How Much Should I Pay My Parents for Child Care?

OMG, I live in Tx, and for 2 kids, its about 700-750 a month. I cant believe for 1 child its 1100 a month, thats more than my mortgage... WOW

I think it is wonderful that you are paying them~ full time is a lot for grandparents...Very sweet of you.
I would say 150.00 per week. That is just my guesstimate.

$1100 a month seems awfully high for grandparents. Maybe half that??

I don't understand why so many people feel that the grandparents should be paid LESS than a day care - they are providing all that a day care would, with one important distinction - they LOVE your children! Just because someone is a grandparent does not mean they should be taken advantage of in the child rearing department - if they are willing to provide you this service, they should be compensated for it, so I feel that your suggestion of paying them what you would pay the day care center is certainly reasonable. Getting them to take it may be the tricky part, but hopefully you will be able to convince them that they are entitled to it and "deserve" it.

I pay 175 per week, and I think that's high. We're going to interview at a place that charges 140/week. Perhaps you could pay your mom between 100 and 150 a week, that seems fair.

You could pay them the same you would have paid a center, or the same that you would pay a home daycare provider, which might be a little less. You could easily research the price at a few home daycares in your area.

But, I agree that you should pay them "fair market price" and don't ask your mother to name a price, since that will likely be embarrassing for her. Forty hours a week isn't "grandparents' spoiling time" it is true daycare. I would also suggest that you talk through the same things that you would with any home daycare provider - how is vacation handled, when is your child too sick to be at daycare, drop off and pickup times, what happens if you are late, etc.

I dont understand when people say they think child care is too expensive. This is your child were talking about. Is there really a price for the love and protection and training of your child? That being said....... I think your parents should be paid for a few reasons.
1. They will do a way better job at loving your baby than any center ever could. One on one can never rival a ratio of teacher to children.
2. They will most likely get out and about doing things that you wouldnt likely get in a center.
3. If you want to pay them less, use the difference to pay for outings or special things you know would make your parents life easier in watching your children.
I think its a wonderful idea for grandparents to watch their grandchildren especially in these times of unemployment for the older generation. Its a win win situation.
Hope this helps.... :)

If you can afford it, I'd insist on giving her the full $1100. Why? Because it sounds like she needs the money and you can afford it. If you don't think she'd do as good a job as daycare, offer less and tell her why. I presume you've priced newborn care which is higher than child care. Will she be doing diapers or washing bottles or picking up the child from you? If so, those are added benefits. It's always nice to fully respect your parents and treat them no less than a friend. She offered to take care of them. How great is that? (I wouldn't offer that because I deserve a rest from child rearing and sacrificing, but I want to babysit now and then or when they need me to fill in for a sick nanny.) It also protects your child from others germs or inpatient workers.

Sounds like you have a sense of fairness and decency. Go with that. You know what's right. If you couldn't afford it, you couldn't offer that. That's a huge comfort to you to have your baby (who can't complain) in your mother's hands -- presuming she was a good and patient mother.

If you can comfortably afford the $1100, give that figure to your mom. If she feels like it too high, come up with a figure you can both agree on. Take the difference between that figure and the $1100 and put it in your childs savings account or college fund. Problem solved.

Updated

If you can comfortably afford the $1100, give that figure to your mom. If she feels like its too high, come up with a figure you can both agree on. Take the difference between that figure and the $1100 and put it in your childs savings account or college fund. Problem solved.

I pay my parents to watch my kiddos three days per week. In addition I purchase passes to local museums, aquariums, and special parks. My kids are so young they are free. My parents help out in so many ways. I wish I could pay them more. But it can be hard to settle on an amount. My mom said the first year was free and that was so sweet of her. It was easier to pay her at the end of that year because I truly understood the value of what she provides to my babies, and she truly realized it as well and was ready to be compensated for her efforts. When my son wakes up in the morning he is so happy knowing he is going to see his grandparents. It is the best comfort knowing your child is happy and loved. Congrats on scoring such a great situation for your child/children!

If they need the money and would pay for care anyways then, I would pay accordingly. If you can spare the money, then I suggest the same amount as you would pay a care center. I am not sure how expectations would be though, would it be the same as a care center? Like what would happen if your mom is sick? Is there a back up plan?

I also understand that grandparents do not need to be paid to care for their grandkids but if they need the money why not help them out this way.

I have heard of several in home daycares here in Houston that charge like $125 per child, per week. So to me like $100 a week would be generous, not to mention that she is your mom and also spending time with her grandchild, which is honestly priceless. I know plenty of grandparents who don't get paid anything, so whatever you do is so awesome. Maybe check out the average cost of in-home daycare in your area and go from there. It is always cheaper, and a better gauge of your situation I think.

I agree with 100-150 a week. I hear what Beth is saying, but.... that is for babysitting here and there. (Not for mon-fri all day)

Big issue in home business. She is entitled to payment, but there is nothing wrong with a good 20% family discount.

$1100 seems very high. Between $100 and $150 a week sounds good to me.

No I do not pay my parents or my inlaws to spend time with their grandkids.
It's not a job for them it's time they get to spoil them.

My grandma kept my son and like you didn't want to take the money so we agreed on $10 a day. It was more than she wanted to take but still something.

I would think a bit less is fair, but as someone else said, be very CLEAR on holidays, vacations, sick days for any of you, doc app, other days off etc etc. You need to be fair for both sides so there are no issues that arise. I am sure you won't take advantage of anything, but be on time for dropoffs and pickups and offer to pay extra if you work late or want to shop before before picking up the kids. Perhaps you could offer to bring supper once in a while and stay to enjoy their company, bring them coffee in the morning, or take them out on the weekends , whatever little things you can do to show your appreciation. I have a home daycare and truly, it is about being thanked and appreciated!