costly for you

Re: For those of you that have looked into day care costs?

Re: For those of you that have looked into day care costs?

Thanks everyone. I was thinking about $200 a week. I'd LOVE to just pay $150.00, but I think that may be too low. I was thinking $40 a day was somewhat fair.

I know she priced to have a woman come to her home that was $600 a week....I was like , thats why I don't know what she is expecting. I know through my job day care is about $1200 a month or $300 a week. Im just unsure what is going through her mind.

Re: For those of you that have looked into day care costs?

wow, tough position. it's so hard to mix money and family...

i think that given the cost of day care at your job, combined with the money being tax-free for her, combined with you losing the tax benefit, your thought of $200 a week sounds fair.

Re: For those of you that have looked into day care costs?

I am in the same boat. My MIL is going to retire to take care of the baby, but she will not tell us what she is expecting ($).
I was thinking of offering her somewhere between $150-$200 a week. My husband thinks we have to offer her the $200, so I guess that is what we will do.

Re: For those of you that have looked into day care costs?

I would tell her the price quotes you got and offer her something a touch lower than that and see what she says.

Re: For those of you that have looked into day care costs?

If she's doing this for you as a favor to take some of the financial burden off you then I wouldn't offer her what you would be paying a daycare. I would go half. Are you going to supply her with food and diapers etc. because that makes a difference also.

Re: For those of you that have looked into day care costs?

I would not offer her the money you are paying a daycare for several reasons.

For one, sounds like she is staying home anyway and can afford to do so without your money. She is your cousin and will probably enjoy watching your child and making that connection. SHe is trying to help take some of the financial burden off of you. As the kids get older they will entertain each other, making it easier for her to do her daily "mom work". Cleanup after two kids is not much worse than cleanup after one kid. Although she will have to prepare food for them.

Will she be watching the children at your home? That's a big one, cause if she will be in her own home doing her daily chores it makes a difference. A daycare provider is expected to spend all their time focusing on the children's needs. At her home, there are things she must do anyway, such as grocery shopping, phone calls, meeeting a repair man, enjoying playtime with both children etc. that she can do while watching your child. Besides I wold not want my cousin to be considered an employee.

I am not trying to diminish her job responsiblities. Actually her job will be very difficulty, being a mom to two children from 9-5 ( or whatever) instead of just one. Especially in the beginning when they are so young and needy. I just think there is a big difference between her and daycare or sitter. (not any easier) I would do what you can afford. If 200 a week is affordable long term do it. BUt I don't think $150 is unreasonable either. Its taxfree, no insurance (as daycares pay) . You could compromise on 700 or 750 amonth...(inc vacations etc. )

My sister watches my son for me in the summers and he goes where she goes, so although he is plenty of extra work she is still doing things with her own girls that she would normally enjoy.

By the way I think you are so lucky to have your cousin. Wish I had someone like that year round. You could supplement by being overly generous with her and her child for birthday, etc, gifts.

Message edited 7/12/2007 6:22:20 AM.

Re: For those of you that have looked into day care costs?

Thanks all for the responses.

I will be providing food/diapers. I will also prob. go there to feed the baby lunch, as it is fairly close to work. She will be watching him in her home, but i will be getting her carseat, highchair, whatever she needs to function with two babies. She is pretty easy to talk to, but you know family and money can always be touchy, but I want to make this a clean relationship, well as much as I can.

And yes, I am so lucky to have her...that alone is priceless...