Please Sign my petition to allow Granparents to be paid Childcare Vouchers!

seven-day-weekend

I told my son years ago that if he ever has children, don't expect me to look after them other than the odd day or two, or an evening's babysitting, because I won't. I will very gladly help him out in other ways but I can certainly think of better things to do with my life than stay at home with a toddler in a tantrum.

If I were to be paid it would have to be an awful lot of money to persuade me to do it, and I certainly wouldn't expect the State to subsidise it. However I don't see why they pay for other types of childcare either, other than for the poorest.

feelinggood_2

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

I told my son years ago that if he ever has children, don't expect me to look after them other than the odd day or two, or an evening's babysitting, because I won't. I will very gladly help him out in other ways but I can certainly think of better things to do with my life than stay at home with a toddler in a tantrum.

My Mum said that, that she'd only take my kids out when she wanted to, for fun day trips to places she wanted to take them.

That all changed the minute she set eyes on her grandson, and didn't mind us moving in for almost 4 weeks. She even helped with the night feeds :eek:

A bit more on topic, I agree with your last statement, I don't think childcare should be subsidised in many cases. Just seems a bit like the contrived tenancy thing - doing stuff deliberately to claim benefits.

joyciebird

Not one person has mentioned the needs of the child.

My 4 year old daughter is looked after by her grandma because that is the best thing for her, she is severely autistic and gets the attention and support she needs on a one to one basis. It is also a hell of a lot cheaper than the local educational authority having to provide the services of a full time assistant whilst at nursery to deal with her needs.

So please look at the bigger picture before you spout off about tax payers footing the bills and irresponsible parents who should think about the costs of child care before having a child.

donaldtramp

Absolutely not. This is leeching from the state on a grand scale.

Get a grip

Oldernotwiser

joyciebird wrote: »

Not one person has mentioned the needs of the child.

My 4 year old daughter is looked after by her grandma because that is the best thing for her, she is severely autistic and gets the attention and support she needs on a one to one basis. It is also a hell of a lot cheaper than the local educational authority having to provide the services of a full time assistant whilst at nursery to deal with her needs.

So please look at the bigger picture before you spout off about tax payers footing the bills and irresponsible parents who should think about the costs of child care before having a child.

But does she do this for free and has she any experience of working with autistic children? She obviously loves her more than a professional would but that doesn't necessarily mean that she has the appropriate skills.

joyciebird

Oldernotwiser wrote: »

But does she do this for free and has she any experience of working with autistic children? She obviously loves her more than a professional would but that doesn't necessarily mean that she has the appropriate skills.

No she doesnt do it for free and I wouldnt expect her too, so I pay out of my own pocket.

As for being qualified, its not about qualifications its about knowing what a child needs and ensuring that they are given every opportunity to thrive and develop, which she does with input from the professionals.

LizzieS_2

neneromanova wrote: »

Yes but what about the people who were very careful but accidently got pregnant? Not everyone is lucky enough to plan. Sometimes, as much contraception you use, it's just not always enough.

I was one of those. My parents answer was pretty much "you've made your bed, lie in it" I had several choices, abortion (against my principles), give up work myself (or partner) to look after child, take whatever help was offered - I went for the latter and being pre tax credits it made no difference to income anyway.


Yes they may want to, but what about the grandparents who want to look after their grandchildren, but can't afford to? Plus which grandparent would look after their grandchild for a whole week, 9-5, for free? They wouldn't be able to afford it!

Maybe they are in the same boat as their children - if their child could afford not to work to look after their offspring there would be no problem and surely that is the first choice of all parents

For affordability I think you do need to look at the fuller picture of all potential claimants - some grandparent(s) do not work anyway, some will be no better off (and may be worse off), some will only do something if they are paid for it (hardly family member of the year award there).

Nice idea in your OP to some extent, but as others have said, the potential flaws are far greater than the ones who have genuine reasons.

maxmycardagain

Murtle wrote: »

what happened to grandparents looking after the grandchildren because they actually wanted to??

Why should they? theyve worked and raised children, and if they are to lose 45 hours of precious own time a week they are entitled to payment

baby sit now and then, yes, full time caring, no

maxmycardagain

donaldtramp wrote: »

Absolutely not. This is leeching from the state on a grand scale.

but not like MPs tho?

OrkneyStar

maxmycardagain wrote: »

Why should they? theyve worked and raised children, and if they are to lose 45 hours of precious own time a week they are entitled to payment

baby sit now and then, yes, full time caring, no

Yes they are entitled to payment, but not from the state!
It annoys me that people have children then think about how they care going to work/sort out childcare/pay for childcare etc.
Think about this before hand please!