Should parents pay grandparents for childcare?

Due to the increasing cost of childcare and busy careers of today’s families, many grandparents are looking after their grandchildren on a regular basis. Research by the Post Office says grandparents’ support, such as cooking, trips out and babysitting is worth up to £5,000 per year. Grandparents are especially needed when a relationship breaks down, and one parent has to support the child on their own. But should grandparents look after their grandchildren out of love, or should parents pay them?

Many grandparents don’t believe childcare is a duty, but a choice. A Guardian poll shows that 71% of families think grandparents shouldn’t receive payment. Many families think money shouldn’t come into family issues.  But this can make it difficult if grandparents feel their hard work is not being appreciated, or worse, if they feel they are being taken advantage of.

A good idea is for parents to offer expenses, such as the cost of food for the child, nappies for babies, and bus trips or petrol. This is more relaxed than offering direct payment for childcare, which can be off-putting and even offensive for both grandparents and parents. Treating grandparents by giving them extra gifts, taking them to a restaurant or out on a family trip are also good ideas to show appreciation if you can’t or don’t want to pay them regularly.

But if grandparents are looking after the child daily, for example if the parent is single and working, you may think it’s fair for them to ask for regular payment. Many grandparents have to give up their full or part-time jobs to look after their grandchildren and will need extra money to be able to do this.

The most important thing is to show grandparents how much you appreciate their support. There are many different opinions on how much childcare grandparents should be expected to give, but everyone likes to know their hard work is being recognised.

For more tips for grandparents take a look at the article ‘Children and grandparents after separation’.

Do you think grandparents have the right to ask for payment for childcare? Or do you think they should do it out of love? Is it fair for single parents to expect more support from grandparents? Post your opinions below.

Facts on grandparents’ support from the Post Office

• Half of young parents will save on average £420 in childcare over the school holidays through help from grandparents

• Grandparents contribute around £405 annually by doing typical household chores, and more than £600 helping the grandchildren with homework

• Grandparents spend around £71.43 annually on food and drink for their grandchildren, £71.27 on holiday help, and £70.13 contributing towards long term savings

• Two thirds (69 per cent) of grandparents spend money each year on toys and games for their grandchildren.