Money Moral Dilemma: Should my mum help with our childcare costs while she's on holiday?

nesssie1702

I'm aware we don't have all the details, but if you're not paying your Mum for her time, then please don't even think of asking her to contribute to your childcare costs when she has a holiday?

Where's the gratitude for what she does?

My gasts are flabbered!

pixiebel81

Of course she should pay, just as you paid your employer for having to hire someone to cover your maternity leave...right?

treefanatic

MSE_Kelvin said:

This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...

My mum picks my son up from school three days a week, as his dad and I work full-time. On the other two days, we pay for him to go to an after-school club. My mum has just booked a two-week holiday in June, which means we'll have to pay for an extra six days at the after-school club while she's away. Should we ask her for a contribution towards the cost? Or should we just be grateful that she picks him up at all, and not say anything?

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I really think you should be so grateful that your mother does so much for you! Give her a break! I'm sure you have a holiday every year, and so should she.

mumof5plus2

Absolutely and definitely not.  You are extremely privileged to have free help with your children, grandparents have lives too.  I would suggest you reward your mum regularly in many ways for helping with your children instead of charging her to pay for your responsibilities.  She won’t need your cash but she would appreciate your treating her in other ways to show how much you value her help and show appreciation.  As others have said, don’t take her for granted you are a very lucky lady

VintageBelle

You know the answer already and you know you're being selfish by even having that thought. Honestly!!!!

VintageBelle

kathill55 said:

this has to be rage-bait

Yeah and just attention seeking. 

grillbatry

I’m totally shocked that you think it’s ok to even consider asking your Mum to contribute! She’s raised her family, why should you use her as an unpaid nanny to suit yourself. How selfish.

tayknthyme

This post sums up the state of our country today. Too many people particularly much of the younger generation, think everything  comes free. They THINK they are ENTITLED to childcare, a house, a car, holidays. I partly blame the nanny state for throwing money at people. When my 3 children were young we received child benefit. My wife looked after the children daytime Mon - Fri. while I worked full time as a telephone engineer. Weekends roles were reversed, she worked part time at a care home Sat - Sun. We had three holidays in 15 YEARS a week at Butlins and two one week holidays in friends cottage, North Wales.  I can't say anymore other than that, WE brought up OUR children... we didn't expect OTHER people to do it for us. WOW your parents have thoroughly spoiled you.

KeelyMc1

Oh dear, your poor mum. I can't believe you think this is a dilemma. Just do what all parents do, get on and do it yourself! 

Basia022

This must surely be wind-up - how much are you paying her for the help? or do you really just feel contempt for you Mother?