How much money to offer family for looking after my children

[Runki]

Hello Mumsnetters!

I am having to have an operation later in the year and will be out of action for about ten days. Some friends of mine with similarly aged children (fourteen and twelve) are very generously looking after my children for me for the ten days (I am a single Mum).

I am thinking of offering them £200 to cover their expenses. My eldest eats like a horse. What do you think of this amount? Too little? Too much? I will try to supply as many clothes as possible so that they have to do as little washing as possible, but am thinking of food and water and electricity.

Would be very grateful to know your thoughts as I have no idea if this is an unreasonable amount or not.

Thank you!

I think £20 a day will cover their food and as a friend I'd be reluctant to take money but if it were agreed I think it's reasonable.

@IsometimeswonderwhoIam Thank you so much for replying. That's really helpful. 😀

I agree it's a reasonable amount to offer your kind-hearted friends,

If they refuse then you could spend that amount on a gift for them when you've recovered from your surgery.

@Westfacing Thank you so much; great advice. 😀

Seems reasonable to me.

However as a friend I would decline it. I'd want to help.

If they do then you could get a take out for them all the last night or take them out for dinner or something.

I think its a very appropriate amount.
Will they have school dinners or need packed lunches? I would definitely encourage them to have school dinners to make life easier for hosting family.

They are very kind to offer to have your children, and you are very appropriately offering money to cover expenses, it's very refreshing to see that on here.

Hope your surgery goes well

@itsgettingweird Brilliant idea. Thank you!

@Bushmillsbabe Thank you very much for your kind comment. Excellent idea about the school lunches - they have a system where they have an account each and I will just have to make sure that they have enough money in their accounts for the days that are school days. Yes, it will be less for the family to do. Thank you again!

Maybe if they decline the cash you could get a supermarket gift voucher and pop it in the card so they can put it towards a food shop? X

This is a great idea. Many people wouldn't accept cash as it feels like payment, but would accept a voucher. OP if you know where they shop, I would give then this along with some wine/chocs.

@DaisyChain505 Thank you! That's such a good idea.

@Bushmillsbabe Thank you! I do know where they shop as we have a standing joke that we always see each other in there, so it would be perfect to get them a voucher. Excellent idea!💡 Thank you to you and @DaisyChain505

I think it's bang on as it will cover their food and any other consumables and also any emergencies such as if they need to be taken in a taxi or something and enough for a take away for all of them

Sorry I think that’s peanuts. She is providing 10 days of childcare, that’s a HUGE favour. If you had to get paid help in, that would cost you 10 times as much.

I’d do that for no money at all. She’s not doing it for business, she’s doing it because she’s a friend.

I like this idea I think cash would feel transactional but a supermarket voucher would be very appreciated (although declined at first) and more like a gift. Do insist they take it! Good luck with the surgery ☺️

They sound great. If you can afford it I'd offer a little more I think especially if one eats like a horse 🙂

How many kids do you have?

Yes to the packed lunches, and yes to the supermarket voucher - for the right supermarket - rather than cash.

Put the gift voucher in a thank you card so it can’t be refused!!
but also remember that it’s nice to do nice things for others. It’s good for the soul and your wellbeing so it’s not without its rewards!

it’s also nice to have a favour banked for the future in case they need help!!

Sounds fair. When my mum dumped me on my best friend for a month (not comparing her situation to yours) she gave her mum £100 for the entire month. It wasn't enough. 20 a day sounds fine