Can I charge my family for babysitting?!

[quirky22]

Seriously annoyed! My sister got a promotion at work, and now works 5 closing shifts a night. She had originally asked me if I would babysit her 4 yo DD 1 night a week, and I said no. (I think her DD is hard to handle) So she hired a sitter, and I told her, IF you are stuck in a serious bind, I can help you out, but not all the time. Well, she asked me to watch her DD tomorrow, and since it's only for 3 hours, I didn't think it was a big deal. I have been feeling a little stressed with my DD and her attitude, and the upcoming surprise 50th this weekend, AT MY HOUSE, WITH 65 GUESTS. Well, I was talking to her tonight, kind of venting, and she mentioned if I wanted she could call a co-worker and as if she'd babysit. (she's babysat a few times for my sister)What gets me is, WHY is she asking me when she has someone else she can ask? Is it cause it's free with me? I am called on a weekly basis, by either my sister or brother to babysit. I NEVER ask for a sitter. (we can't afford to splurge and go out.) I feel like I want to start charging. I mean, they are just taking advantage of me!!!! (I watched my brothers youngest today! and do so every other week, cause they can't afford childcare for all 3 kids. (don't even get me started on that!!!!) Is it wrong to ask for money if they constantly ask me to babysit?!

[onlyoneboy]

Not at all. Either that or trade for babysitting services. That's what I do with my brother. I watch their kids they watch mine.

[mickeymk]

If you don't want to do it just tell them no. You are the one letting them take advantage of you, if that is how you feel about it. I would look at it that you get to spend time with your niece or nephew. I would also ask them to watch my kid on occassion even if it is just to run to the grocery store - do you remember how nice it is to go grocery shopping with no kids?

We have family that we ask to watch our kids once a week and we do not pay them. She LIKES to do it. She does it so she can spend time with them otherwise she may not see them for months.

So, I guess you decide what you want, if you feel you are being taken advantage of say no. If you want to spend time with them and look at it that way then say yes. YOU are in control of how you see this situation and if you choose not to ask anyone to ever watch your kid that is your choice - heck if I had other family close that I could ask to take my kids even to clean the house or take a nap I'd do it! Having a sitter doesn't mean you need to go out and spend money. You could also have a date night at home, make dinner and watch a movie - no splurging there. Sometimes we just nee to redirect our way of think to positive instead of negative negative negative.

I hope this helps

[quirky22]

you're right MK. I am so close to my family, and live in such close proximity to them, that I don't need to babysit to see my nieces and nephews. Most of the kids are so close in age, and it's stressful for me to take on the kids. My niece and DD FIGHT. Over EVERYTHING.

Certainly something to think about. Thanks Ladies.

[bumblebee23]

Well if they are coming over there on a consistant basis I don't really think it is out of line to ask for so much money a week to help with food/snack expenses or other fun things you would like to do with them.

It could be that they are asking you because you ARE family and it can be not only expensive but hard to trust a daycare with your kids.

Also you may not be asking them to watch your child but that is your choice. If you ever wanted to get out or even just have a day to yourself to releive some of your stress why not try asking one of them to take your kid for the day.

[ReneeW]

I was thinking the same as MO--maybe doing a sitter swap with them would be a better situation. Even if you're not going out, see if your sibs would trade hours so you could go for a walk, run errands solo, meet a pal for coffee, go to the library and read a good book, stuff like that. Alone "me" time might be worth it and have value to you.