Watching LO's.. childcare.

Resi · #1 January 21st, 2010, 06:40 PM

Should I feel guilty/bad for charging a friend to watch her son two full days next month? She is in my mommy's playgroup. She knows I watch a few other children and emailed asking if I would be willing to watch him. Her IL's are going on a cruise and she has to find childcare for those two days. I emailed her back saying I could watch him and gave her my daily rate. I can't help but feel bad because I know her as a friend. I have watched her son once before for a couple hours while her and her hubby went to a Halloween party. I did it without being paid although she offered to pay me. I just didn't feel right about taking money for only a couple hours. But I do want to get paid for these two full days because it's two 9 hour days. It will be a long day with two active toddlers running around. What do you think?

Also, I might start watching a little girl that is 18 months from our playdate group. It will be FT if my friend gets a job she just interviewed for. What am I getting myself into?

I think it will be good for Oliver to have someone his age around but it means I won't have those days alone with Oliver anymore. My friend did say she has no problem with me taking them to library time or a Gymboree class. I just don't know how I would manage two toddlers getting in and out of the car and into a building. I guess I would figure it out. And just as a reminder I already watch a 6 month old boy on Thurs and Fri,

LisanAndy · #2 January 21st, 2010, 06:48 PM

I wouldn't feel bad, those are long days! I think you'd do fine watching the 18 month old. Taylor was 17 months when Rylie was born and I found it harder physically to care for them both back then but now that Rylie's moblie and active it's much easier and I have little patience LoL! I'm sure you can handle two at the same age. I bet it'll be a blast for Oliver

ShannonMVT · #3 January 21st, 2010, 06:58 PM

I think that is reasonable. I think it if it was a thing where the favor was being returned (like she was going to watch Oliver for you sometime in the future) then I wouldn't charge. I'm sure she'll be fine with it since she offered to pay you for watching her son for a few hours the last time you did it.

Resi · #4 January 21st, 2010, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShannonMVT

I think that is reasonable. I think it if it was a thing where the favor was being returned (like she was going to watch Oliver for you sometime in the future) then I wouldn't charge. I'm sure she'll be fine with it since she offered to pay you for watching her son for a few hours the last time you did it.

She asked in her email how much I charge so she is planning on paying me. For some reason I feel bad about saying how much although it's reasonable. WHen I watched her son last time she said we could trade off but I never took advantage of it. Damon and I are over protective and don't want to leave him. We have never done a "date" night since he was born. We always have him with us if we go out for dinner or something.

Lisa, I think or know I can handle it. I just hope I don't run out of patience! Some days are frusterating with Oliver and the 6 month old. I do think it will be easier with an 18 month old that doesn't require as much care as a baby.

ShannonMVT · #5 January 21st, 2010, 07:07 PM

Don't feel bad then! I'm sure she is glad to have someone she trusts to watch her son and also Oliver there to be a good playmate. I know what you mean b/c I'd probably feel the same way, but I bet she'll be fine with what you charge.

We are overprotective too...we've only had relatives watch Matthew a handful of times and never more than a couple hours. On the plus side we took him to dinner with us the other night and he was so good and cooperative that it was almost like having a real date.

Mod-LadyCoconut · #6 January 21st, 2010, 08:14 PM

I think its always awkward when you're talking about how much a friend should pay you for something, whether its a service or an item of some kind. I know when I would wait tables on my friends or something it was always kind of awkward. Or if someone is selling something and they just say to make an offer or whatever it makes me uncomfortable. So I can totally see why you might feel weird about it, but I'm sure she wants to pay you what you would normally charge someone, and like Shannon said, is just glad to have someone she trusts and a playmate in Oliver is an added bonus. I wouldn't worry about it, I'd just be thankful the 'negotiating' was done via email b/c I'd be even more awkward IRL.

#7 January 21st, 2010, 08:52 PM

If she asked for your rates, it is alll good! She would probably feel bad for leaving her child with you that long without paying. I know I would. So no, I wouldn't feel bad, but relieved. She most likely doesn't want you to think she is trying to take advantage of your friendship.

I agree that watching the other 18 month old may be really great for Oliver. I suppose it could go either way, but as another overprotective mom, it is nice to be able to give Oliver socialization under your guidance. I can understand missing that time alone with him though.

*kyle* · #8 January 21st, 2010, 09:40 PM

If I was the other mom, I would totally expect to pay the going rate for 2 full days of childcare. I agree that it would be different only if there were a favor trade-off going on between you two, or some kind of standing babysitting swap where she watched your kid for an equivalent time. Otherwise, you're providing a service, and can fairly expect to be paid. I would not think she would find that odd.

JediRach · #9 January 21st, 2010, 09:44 PM

I wouldn't feel bad charging. Sounds like she was planning on it anyway.

Frozendesire · #10 January 21st, 2010, 09:47 PM

I'd totally charge (although I can understand how you are feeling and I would feel the same) especially since it's 2 FULL days and not just a night here and there.

You'll do fine with the two! Getting in and out of the car can be tricky but after a few times you'll get a routine that works for you. For me I stick Curtis in the car, let him roam while I buckle up Dustin, then I come back and buckle Curtis. That way he's safe in the car while I'm concentrating on Dustin. Just a tip

You'll do great though!

Bre*n*Will=Reid · #11 January 21st, 2010, 09:54 PM

I think that its totally reasonable given the fact that you watch another baby and get paid for it. This is your "thing", ya know? If she asked how much you would charge she obviously intended to pay you something.

For reference: My mom's best friend lives with her and doesn't work (long story, but she lives off of like $1000/mo that she gets from a lawsuit that she won a long time ago). She LOVES watching Reid. Every now and then I will ask her to watch Reid for 1 day (if daycare is closed, like MLK day this week). I don't pay her for that. However, if she watches him for a full week I will pay her just a little less than what I pay my normal daycare lady. She usually tries to decline it, but I sneak it in her room or something

Moral of story: If it were just a few hours I wouldn't charge, but two full days? Yes.

Mars · #12 January 22nd, 2010, 04:07 AM

It's always a bit awkward but you shouldn't feel bad. You could charge a reduced rate if you want.

Resi · #13 January 22nd, 2010, 04:15 AM

I feel a bit better after reading that everyone doesn't think it's bad to make her pay. She does know this is what I do to make extra money for our family. If it was only a couple hours I would not charge but since it's two full days I'm charging. Thanks everyone for making me feel better.

Angelaosaurus-rex · #14 January 22nd, 2010, 05:30 AM

I would charge too! But I understand the awkwardness.

Thats aweome you might be watching another toddler!!! I bet Oliver will love it! LOL I'm sure it will be "fun" at first getting them both out of the car and everything but I bet you will get the hang of it quick!