Babysitting for free??

Question

I babysat my sister’s twin 1.5yo daughters for 6 hours on my one day off. It was nice to spend time with my nieces but they are a handful and I didn’t expect it to be that long (she told me 3hrs max) I also didn’t expect to be paid because it’s family, but I would have appreciated it if she offered. She and her fiancé asked if I could watch them again next week, if you were in my position would you ask to be paid or no?

Answer

If not paid at least have them order you a meal 😂 you are doing them a favor after all

Answer

I would ask to be paid. I have two kids that are less than 2 years apart. I always paid anyone that watched them for me either in actual money or gifts/food/gas. They are not your responsibility and if you feel it's necessary to get paid for your time and services, it's reasonable. IF you feel slightly uncomfortable you can also try the 50/50 approach. Every other time you get paid IF the length of time is comparable. Whichever is longest is the amount you get paid. So let's say you babysit twice in a month and the first is 6 hours but the second is only 1 hour, you charge her for the 6 hours. I get that parents need breaks etc BUT it isn't something that should come at a cost for those around them. Get paid. Or set boundaries around your days off. You can also try letting them know you can but only for a set amount of time. If they go over that, they need to have someone show up to watch the kids and that unless it's an emergency it'll be your last time watching them.

Answer

I just wouldn’t babysit for her again. She told you 3 hours and was gone for 6. That’s completely disrespectful of your time. If she apologizes/you want to babysit again, then I would tell her she needs to pay.

Answer

Say the first 3 hours are on me, after that it’s $20/hr. You can be sarcastic or direct and to the point. So yes, ask. Then Venmo request after 3 hours so they know you’re serious

Answer

I would ask to be paid probably.
6 hours is a long time. And it sounds like it was a job more than fun.

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I would ask to be paid its twins. I used to take care of my aunts 1 child at the time and even if he would be mainly asleep she paid me at leaast $20 especially if they want you to do it again next week. Now they're thinking free child care and they could take advantage. You could say if its more than 2 to 3 hours then you have to give me some money

Answer

If it were me, i would tell them they either needed to be home exactly when they said they would be or pay me for every minute they are late. Family or not, thats highly disrepectful and a complete disregard of your time.

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If it was my family I wouldn’t expect to be paid and if it’s too much for you just say you can’t do it. Especially if you feel like their time frame isn’t reliable on how long you’re going to be looking after them.

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I’ve never asked my siblings to pay me to watch their kids and I’ve also never payed them. But I also would make it known if they tell me a time they need to stick to it.

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No, I would never ask my sister to pay for having my nieces or nephews over. The only time I think it's appropriate is if you watch them every day so that she can work.

Babysitting for free??

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