How to Handle This. - Conneaut,OH

Offer to pay her and if she says no, take the same money you would have paid and buy her a present, a gift card is always nice as a sincere thank you.

I first ask what she thought a fair payment for the time. If she says nothing, I would at least supply a plethera of after school snacks and drinks for the week. Enough for her kids too. It may even be a good idea to let her know you would like to do that and ask her what types of snacks she prefers her kids to have. You could bring a grocery bag to her every Monday for the whole week.

Just get her a nice little gift - a Starbucks gift card or something.s

Whatever you normally pay the person that watches your kids in this time slot, I would offer to pay this lady who is helping you out. It's up to her whether she accepts it or not, but you need to at least offer it.
I'd just say "Thank you so much for helping me out today! This is what I pay my normal sitter; is this ok?" (since money wasn't discussed before she said yes). If she says yes, that is her right (the babysitter takes the money right? and it is her time). But if she says no, say "I really appreciate you helping me out of a bind---maybe we can swap and I can watch your children if you need to run an errand sometime". Then leave it at that, it's fine.

This is what I would do. When I picked up the kids I would simply ask 'What do I owe you?' Be prepared with money incase she gives you a number. If she declines, offer to return the favor and leave it at that. The ball will be in her court any time she is in need.

I personally do favors like this for friends and do not expect payment because one never knows when they will be in need. Even though you perceive that she is perfect EVERYONE needs a favor every now and again and it is nice to know there are people you can count on to help. Sometimes just knowing is enough :-)

Just offer to pay her. When you pick up your kids, ask her "May I give you something for watching my kids?" and be sure to have some cash for her in case she says yes. Most likely she'll say no. If that is the case, then respond with a sincere "if I can ever return the favor, please let me know."

I think when you have kids, you have to be somewhat willing to ask/give favors.

I actually did this for my friend. I watched her kids the whole day. She offered to pay me and I said no big deal and didn't take the money. To me I had no problem helping her out and I appreciated her offering.

I would try and pay your friend how much you pay your sitter that usually watches them during that time. You never know she might need the extra $5 or whatever you decided to pay.

Trade babysitting. It's good for you moms and good for your kids, too. Bring it up with her and if she brushes you off by saying she's fine with doing you a favor, bring it up again. Let her know that you are more comfortable having her help you if you can help her. Then ask her when would be a good time.

I had a friend that I traded time with for a year. Every week, she watched my kids for several hours one day, I watched hers another day. We both looked forward to our time off and our kids enjoyed the play dates.

You should never expect anyone to keep your kids for free. Always offer to pay and return the favor since she dont normally keep your kids.

Rosebud's got the idea-send a thank you with a gift card for coffee, gas, etc.

A gift card or take her to lunch sometime soon. Any sort of gesture like that is appropriate. And you know, she may hate asking favors as much as you do. Don't think she's perfect. She probably knows she isn't. ;)

I know I'm too late but yes, I would pay her and probably $10 since its only 1/2 hour. If she won't take the money then let it go. Sometimes you have to ask favors even if it sucks doing it.

I had my friend watch my son all day today because she doesn't work. she wouldn't take the money so I offered again and she wouldn't so I kept it.

There will come a time when she needs your help, do it with a smile on your face. :)

I used to help people all the time, never expected anything in return.

Insist that you return the favor by watching her kids sometime. It is not necessary to pay her because 1) she is your friend and 2) it's only for a half hour. Just insist that you return the favor. Tell her you want to watch her kids the next time she goes grocery shopping so she can shop in peace, kid free.

Well if it were me and a friend asked me to look after her kids for 1/2 an hour I would not even think of them paying me. It literally would not cross my mind. I have never paid a friend who looked after my children. I have gotten a small thank you gift though, like a little candle etc when someone has helped me out in a bind. She said she would help you out, I think you are fine!

No, you don't have to pay her. Just thank her and tell her, "I owe you one! Let me know when I can return the favor."

Well, you can offer to pay her, but you can also offer to be there for her in a pinch one of these times.
I was fortunate to have friends who bartered daycare with me. We didn't pay each other. I would always make some type of cookies or muffins in appreciation, but I also watched their kids so they could have a romantic dinner for their anniversary or something. We were just there for each other like that.
It worked out fabulously.

That could be something to discuss later, but if she didn't mention money when you asked, she may not be expecting it. Seems she would have told you that up front.
I would definitely get her a thank you card and a gift card of some kind that she could treat herself with.

Be sure to tell her with words how very greatful you are and you would be happy to have her kids to return the favor.

Best wishes.

If I did this for a friend, I would not expect to be paid. However, I think that you should offer and see what she says. Maybe buy her a Starbucks at the least...