A really good friend went back to work two months ago. Her dd is in kindergarten at the school she teaches at and her 2 1/2 year old has a woman, "Jen", watch him. Our kids have always played together and get along most of the time. She will admit, that her dd is going through an attitude phase so she is not blind to her issues.

After school ends in May, there will be four days that she has to work before her summer starts. She arranged for Jen to watch both kids. There have been four days that Jen could not watch her son so I watched him. No big deal, he plays with dd really well and is not a problem. Plus, a few extra dollars is always welcomed! (She is giving me $20 a day from 7:30 to 4-5 pm)

Well, she comes to pick him up yesterday and is crying - very unusual for her. It was Field Day at school and my friend had two teachers and a parent come to her to let her know that Jen was yelling at her dd and being incredibly mean to her. Yes, she is a handful, but three people said it was not warranted. So, of course, she is distraught.

She doesn't want to leave her dd there after school gets out. Her son is doing well and there is no trouble with him so she is not concerned about that, but is wary. So, she asked me, more begged me, to watch them those days. If we are in town I am thinking of it, because, I love her dd and have watched her before and I don't want her in that situation either. She knows me and listens to me pretty well. BUT, that will be four days of FIVE children ages 7, 6, 4, 3, and 2. I was thinking if I had the day planned like school with playtime, crafts, lunch, downtime/naptime, outside time, games, etc. we could do it for four days. I just hate to think of little Maddie in that situation no matter how much of an attitude she has right now.

So, would you do it knowing it would have a quick end? How much would you charge? She is offering me $80 a day, what she is going to pay Jen, but that seems like a lot to me and she is one of my best friends so I don't feel comfortable taking all that money. Do you think $50 a day is too much to help out a friend? Too little? Do you think I am crazy???

For 4 days, yes I would help my friend. $80 each day??? I would offer to do it for less, but if she insists, accept it graciuosly. She will have peace of mind knowing her child is in a good environment. And you may need her to return the favor someday! And, yes, plan your day!

Yes- I would help out. Like you said- it is for 4 days. You know it will come to an end soon!
I believe in what goes around comes around and you may need help from her or someelse in the future.

About how much $- that I am not good about. If you break it down for lets say 8 hrs. That comes to $5 an hr per kid. There is the $80. Though it is going to be at least 9 hrs maybe longer you have them both so it will be a little less. YOu can tell her you will take less- though if she insists than take it. You will be feeding them both 2 meals a day plus drinks and snacks.

Check out Family Fun if you haven't already for some crafts, games/play ideas for the different ages. Maybe something to keep the two older ones happy while the 3 younger ones do something different or a simpler version of the activity. Bake up some cupcakes ahead of time and let them decorate them for their afternoon snack. Fill some kiddy socks with rice and draw a bullseye on the sidewalk in chalk (or on a sheet if it's yucky outside - chalk washes out right?) and let the kids toss their beanbags on it to rack up points. if it's yucky outside, have lunch on a picnic blanket in the living room, build a fort, make animal masks out of paper plates and play pretend. let the kids dress up in big people clothes and take their pictures. Or do macaroni art or finger painting. i think if you have a plan of a lot of fun things to do (with naptime for the little ones and quiet time for the older ones while the young ones are resting), it'll go by quickly. make sure to have a camera handy - with 5 kids interacting, you're sure to get a bunch of really cute candid shots!!

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Well I don't think it will be an easy time with 5 that small, but I'm sure it's possible to do. I think your plan to have everything structured should help a lot. Since it's only for the four days I would do it. I'd also offer to do it for less, but if she wants to pay you that then I don't think you should feel guilty. If she was going to pay a person who is mean to her child $80 per day, she's probably grateful to pay $80 to someone she trusts.

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Like I said, we watch each other's children a lot so I know them, they know me. In fact, I saw her son last week when I was picking up my dd at MOPS and he ran up to me, threw himself in my arms and gave me a big kiss. It was almost as good as a greeting from my own child!

We talked and, assuming we will be in town, which I will know in the next couple of days, I am going to do it. Dh and I are as worried about Maddie as they are!

I will probably just take $25 a day or so. That would be an even $100 so no big deal. She is paying me $20 for one child for the four days I have now and I feel guilty taking that!

Thanks for the Family Fun tip. I always forget about that site! It is great when I do remember! lol

Don't forget the I Made That forum also!! There are some neat things in there...

Glad you made that decision...that is what I would have done too.

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Stacey

The moment we begin to fear the opinions of others and hesitate to tell the truth that is in us, and from motives of policy are silent when we should speak, the divine floods of light and life no longer flow into our souls. ~ Elizabeth Cady Stanton

I think that it is really nice of you to do it and you are a good friend. I was thinking that if you feel bad about taking the money and dont want to take that much maybe you could work a deal out that she pay you enough to cover their cost at your home ( food and such ) and then maybe switch off some babysitting. Like she could watch them while you go for a lunch with hubby or friend. I think that would be a great deal for you both. Good luck and I hope it works well for you guys.

I so dont blaem you!! NO child deserves to be yelled at esp not a babysitter! just knowing that you will love the child like your won has tobe a good thing for mom! andlke you said its only days!! the time will go soo fast!!!

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Kelly mom to 3 great girls A Peanut, a monkey and a little burrito.

You can do it! I have 5 kids ages 5 and under 4 days a week and I do schedule and have fun activities, YOU CAN DO IT! $80 a day is what I make for my two I watch, that is a good price. I know she's your friend so you want less, but you could do it for $50 to make yourself feel better and still get some nice extra money! enchantedlearning.com is a great site for activities! Good Luck!

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A woman is like a teabag. You never know how strong she is until she gets into hot water.-Eleanor Roosevelt