Wwyd? Trip money

[itsnotfair10]

Hi there
I'm having a bit of an internal debate with myself so I thought I would see what others do and if my idea is the done thing.

My son goes to a childminder two days a week. She is paid by the hour and is extremely good value for money.

She is a lovely lady and takes the children to various outings, on the bus and train etc (she doesn't drive)

Today when I picked my son up she informed me that she had taken them today to a cafe and got them all a sausage and chips tea. Totally fine with that, but it made me think - she pays for all of this stuff out of her own pocket. Trips out, entrance to soft plays etc and she never asks for any extra money. Her hourly rate would never be enough to cover all of that.

So I thought maybe I should put a little purse in his bag with some change in which I would tell her is for trips and snacks out etc which I will keep topped up. Does this sound like a good idea? Does anyone else do this?

[PotteringAlong]

I think that sounds like a lovely idea and although she doesn't expect it I am sure she would appreciate it.

[Gizlotsmum]

I think that sounds lovely...

[Akire]

Lovely to offer, guess if some parents said no she has a choice not to go or pay for everyone. Yes the park is free but if it's been raining for 3 weeks soft play is great too.

it shows you appreciate her too

[Frouby]

I think that sounds like a really good idea. My dsis uses a similar childminder and she gives her a little purse with about £20 in. She did have to tell her to use it though as after about 2 months she still hadn't topped it up and they had been places.

[chowchowchow]

Yes. Lovely idea.

[ImprovingMyMH]

I do this too, it's only fair to my lovely childminder . She doesn't expect it, but she really appreciates it.

[itsnotfair10]

Thanks all.

She is amazing and my son loves her. I'm grateful that she takes him to lots of places so only seems fair that I contribute to that. Don't want to cause a rift with any of the other parents just think she is paid to look after him not to take him out or feed him etc.

[uhoh2016]

She will probably collect the receipts and use them as expenses on her tax return (if she doesn't she should) . Childminders do get reduced rates in some places (soft play etc) but I agree these shouldn't be at her personal expense. When I looked into a child minder I was told they go to certain places /groups on certain days and I'd be expected to pay extra for these which seemed reasonable to Me.
She sounds like a lovely lady. I would ask her 1st tho tbh she may have included a certain amount of what she charges you for treats/trips anyway.