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We all know it takes a village toraise children.
But how much assistance are we allowed to expect from our loved ones?
Babysitting usually isnt cheap though.
Whether or not its necessary to compensate a friend or family member for babysitting depends on many factors.
How often are you expecting them to be there?
Did they volunteer, or did you have to call them up and ask for help?
Are they struggling financially and in need of extra cash?
Are they missing out on something else to be there?
Whiten, clinical psychologist and founder ofDrPsychMom.com.
Sure, you’re free to babysit, its a kind and generous thing to do.
The majority of people will be extremely appreciative, the expert noted.
However, overall, most people will be overly grateful rather than exploitative.
Some people work every day, some people have weekly date nights.
Most people will not ask for free babysitting more than very rarely.
For example, Ive babysat my friends child for free twice, and hes now two years old.
The rest of the time, they use paid childcare, the psychologist added.
For example, I can watch her once a month for date night but not more than that.
Most people will stop asking.
If someone keeps asking, the problem isnt the babysitting but the dynamic in the friendship overall.
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