Opinions on Watching a relatives baby

My SIL is going back to work in Sept (she's a teacher) and I am officially a SAHM. I want to offer to watch her baby, but not sure if I should just do it for free or what.

Her DD is 6 mos and I would be watching both her and my DS who is 2 1/2 mos.

I am going to run the idea past DH and see how he feels. I'd watch her in their home.

Just wondering if you'd do it for free. What if they offer to pay?


TIA!!

Updated below....Thanks for all the thougts/opinions!!

Message edited 7/24/2007 10:09:55 PM.

Re: Opinions on Watching a relatives baby

If it's 5 days a week I would be looking for money. If it was 1 or 2 I might not mention money. You never know she might ask you how much you are looking for.

Re: Opinions on Watching a relatives baby

I wouldnt expect anyone to watch my child ona regular basis without paying them. I don't think most people would either so I'm going to guess that she is expecting to pay you.

Re: Opinions on Watching a relatives baby

I would not take money if I watched my SIL's child. And I have family watch Andrew and they will not take money from me at all. I insulted them when I even asked.

Message edited 7/24/2007 7:47:04 PM.

Re: Opinions on Watching a relatives baby

I would not watch my SIL baby- she is too particular and I would worry I was doing something wrong or offending her. Plus, I don't think I would do it for free- I think that is a lot to ask.

Re: Opinions on Watching a relatives baby

My first thought was that it depends how financially stable you are. If you are doing it b/c it's your SIL and you could use a little $, then I would think she'd offer you something. I certainly wouldn't charge much but most people could use a few extra $$. Having said that, I guess it depends how you feel their financial situation is also. I think I am confusing myself with my thinking !

Re: Opinions on Watching a relatives baby

Nope, I would not do it. I just don't think I could. It's enough taking care of your own infant, and add another ontop of that and forget about it. Also, I would just be a little iffy on the logistics of it. Like, what if her child is sick, are you still expected to watch her DC? What if your child is sick? What if you are sick? Etc, etc, etc,.....

Re: Opinions on Watching a relatives baby

If you do it 5 days a week, you should get something. If it's one or two days, maybe not.

Re: Opinions on Watching a relatives baby

I would definitely do it. I would wait to see how it pans out. Let her make the moves. I couldnt ask for $$$ but maybe she will offer.

Re: Opinions on Watching a relatives baby

I think you should ask for $$$. And to be honest, she should want to pay you. I would rather have a family member watch my child than a stranger.

Re: Opinions on Watching a relatives baby

If you are wathcing her children more than one day a week, I think a SMALL amount of pay is appropriate (unless of course you are rolling in the dough ) This way it is a win/win situation for everyone and you won't become resentful.

Re: Opinions on Watching a relatives baby

Although I do see it as a fine line to cross (taking money from family).

I also see it as, usually grandparents dont want payment. Its their grandchildren! and they are older and dont "need" money.

Im not sure what I would do in this situation.
If I worked FT and my SIL watched my child, I would ABSOLUTELY pay her.
Why should I make a FT salary and her nothing ? and we all know what a hard job it is to care for children. especially if this was long term. I could NEVer just drop them off on a regular basis and not give money. (except to grandparents, LOL)

I had a boss who paid her SIL, I think it was $250 per week whether or not she watched her 2 kids every day.

It went well for her, but I can also see something like this creating problems.

Its a tough decision, that you/hubby can only make on your own

good luck with it.

Re: Opinions on Watching a relatives baby

When we were going to have my SMIL watch DS we were going to pay her. Then it becomes more of a job and not just something for fun. It would make it harder to bail if you knew you'd make money.

I would ask for a ton, but something, KWIM? My great uncle watched me when I was baby and my parents paid (very minimal, but something)

Re: Opinions on Watching a relatives baby

Thank you everyone for your thoughts

Rachel, didn't think of the what if's like either child getting ill or even me having prior commitments.

I mentioned it to DH and he said "You'd better get paid if you're going to watch her everyday" I am going to feel out my SIL and see what she has (if anything) set up for daycare as of now. I know she mentioned some friend's gramma watching her for $50/day.

Maybe 5 days/week would be too much with both kids.

Thanks again!!