Childcare. Would you?

[Gonnagetgoingreturnsagain]

My DB has got some film work which involves him working abroad for 6 weeks maybe more. His wife works but sometimes long hours. They’ve got a toddler and 7 year old and need help with drop offs and pick ups. I currently don’t work apart from volunteering work, I’ve got time to do this. Would you do this if you were me? I’ve childminded young children in the past but a long time ago. Kids are good with me and I drive.

Why are you asking? What are you worried about?

depends on my relationship with DB probably.

presumably he’s earning more for this opportunity so has the means to pay for additional childcare rather than relying on free labour from the women around him

Yes I’d help

I’d ask to be paid.

I’m just worried I may be taking on too much. The kids can be hard work. But I spend a lot of time with them.

Well it would seem pretty unkind to say no. I'm sure they would compensate you for your help and by your own account doing it's for a few weeks wouldn't inconvenience you in any way.

Good relationship. I just think the kids may be better with me rather than some random childcare they don’t know.

They haven’t asked yet. Think they’re going down paid childcare.

Of course I’d help, but if you already spend a lot of time with them, their parents may expect you to do it for free. Aren’t their rules about paying a family member for childcare?

I’m sure I’ll be shot down for this answer but no, I wouldn’t help everyday. I’d do the odd day if they couldn’t arrange anything else but otherwise I wouldn’t want to be restricted like that for six weeks.

If they haven't asked why are you wondering whether you want to do it or not? If they are arranging alternative childcare then I'm not sure what you're asking for?

Yes but I think they’re backed into a corner and wouldn’t think of asking me, yet.

Do you have children of your own to consider?

I think it would be really odd to offer to watch your nieces and nephews but say you need to be paid, when they haven’t even asked.

Or maybe they would prefer to use paid professional childcare as many people do rather than using family. If they are paying regardless then most would prefer to not blur the lines between business and family.

It's odd you think they are backed into a corner? It's pretty normal to pay for childcare and it seems like they have considered this prior to him taking the new job.

No.

They’d pay me anyway as he’s getting paid a lot. Plus I’m not working. But do have income.

I'd offer as a formal of family support, not expecting payment.

I couldn't take payment from my sibling for this

I’ve decided to let them get outside childcare.

Them offering is different to you asking. That’s my point.

If you offered and they said they’d pay you that’s great. If they asked you and you said you’d could only do it if they paid you then that’s your understandable choice. Though not one I’d make for short term help, unless I needed the money.
but you can’t offer without being asked and then also ask for money.

They would pay me. Not childcare rates but liveable wage. My DB would love for me to do it. The only other times they’ve asked family and a friend to help it’s not worked out that well but like I say I know the kids well and how to handle them. I also know the area well and what they do eg after school. My parents currently drop the eldest off to music lesson nearby and Stagecoach on 2 different days. Eldest would also be in breakfast and after school club.

I don’t really need the money but I know if I offered they’d insist I was paid.

Yes I’d offer to at least do it a few days a week

My DB would love for me to do it

I'm going to be honest I don't think this is accurate. The fact they haven't asked actually suggests they would instead prefer to pay for professional childcare.