Child minding.

I would also take the money to cover expenses and agree with others that it lets parents feel in control. It also makes it easier for parents to ask for help later on and prevents you feeling you are being taken advantage of. (Even if you don’t feel like that now- just delighted that your offer has been accepted).

Just don’t let yourself get too worn out- you’ll find it quite tiring. Maybe your husband can come too on some days.

I would accept the small payment. I would then open a bank account for the children and put the money into it.

It will help your DIL to feel she is not taking advantage of you, help the children when older, and help you not to feel mean by taking the money in the first place.

I would also tell DIL "I am going to accept your kind offer, but want you to know that this money will be kept for the children so I can treat them when they are older."

Take enough to cover your expenses.. that way everyone is happy.

It's 3 days following and I don't drive so it's a bus pass journey. I wouldn't dare suggest staying...we have all acknowledged in the past that we like our own company!

It's not a case of taking money for caring for your grandchild but as
eazybee said helping your daughter to feel in control and not beholden to you. Accept the money for your petrol.

Is it 3 consecutive days? Or alternate days? Could you stay over at all? Going to be really tiring. Could you suggest they fill up your car with petrol?

Sorry, I’ve repeated eazybee’s suggestion, in a different way ?.

Eazybee's idea is excellent. I hadn't thought of that one. Another thought I've had is that, depending upon your tastes, your DS and DiL could perhaps buy you vouchers for the local theatre and you could have a treat at their expense. That way no hard cash is exchanged.

I hope you find a satisfactory solution to suit everyone.

Accept the money, if it’s a pride issue. Then at the end contribute it to the children’s savings, minus petrol costs.

I m afraid I would never accept money for looking after my own grandkids I would be worth thousands and thousands if I had ?no it’s not on to take money for your own flesh and blood
I have travelled by plane many times to ‘babysit’ or collect deliver them I always pay my way and theirs too probably why I m not too well off now ?

When she told me that she was hiring a Nannie at such a high rate I was aghast and naturally told her I would do it.But she is insistent that she would only take up my offer if I was paid. She feels embarrassed that she can't cope but better by feeling she has given me a job...

I get the impression you are uncomfortable about taking money off your son and daughter-in-law and I understand this feeling. However, an hour each way will eat up a lot of petrol and I certainly think they should pay this.

I would be satisfied with this.

Much also depends on their and your financial situation.

If they feel awkward about paying you nothing, ask for a nominal amount of £5 - £10 per day. You may very well not want or need the money but young people have their pride.

I don't think you should have to take a packed lunch either. It is for them to provide the food for your snack.

I couldn’t accept any money for looking after my own grandchildren which I have done for over 12 years now. It just seems wrong. I have 3 of them ( soon to be 4) overnights all year round to fit in with my DDiL’s shifts .

That’s just me though .

Ask for the cost of petrol; if she insists on £5 an hour, accept it, deduct travelling expenses and save the rest for the child. Paying you will make her feel in control and not beholden you.