how much should the holiday cover minder charge?

[CrackopentheBaileys]

Hi all,

Dilemma!!

My mother-in-law is also a minder, and we cover eachother for sick days, appointments etc. We do this free of charge to the parents and as a helping hand to eachother really, and it works really well.

However, synchronising holidays with my mindee's parents this year has been impossible due to weddings, so my MIL is going to cover a week for one of my parents. I am taking it as my holiday too, but I'm just wondering how much you think she should charge?
Obviously, I think she deserves to be paid for her work, but full fees? Half fees? What would you do?

Anyone there.... hey you're all doing paperwork aren't you?!

I would expect the childminder providing cover to get the same as you would have charged for the week's minding.

I would say the same as you would have charged too. Was busy pouring glass of wine -bugger the paperwork! (am I allowed to say 'bugger' on here).

well you did

I just didn't want to tell him this without getting some opinions first.
He has never had to before as the holidays have alwyas been synchronised. I feel like an arse actually because I'm 'demanding' my week in Aug. But if I don't do this I wont get ANY time off with dc's.... very unfair on them!

She should be paid what she normally charges.

i covered for a friend and only got for three children, what I charge for two, I wouldn't really have minded too much, but I gave up a day of my holiday, as I only mind term time only. I didn't realise she charged a lot less than me, makes them bring their food, and I provided it all!

I always pay her my rate when she covers for me, and send prepared meals, so she ends up better off!

Next time I will invoice the parents directly.