Should I Charge or Not????

[Little Star75]

So I have a family member that I helped out a lot by taking care of her son since the day he was born. However, I didnt as often when she stopped working 1.5 yr ago. Now since I had my daycare it's harder for me to watch him because one, didnt have openings two, child doesn't listen to me as he was younger and three, she never offers to pay a penny.
I feel that she has taken advantage of me in every way... I would like to charge her from this point on whenever she calls to drop off her son. At least during business hours.
What do you think?

[Patches]

During business hours? Yes. I watch my neice every day. She takes up a spot and I charge her for it. I gave her a small discount since we are family but they still pay every week
Soory you are going through this. I hate being taken advantage of :hug:

[DaisyMamma]

That's awkward. You're going to have to ask for payment if you want it by saying that you are going to have to start charging her since he is taking up a daycare space. Or drop some hints that you can't have him taking up a space so often or you won't be able to take on a paying client.
Good luck

[NeedaVaca]

I watched my nephew for a few weeks and they paid me my regular fee. I didn't feel bad asking for it, I was feeding him and he took a spot. They were fine with it!

[EntropyControlSpecialist]

I watched my nephew for a few weeks and they paid me my regular fee. I didn't feel bad asking for it, I was feeding him and he took a spot. They were fine with it!

I wouldn't feel bad about it, either. You're providing them with phenomenal care from someone they know and trust. That's worth A LOT, in my opinion as a Mom.

[Play Care]

I think if he is there, you should charge.
That said, if you know there will be issues with asking for payment, I would stop being available. A simple "Now that I'm providing licensed care, I just don't have a spot for little Stevie," said with a tone of sincere regret and lather, rinse, repeat when asked.

[TheGoodLife]

That's awkward. You're going to have to ask for payment if you want it by saying that you are going to have to start charging her since he is taking up a daycare space. Or drop some hints that you can't have him taking up a space so often or you won't be able to take on a paying client.
Good luck

Naw, I would t even hint- she obviously doesn't think in terms of $ you are losing. If you choose to keep watching the child during any business hours, it's business charges!

[TheGoodLife]

That said, if you know there will be issues with asking for payment, I would stop being available. A simple "Now that I'm providing licensed care, I just don't have a spot for little Stevie," said with a tone of sincere regret and lather, rinse, repeat when asked.

[MNMum]

I love to help family and friends for free - as they have helped me in the past. But if their child is here during daycare hours they pay like everyone else. I have one friend that I watch her baby every Thursday from 1:00-10pm. They pay my hourly rate from 1-4:30. After that I'm free ( I owe this family a lot of babysitting). They realize they are taking a spot, and if I ever need to bump them, they will be bumped.

[littlemissmuffet]

During business hours - charge! Non-business hours - up to you!

I used to watch my niece and I charged my sister for a full-time space. I did the same when her son started coming to me. I, of course, didn`t charge when I watched them during evenings or weekends!

[rmc20021]

I was just asked today whether I would take my granddaughter if childcare was needed for her and I said "NO"...but it's because she's out of the age group I prefer to work with. She's 14 months and I won't do any under 18 months and prefer 24 up to school age. It's hard limiting myself like that, but I refuse to take ANY under 18 months.

In your case I would definitely charge during business hours.

[AmyKidsCo]

All three of my grandchildren are enrolled and I charge for them. I do give a discount, but I think it's important for the parents to pay, and helps offset the fact that I'm giving up spots I could get full payment for.

If you keep watching your friend's child you need to have her pay because the child will be taking up a paying spot, and you'll have to follow the same regulations with that child as any others (paperwork, etc) plus the child will be adding to the overall wear-and-tear on your materials, getting things dirty, etc.