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Paying grandparent for childcare

179 replies

NewGoldFox · 24/12/2025 01:18

We pay mil £160 a month for two days a week of drop offs and pick ups for two pre teens. We have a dog so she spends time with the dog but doesn’t walk him or anything like that and there is no expectation from us for her to spend the day with him.
I asked my husband if he would be paying the full £160 this month as due to illness and annual leave mil has ended up doing 1 week of the usual childcare. He has said yes he will be paying the full amount. Am I being unreasonable to expect not to pay the full whack? She does help us out an extra day over the summer holidays although it doesn’t work out as an extra day a week as I take annual leave and husband does also to spend time with the children over holidays.
Interested in other peoples points of view on the arrangement.

OP posts:
JMSA · 24/12/2025 01:41

NewGoldFox · 24/12/2025 01:38

£160 isn’t peanuts to me, it would be cheaper to go with before and after school clubs but the children prefer to be with Nanny and I prefer them to be able to relax at home.
I wasn’t suggesting that we wouldn’t pay it either, I was just surprised it was assumed I suppose.

Edited

But they’re your kids!

NewGoldFox · 24/12/2025 01:38

£160 isn’t peanuts to me, it would be cheaper to go with before and after school clubs but the children prefer to be with Nanny and I prefer them to be able to relax at home.
I wasn’t suggesting that we wouldn’t pay it either, I was just surprised it was assumed I suppose.

OP posts:
IndigoIsMyFavouriteColour · 24/12/2025 01:25

I think it’s right to pay the full amount, it’s such a small amount for th work that she does.

omggggggg · 24/12/2025 01:21

£160 a month is peanuts. Dont be so tight. See how much a childminder costs instead