I watch children in my home five days a week. Come fall, two days a week I will be needing help in the daycare. My mom has offered to help. My dad lost his job a few years back and has found some part time gigs, but not doing as well as he needs to be. So, my mom can really use the money. How much do you think I should pay her per hour? I am happy to be able to help her out, but want to make sure I am paying her a fair price!!
I agree with what's been said so far. If she refuses any money, get it in cash and leave it at her home. I left some money in her scriptures one time when she needed it and wouldn't accept help. Use your imagination. If she has a "cookie jar" where she keeps her "mad money" put it in there. Ask to borrow her car and fill it with gas. anyway, you get the idea.
Good luck
Look into what other daycares pay their part time help and offer the same.
You could do it as a percentage...as figure out how much $ you are being paid to watch all of the children that are there on the days she would be helping and then decide what percentage of the work you feel she is doing and then pay her accordingly...so if she is doing 25% of the work on those day, pay her 25% of what you are bringing in. I don't think you can necessarily just say you'll pay minimum wage, because depending on what you are charging, she may make more than you are per hour...Does that make sense? Whatever you decide, explain your rational to your mom from the beginning and maybe even put everything in writing so you both remember what your agreement was.
I would figure out what you are getting from watching the children and give her a percentage. Sit down with her and go over the amount and make sure you both agree on it.
Well I feel bad. My mother lives with me and gets room and board in exchange. I can't afford to pay her. There's just not much money left after paying bills. Sometimes there's no money left and I get behind on things.
I figure since your mother lives on her own, you should do as much as you possibly can. But I suggest you just sit down with her and lay it out. See what's left after you support your family and pay the daycare expenses. I've never figured out how people have anything left unless they just don't have cell phones, cable, buy only the cheapest (fattening) foods, live in tiny little houses maybe? :) Hopefully, you are better with money than I am.
My mother is a saint. She is a huge help. I try and give her as many choices as possible like, do you want to cook, or do you want to take the kids outside for a bit? Do you want to stay here or drive someone to school? Do you want to change diapers or sit with a grumpy baby? I think giving her the choices makes up for her not getting much financially out of the business. Thankfully she has her social security for spending money.
Is your house big enough for your parents to move in? :)
Nothing less than minimum wage, for sure. I pay my assistants $8/hour.
