Should Grandparents Be Paid for Babysitting?

By grandparents Jun 03, 2011

When we asked Grandparents.com members whether they thought parents shoud pay them for their babysitting services, we received some passionate responses. There’s a huge difference, many of you pointed out, between doing occasional date-night sitting and providing what amounts to no-cost daily daycare. And while many of you agreed that caring for a child on a regular basis warranted a paycheck, others said that they could never accept money from their kids. Check out what your fellow grandparents had to say:

"I have no problem babysitting my grandchildren when their parents have appointments, or would like to go out to dinner. However, when it comes to providing daycare, I feel they should pay something. We got (and still get) a lot of static from my daughter about her paying us for daycare. Considering that she was paying us maybe half the going rate, I think she was really lucky. I think we would do it again, but we would have to have an agreement in writing so we both knew exactly what we were expecting." — alanapr

"I don’t want to be paid, but ... help with the extra housework caused by the children would be nice. When I mention it, I always hear about how much they already have to do." — ConnieFibro

"I watch my very active 3-year-old grandchild three full days a week, but despite the workout, I love doing it. I don’t get payed, but my daughter-in-law takes me out to dinner often and son and daughter-in-law gave me a generous Christmas gift. They show their thanks in many ways." — ksgram

"Yes, I charge for watching my grandson and I feel this is only fair. It feel that it teaches responsibility. I like the extra money, so I can spend on him and the other three grandkids without feeling like I spent household money." — dave4carole

"I watch my twin granddaughters four to five days a week. I don’t and won’t take money from my daughter. It is my pleasure and I wouldn’t miss this opportunity to be close to my granddaughters for any amount of money." — twingrandbabies

"I am thrilled when asked to babysit, as it gives me time alone with the grandchildren. The pleasure I get out of watching them is worth more than the money." — LVMom

"It seems strange to be paid for a normal family responsibility. It’s a privilege to be closely bonded with my granddaughter. I assisted in rearing her for five years for 12 hours a day. It would have been much less of a strain had her parents offset my expenses, but my relationship with her has been a salve to my life and given me great pride." — Grandma2Kayla

"When I babysat for my grandson, it was so both mom and dad could earn money. I told them I would get paid, but half of my check would go into savings for the baby. My daughter was so excited that he was getting savings every time she paid me." — drec

"Our son and his wife wanted me to quit my job and care for their son and insisted on paying my husband and me. As retired people, we needed the income. This truly has been a joy to see him every day." — Grannyof14

"If the grandparents watch the child all week every week, the parents should pay something. In my case, though, I beg for opportunities to have my grandchildren. If I ever asked to be paid, I’d never see the kids!" — LindaRS

Where do you stand on paying grandparents? Share your opinion in the Comments area below.

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Comments

by coldinmi | wyoming, MI

Dec 26, 2016

I love having my granddaughter and often ask to have her over and offer her parents a day or night off. However, when I watch her for a week while they are working I've asked for a few dollars a day for fun money to take her places or get her things. My daughter has been really good about it. Its cheaper than daycare and she has more fun. I would do it for free if her parents needed me but this way we all feel good about it!

by leanne109 | Bathurst, OU

Jun 06, 2011

Wow, I think it's incredibly selfish to have your parents watch your kids on a regular basis and not pay them for there time. At least half of what you would pay a daycare. I know if it was my own mother watching even just 1 of my two children I would insist on paying her. She takes time out from her life, cleans and cares for my child better then anyone else could and she uses her own resources. A little visit once and awhile where my mother babysits my children while I go to a movie or do groceries I usually bring her a coffee as a thank you. I truly think it's selfish and inconsiderate not to reward your parent for taking care of your child or children on a regular basis. They did their job, they raised you and now they are just helping you out and the least you can do is show your appreciation.

by sunnieLUVS | Glenwood, AR

Jun 04, 2011

I think if your dropping off your kids on a regular basis for your parents to babysit I think you should help your parents out a bit. Give them a some spending money or help them pay a bill or two if your going to drop your child off on regular basis. However, I think that if your dropping your kids off for a good reason like work or school your parents should be happy to be babysitting. If I asked my mom to babysit once or twice a week so that I could go to work or school and she asked me for money...I don't think I would want to drop my child off for my mother. I would just assume that she doesn't want to watch my child. I really think grandparents should just be happy to be a part of their grandchild's life. Some grandparents don't even get to see their grand kids so the ones that do should appreciate it a little bit.

by Lyndsiee3 | Mableton, GA

Jun 03, 2011

I am a mom of a 2 year old and I work a full-time job in retail. I do not have the schedule in which a daycare will help me so my grandparents and my mother both play a big part in helping me with my child. I think that it is a great offer to say that your willing to pay a grandparent but I don't think that it should be like puttting your child in daycare. I believe a grandparent should be happy with the quality time. I pay for my childs stuff (food, diapers, ect.) but have never even been asked to pay "for there time." I help them with things for helping me by watching her. It's a barter system. that should be the best policy with family.

by buggyangel | SAN JOSE, CA

Jun 03, 2011

As far as one is not taking their parents for 'granted' I don't think you should pay grandparents to baby sit. One should be sensitive enough to understand tht even if ur parents don't say anything they have life too. It's a luxury.don't overuse it!

by BMDsMommy | Montgomery, TX

Jun 03, 2011

I cannot believe some parents think they need to be paid to watch their grandchildren. Now watching them during the week so you can go to work is a bit different, I would supply money for food and diapers, etc. My parents would laugh at me if i tried to give them money to watch my son. They look at it as a gift to spend time with him...