Should grandparents be paid to look after their grandchildren?
Grandparents should only look after their grandchildren while their parents work because they want to. They should be appreciated, thanked – but not paid. This very issue arose this week, when one new dad explained on Reddit the bad feeling that had arisen when his parents-in-law had asked for $400 (£312) per week of babysitting, and $100 (£78) per weekend, when he and his wife went back to work.
A mum has sparked a debate after wondering if she should pay her mum for looking after her child when she returns to work. On parenting site Mumsnet the user explained that she has been on maternity leave, but is about to return to work part-time. She has turned to her mum and dad to help look after her baby daughter, but while they’ve agreed they have asked for a monetary contribution for the childcare.
Around nine million grandparents help look after their grandchildren, spending an average of more than eight hours a week as childcarers. And research by the insurance company Ageas shows this saves UK parents a total of £16 billion a year in childcare costs, or £1,786 a year per family.
Benefits and Disadvantages of Grandparents Looking After Grandchildren
While there are certainly benefits to grandparents looking after their grandchildren, there are also a number of disadvantages to consider. Grandparents may experience physical limitations, financial strain, loss of independence, and generational differences.
How can I get paid for watching my grandchild?
Grandparents provide part-time childcare for working parents. This saves families over £16 billion a year in childcare costs. However, caring for grandchildren can mean missing income grandparents could earn by working. It also has costs like healthcare as grandparents age. Some ask to be paid for this service. One wanted $12 per hour but the parents could only afford $10. Others think grandparents should happily help family without pay.
A mum with a new baby asked if paying her parents £50 a week for childcare is normal. Some say children’s welfare comes first when deciding childcare. Others argue no one should assume family members will provide free childcare.
Around nine million UK grandparents care for grandchildren over eight hours a week. This provides relief for parents. Two in ten regularly care for grandkids, saving parents £1,786 yearly.
Caring for grandchildren lets grandparents get credits towards their state pension. Adoption makes the relationship between grandparent and grandchild permanent. To get custody, grandparents must legally prove they can provide best for the kids.
Grandparents can open savings accounts for grandkids and teach financial lessons. Those with low incomes can qualify for tax credits by raising grandchildren. There are also support groups and resources available.
Some think contributing towards grandparents’ expenses is reasonable for extensive care. Grandparents deserve compensation since childcare is a job requiring much responsibility.
With planning, relatives may provide childcare willingly. But parents should not expect family members to sacrifice their time without appreciation. In the end, open communication allows families to reach agreements benefiting all.