How much should I pay my sister for childcare?

minnie123

I am going back to work in a few weeks after maternity leave and my sister is going to be looking after my 9 month old two days a week. She offered to do this and doesn't have a proper job as such (she just does wedding makeup and the occassional beauty treatment for people). I don't want her to do it for free because I feel too cheeky. But I am not that well off financially so I want to know what people think is a fair amount to pay her that is not cheap but not over the top.

Initially I thought I would pay her a fixed monthly amount, but now I realise I have lot of holiday to use so I am going to try and cut down my days by using one day a week. So I think it would make more sense to pay a daily amount when she has him.

I am going to be supplying nappies, food etc.. so she won't have to fork out for that. Although I can imagine she will treat him because that is what she is like.

So what do you think is a fair amount?

jacksons_mum

just so you have something to go off, i used to pay £35 a day in nursery fees when my son was a baby.

i think it depends on why she wants to look after him, if she just wants to do it to spend more time with him then a small token amount would do, but if she is hoping for a little extra income from it then maybe you should discuss with her how much she would like?

jacksons_mum

also, i think if you pay her she will have to declare it as income so it could affect her own tax credits etc.

lilac_lady

How about paying a monthly bill for her by direct debit so that the money issue doesn't come up a lot? Council tax or fuel bill maybe?

Susan_Frost

Find out what the going rate is locally for childminders, per hour. Contact local childminders and ask them, or I believe the council have lists. It will vary in different areas.

Then discuss it honestly with her.

If you cannot afford that amount, say so, but that you would like to pay her something she feels is fair.

See what comes out of the discussion.

tiamai_d

I wouldn't pay her the going rate. She is not registered (I am assuming she isn't anyway) and you won't be able to claim tax credits for childcare. £20 a day??? Or am I just tight??

minnie123

She doesn't get any tax credits or claim any benefits her boyfriend has a well paid job so she has no need to work. Her income from doing various bits and bobs does not reach the taxable bracket. She offered because she loves looking after him and does not work I don't think she expected any money but I want to give her some. She is not a registered childminder but she is great with him and I would not want to leave him with a stranger, I feel he si too young yet. I was thinking about £20 to £25 a day. But is that tight? I don't want to take the mickey out of her.

shelly

A bunch of flowers once a week would do me! I wouldn't want cash if I had'nt got to supply the food or nappies etc.

TotallyBroke

I pay my childminder £2.50 per hour. So £25 a day and for that she feeds lo and takes him to toddler groups etc. I do have to pay her if I take holiday from work but am lucky that if she can't have him I do not have to pay her.
How many hours would sister be looking after him? If you will be providing food then I would consider £1-1.50 per hour especially as she is not registered.

jacksons_mum

£20 a day is quite generous as you wont receive any childcare element of tax credits to help out like you would if he was in nursery or with a childminder.

tiamai_d

minnie123 wrote: »

She doesn't get any tax credits or claim any benefits her boyfriend has a well paid job so she has no need to work. Her income from doing various bits and bobs does not reach the taxable bracket. She offered because she loves looking after him and does not work I don't think she expected any money but I want to give her some. She is not a registered childminder but she is great with him and I would not want to leave him with a stranger, I feel he si too young yet. I was thinking about £20 to £25 a day. But is that tight? I don't want to take the mickey out of her.

If you can afford the £20 a day thenI would go with that. Sounds like she would use it to treat herself and lo.

I am so jealous!!!! I have no family that can childmind or babysit as they all work!!!