Going rate for Grandparents

[Snewt]

Hello - I am a first time Mum of a 4 month old son and new to Mumsnet. I am due to return to work soon. Is there a "going rate" to offer Grandparents for looking after DS whilst I'm at work?

[JackieNo]

Welcome to Mumsnet, Snewt. Sorry - can't answer your question, but this will 'bump' your thread to the top of the pile, so to speak - hopefully someone who knows will spot it.

[Judy1234]

Not sure. I think a lot do it for nothing. Probaboly in law you have to pay the minimum wage unless it's voluntary but there might be exceptions for family members, not sure.

[Judy1234]

.. that's if they're employees I suppose.

[Snewt]

I'm sure they're not expecting payment and will probably refuse what we offer them anyway, but I felt we should offer them something. I am sure DS will get taken out and spent a fortune on by the Grandparents. Of course, we will supply them with all the kit they need to have him for a day, but I just thought some money, even if just a token gesture or to cover their expenses, should be offered - I just wasn't sure how much. Obviously a day in the company of my lovely little boy will be payment enough (only joking - I'm sure they will be exhausted by the time I get home!!)

[JackieNo]

Maybe a present every few weeks, rather than actual cash. Flowers, or a cake, chocolates or wine?

[wakeupandsmellthecoffee]

Or maybe save the money up and send them for a weekend away .

[Surfermum]

My parents look after dd for 2 days when I work. We don't pay them and I'm sure they wouldn't accept it anyway, they love having the time with her. What we do is every now and then take them out for a meal or a day trip with dd somewhere.

[Twiglett]

if you do pay them don't they have to be registered childminders or does that not count for relatives??

[Gobbledigook]

Cup of tea and a sandwich.

That's all JT gets - plus my sparkling conversation and the love her beautiful grandsons. Who could ask for more?

[SherlockLGJ]

Jools told me she wasn't pursuing payment,.............. but was hoping your conscience would lead you to this..........

[anniebear]

you don't have to be registered if it is family

[whiffy]

My mum & dad laughed at me when I suggested it, but then I just went ahead and deposited money direct into their bank account every month. And now they can go on nice holidays every now and then which they could never do before and everyone's happy. They also remind me again and again that if money's tight I should stop paying.

I pay 30 per day and am sure they spend at least 10 a day on treats and entry fees to zoos/play areas etc for him.

[Gobbledigook]

Er, Jools doesn't need me to buy her one of those!!

[Snewt]

Thanks everybody - some great advice. I especially like the idea of either putting the money aside and sending them for a weekend away or taking them out for meals/day trips every few weeks.