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AIBU?

To spend £3 per meal per child?

35 replies

VaseofRoses · 06/03/2016 19:12

My mum (an ex-nanny) is going to look after my 2 year old and my friend's 5 year old every Friday. This is obviously really nice of her and although she is insisting on not taking payment I want to make sure she is not out of pocket for meals. I have no idea what is fair but want to offer something and ask my friend for something too. I was thinking £3 per meal. This is in London and will be nice food.

Would like to canvas opinion! Can I ask, how much do you think you spend on food per meal for a child?

OP posts:
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AndNowItsSeven · 06/03/2016 19:18

With a drink? At least £6 per child.

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MrsNoraCharles · 06/03/2016 19:19

Sounds on the low side to me to be honest. Will she cook at home or will she sometimes take them out? As soon as she takes them anywhere it'll be more than £3.

£3 sounds a bit skimpy really. £5 each seems fairer. Depends where you are though I suppose.

£5 each is still the cheapest childcare ever.

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MrsNoraCharles · 06/03/2016 19:20

And now I'm thinking about snacks too....

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Eebahgum · 06/03/2016 19:27

Are you asking how much I spend on a meal cooked at home (£3 is plenty) or to take them out somewhere (£3 is nowhere near enough).

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ineedaholidaynow · 06/03/2016 19:29

Would your mum have to register as a childminder if there is money involved as one of the children she is looking after is not her grandchild?

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ThatAnneGirl · 06/03/2016 19:29

Out? Surely you can't eat out in London and have nice food for £3. If it's in her house I would say it's fine. Though I think I'd rather give her £5 a time.

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Junosmum · 06/03/2016 19:30

Cooked at home, with drinks and snacks £3 should be fine. Out and it isn't nearly enough.

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witsender · 06/03/2016 19:30

No way £3 for a nice kids meal in most places, let alone big cities. I would give her £20 if you are genuinely wanting to cover it all, drinks etc of £10 if you are thinking more token gesture.

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witsender · 06/03/2016 19:31

Cooked at home, £3 is fine. I would prob give her £10 to cover both.

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Believeitornot · 06/03/2016 19:31

Do you mean she is taking them or every Friday?

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Believeitornot · 06/03/2016 19:32

Taking them out every Friday

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StealthPolarBear · 06/03/2016 19:32

But they won't be eating out, will they?

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coffeeinaredmug · 06/03/2016 19:33

I am assuming they will be eating in. I would say £10 per week for all food including snacks would be fair.

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grumpysquash3 · 06/03/2016 19:36

How about leaving her with an envelope of cash which you keep topped up. If they are eating out, she can pay out of that (whatever it costs). You could agree on an amount if she caters (£3 per child sounds good. That should cover a small cooked dinner, yoghurt, piece of fruit, snacks)

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expatinscotland · 06/03/2016 19:36

Too little, even if cooked at home.

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Boomingmarvellous · 06/03/2016 19:40

If it's just lunch a cheese and tomato sandwich and a yoghurt and banana or Apple would be about £3 if at home.

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Viviennemary · 06/03/2016 19:42

I don't think your Mum should be looking after somebody else's child free on a regular basis. It 's taking advantage really. So the cost of the meal is neither here nor there IMHO.

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Monica101 · 06/03/2016 19:53

For a made at home lunch with nice food I'd offer a minimum of £6.

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Monica101 · 06/03/2016 19:54

That's per child btw, so £12 for both but I'd round up to £15.

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FreeButtonBee · 06/03/2016 19:57

Seriously? £3 per meal home cooked is loads! And I worship at the altar of the Ginger Pig and Ocado.

Obviously it's nothing if you mean eating out. Although I can get fish and chips for 2 3yo for a fiver including a glass of milk and ice cream.

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Jesabel · 06/03/2016 20:09

I'd be giving her a £10 per child "kitty" every week to cover food, softplay entrance etc.

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moralminority · 06/03/2016 20:10

Why don't you and your friend just make a packed lunch for each child? I think if she is taking them out then you should cover her meal too tbh. Just a little thank you for having them both.

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Sgtmajormummy · 06/03/2016 20:20

You CAN make a kid's meal for £3 but with basic ingredients and no room for treats or shortcuts. Do you really want your DM to scrimp and save to stick to a budget when she's already offering you and another mother free childcare???

I'd say £5 per day minimum including snacks and adjust if necessary.

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strongswans · 06/03/2016 20:33

I think £3 for home cooked meal would be fine, but theres snacks to, sometimes lunch/snack out I would guess. If she is looking after them for free then I agree with Jesabel a kitty per child per week would be a great idea. Gives your Mum the freedom to spend it on whatever she feels they need.

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Peasandsweetcorn · 06/03/2016 20:53

What is this supposed to cover? Your mum's food as well or just that of the children? Just the food element or elec/gas too? Will your friend's child be having lunch at school?
I wouldn't expect to spend £15 on food for a 5yo. Just thinking it through (based on what 6yo DD will be eating tomorrow)

Drinks
1 pint milk (during course of day) - 25p
Water - free

Breakfast
2 X weetabix - 25p
Banana - 20p

Lunch
Cheese & tomato sandwich - 60p
Apple - 20p
Yogurt - 40p
Chopped carrot, cucumber, pepper - 40p

Tea
Chicken casserole with peas & rice - £1.50
Kiwi & strawberries - 75p

Snacks
Hot cross bun - 40p
Pasta pesto - 50p
Satsuma - 30th

So about £5.50 all in and that is with an extra mini meal of pasta pesto as DD has sport after school on a Monday.

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