babysitting etiquette.

[Flossam]

A good (childless) friend of mine is coming to babysit DS tonight while I am out booze cruising it. [excited emoticon] I have brought her wine, pizza and ice cream and will pay for her taxi home. Should I also offer he money for her time? Opinions please and what you do would be most appreciated.

Personally, if she's a good friend I'd say no, but give her a gift 'from' ds acouple of days later? Flowers or something, depending how much of a hassle it is for her, if its a one off etc.

I think the wine and ice cream will do nicely!

Personally if I had a friend babysitting I would do as you have and provide her with goodies etc but I wouldn't pay her as she is a friend who is doing it as one of the things friends so IYKWIM! I would be sure that when she needs help with decorating or something similar I'd be ready to return the favour. HTH

Mustrunmore, that is a nice idea, thank you. Will see what DS can arrange! Thanks everyone.

couple of mags to read tonight might be good
tv crap
i wouldnt want paying the goodies would be good enough for me
have a fab night tonight you lucky thing

Definitely no pay.

I would just leave out lots of treats and offer to reciprocate in future (not with babysitting but something you has and she needs. When I used to look after a friend's children, she let me borrow the car for a trip to Ikea (groan). Not suggesting you lend her yours, but you get the idea....)

Now just realised that you are out as we speak! Hope you had a good time.

No money - that would be rude

Fags or booze from the booze cruise would be fine

Or just make sure you repay the favour with one she will value just as much...maybe dropping everything next time she has a boyfriend crisis...