Should Grandparents Get Paid for Babysitting?

The idea of grandparents as babysitters brings to mind cozy afternoons and cherished family moments. Yet, as the responsibilities grow, so does the debate: should grandparents be paid for babysitting? This question recently popped up on Reddit, sparking a lively debate among parents, grandparents, and everyone in between. We’ve gathered some of the most interesting and passionate responses.

A Fair Deal for Family Childcare

This Redditor shared that they paid their mother-in-law $250 per week to watch their two kids, calling it a steal compared to local childcare rates, especially for 11-hour workdays. It was emphasized that Grandma’s skills were highly valuable and that she could earn more elsewhere. In these tough financial times, they felt it was unfair to expect free labor, particularly from family.

Respecting Grandma’s Time

A user argued that grandparents should be paid for regular babysitting. Parents should reconsider their expectations of free childcare, recognizing that grandparents’ time is valuable and deserving of respect. After all, Grandma has her own plans and might not want to be a full-time nanny for free!

Entitled Expectations?

This person stressed how it’s fine to hope for free childcare but unreasonable to expect it without compensation. Feeling upset about paying grandparents for help might indicate a sense of entitlement, considering they might need the money. Just because they’re family doesn’t mean they’re your free babysitting service.

Cultural Norms and Offense

Someone noted that paying grandparents for babysitting would be offensive and unheard of in their culture. The idea of paying, they said, would appall their parents. Imagine the scandal at the next family gathering if you tried to pay Grandma! Better keep your wallet tucked away unless you want to start a family feud.

Generational Differences

One user found the idea of paying grandparents strange because theirs practically raised them for free. She explained that her grandparents even paid for private school tuition despite not being wealthy. Talk about dedication! For her, providing free childcare was a family duty, not a job. Guess the old-school grandparents had hearts (and wallets) of gold!

Grandparents Have Lives Too

Another handler pointed out that grandparents don’t owe free childcare as they have their own lives, friends, hobbies, and part-time jobs. Believe it or not, they have better things to do than babysit for free! They argued that expecting regular, unpaid childcare is entitled and unfair. Grandparents have social lives, too—who knew?

Favor or Burden?

This person found it laughable that some people think grandparents should be grateful for the opportunity to babysit for free. They felt that expecting grandparents to see unpaid babysitting as a favor was exhausting and self-centered. Maybe they come from a dream world where free childcare grows on trees!

Paying for Full-Time Babysitting

One user reported that they paid their mom for full-time babysitting, insisting on it even though she did not ask. The idea of asking someone to work full-time without compensation struck them as utterly absurd. It’s only fair, right? Full-time job, full-time pay—seems like a no-brainer!

Long-Term Childcare Commitment

A Redditor described their extensive childcare duties for their grandchildren, including daily school pickups and summer care. Contributions for gas and food were welcomed, with a light-hearted mention of how much their grandkids ate.

No Payment Expected

Another handler shared that her mom frequently babysits for free and would reject any attempt at payment. The explanation was that her mom frequently volunteers to take care of the children, even hosting sleepovers, and would likely refuse the money if offered by throwing it back at her.

Creative Contributions

One Redditor mentioned they tried paying their parents, but the money always came back. To get around this, they started buying food and supplies and leaving them at their parents’ house, framing them as essentials “for the baby.” Sneaky but effective!

A Part-Time Job

Somebody believed that paying for 12-15 hours of weekly childcare was fair since it aligns with part-time work hours. According to them, no one is obligated to provide free childcare, and it’s reasonable to compensate grandparents for their regular babysitting efforts.

Free Family Time

One Redditor who works as a nanny noted that grandparents often relieve them for free, allowing parents to save money and grandparents to enjoy quality time with their grandbabies. Talk about a win-win situation.

Priceless Bonding

Believing that the joy of spending time with grandchildren should be its own reward, this person expressed that their family and in-laws are happy to babysit without expecting payment. But really, what does ‘should’ even mean in this context?

Covering Essentials

A user mentioned they only pay for transportation when grandparents babysit, especially for events like date nights. She pointed out that the main reason for relying on family is the inability to afford regular childcare in the first place. Entitled much!