Have You Ever Had A Parent Ask You...

[KristinsHomeCC]

...to technically babysit their child on a holiday that you are closed?

DCD asked me this morning what would he have to do to get me to babysit/be open for DCB on Veterans day (wednesday nov. 11). He will be out of state and DCM works 10 to 6 that day. They moved here a couple months back and have no family anywhere within a 2 hr drive. I really love the DCPs and DCB is my original kid from the very beginning of being a provider. Right now, their weekly rate and hours break down to me getting paid 3.33 an hour.

I dont want to work for 3.33 an hour on a holiday!! But I dont want to say no. I havent technically said yes but I said to let me know as it gets closer. Is it weird to take that Monday or Friday off instead? So I could get a day off? Nornally that works w holidays like memorial day and such but Veterans day is always on the 11th.

Let me hear yo' thoughts! Maybe what you would do, etc.

[daycarediva]

IF I did it, it would be at babysitting rates of $15/hr.

I doubt I would though. I really value my very few days off, my own kids will be home from school, and I find one child harder to manage than my whole group. Also, if they were aware of your closing in advance, they should have made alternate arrangements.

[childcaremom]

IF I did it, it would be at babysitting rates of $15/hr.

I doubt I would though. I really value my very few days off, my own kids will be home from school, and I find one child harder to manage than my whole group. Also, if they were aware of your closing in advance, they should have made alternate arrangements.

I wouldn't do it. I like my days off and nothing goes by slower than a day with only 1 dck.

[mommyneedsadayoff]

I would just say I have plans for that day so I can't. IF you decide you will do it, I would do it a babysitter rate, not a daycare rate, so it will cost them twice as much as usual. But, you can say no too They will survive without you for one day!

[Play Care]

It wouldn't be worth it to me. In fact for a while I had a sign up sheet with a three child minimum for those "minor" holidays (and please don't think I'm bashing Veterans it's just that most people do not get that day off) because I would often either have no one show (cause I forgot it was a holiday) or I'd have one very bored kid.

"Dcd, I love caring for Sally but this is a day off that's in my contract. My others clients would probably not be happy if I was closed for them but open for one family. And they've all planned for this day off so if I changed it they would have to scramble. It's just not fair for anyone, I'm sure you can understand"

Honestly, this is the type of family that should not be using in home day care. What about when you are sick or on vacation? Are they going to ask you to have their child anyway? Why is their lack of planning your issue?

[Leigh]

IF I did it, it would be at babysitting rates of $15/hr.

I doubt I would though. I really value my very few days off, my own kids will be home from school, and I find one child harder to manage than my whole group. Also, if they were aware of your closing in advance, they should have made alternate arrangements.

I would absolutely charge the rate for babysitting if I did it. My last sitter got $12/hr-I'd ask for that at least.

[Blackcat31]

I'd say no. I am not a babysitter.

I plan what FEW days off a year I get to NOT work so no.

No.
No.
No.
No.
No.
No.

[Blackcat31]

I would happily give her a list of area teen babysitters I know though....

Networking and resourcing info IS something I will do.

[Rockgirl]

I wouldn't do it, either. And what if you did, and another family saw them dropping off/picking up?

[Annalee]

JUST SAY NO! It will get easier the more you say it.

[Controlled Chaos]

I would say no. I would give them babysitters info and advise them to look up care.com.

I agree with pp who said they sound like a family that is not a good fit for family childcare. What do they do when baby is sick?

Since you already said yes- I would charge babysitting rate and go about my normal business- run errands etc

[laundrymom]

I completely understand your situation but I'm unable to care for children that day. I have other obligations. Maybe you work with someone whose teen could bail you out. You know how kids love cold hard cash. Going rate here is 15$ an hour.

[mommyneedsadayoff]

The minute they realize you won't do it and they have to pay $12 + an hour, I bet you mom will take that day off!

[KristinsHomeCC]

Thank you all. I think I may say no. Its very rare I get a day off and actually get to enjoy it. Normally its sick days/kid is sick days/AC broke (last monday ahhh). So, yeah. Mama is a pharmacist so I highly doubt asking an hourly wage would be a problem. Im just not worried about the money. Id rather spend the day with my family. May just give her a babysitter I know phone number.

[bklsmum]

I would say no for me doing it but I have two teenage daughters that babysit and the kids know them and they are usually up to do it but it would have to be at DCK's house and not mine.