Amount to Pay Another Mom for Picking Child up After School?

If she won't take money, how about just offering to babysit her child for an hours or two when she needs some time off to do grocery shopping or what-not. I know that time is what mom's are lacking these days and to just have a quiet, peaceful time getting her nails done or not fighting with the kids at the grocery store about what sugary cereal they can't have, makes all the difference in the world!

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I would give her a gift card to a spa at the end of the school year. I wouldn't expect payment for doing the same, but it would be nice to get something like this.

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Pay her back with a batch of cookies or fudge. Maybe offer a sleep over at your house with her child. If it were something I was doing for a friend I honestly wouldnt want money, I would feel good to know I could help. Just be a good friend to her like she is to u and im sure thats all the payment necessary.:)

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I would suggest a $50 gift card to someplace for HER, not the family. Maybe Avante in Mansfield or another salon/spa. I think it is very generous of you and kind of you both.

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Get her a gift card for gas.

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Here is another reference point for you to consider..... Although it does not directly deal toward you.

I have a soon to be 15 yr old in high school and going to cheer competition practice weekly.

We take turns with carpooling. In the long run keep in mind that it all evens out. Sometimes I might take a group to cheer and stop by a fast food place on the way all on my $$ but long term things even out. We just don't deal $$$ per $$$ and we deal with what is best for the children we have at the tme... Transportation or whatever we are providing.

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I think you are right about a gift card as a special thank you. Maybe $25 to Starbucks or Hobby Lobby or a movie theater? I think that it's kind of her and thoughtful on your part to "reimburse" her in some way. Smart idea!

Don't pay her, so something really nice for her in a couple of months. Get her groceries, mow her lawn, babysit for a date night, send her flowers.

I would say, if she doesn't want payment, try to think of another way to thank her. Maybe offer to keep her kids one day on the weekend so she can go shopping or one evening so she and her husband can have a date night. Or you could give her a gift certificate to Starbucks. Or you could volunteer to take her kids somewhere when you have the time.

I know it is hard to accept kindness and not reciprocate, but some people really want to help and don't expect anything in return. Hope that helps!

If she doesn't want pay, then don't pay her. Instead give her thoughtful gifts. Find out her favorite soda, pick up your child and give her a six pack. Find out what her favorite color is, have your child pick out a pair of earrings in that color (not expensive) and give them to her. Show up with a happy meal for her kid or a bag of cookies for the family. Send your daughter to school that day with a fun, healthy snack enough for her family in her backpack to share after school. Things like that. Not only will it be a nice surprise, it shows your appreciation, it makes her feel valuable and not taken for granted, and it takes away that uncomfortable money aspect.

I was actually in that situation and that is what the mother did and I was really touched by her efforts. It meant so much more then a few dollars here and there.

VickiS

I think a great thank you would be a spa day - pamper day or a dinner/movie gift certificate. It doesn't have to be money just something nice to say thank you.

It could even be making dinner & dropping it off with her one night.

Hi E., I offered the same to a friend and also told her not to pay me when she asked. I already had to pick my own kids up anyway and plus she didn't live that much further from me. So, at the end of the school year when she handed me a gift certificate to get a full body massage, I offered to do the favor again the next year :), just kidding. No, I really didn't expect anything at all so it was a nice surprise. So yes with the gift card idea, for sure!!!

Like many posters have already said, repay with watching her kids or helping her out on a day you can pick up her kids. My neighbor & I know we'll repay at different times. A couple of years ago she watched my kids a lot while I was finishing up my teacher certification. Well now, she's decided to go back to school and I told her it is my time to repay the favor. It all works out in the end.

I wouldn't do a gift card because then you are assigning a dollar amount to it, which has already made you uncomfortable because you're not sure how much and don't want to embarass her. I like the ideas suggested that have to do with watching her children on occassion, when you do this with friends it's just "helping out" and that's what friends do! Since she's already picking up her child, it's not extra gas or time really, so just being there as a friend and helping her out too is a good idea! It's wonderful that you are concerned about showing her your appreciation and not taking advantage of her... that's being a true friend right there in itself!

In all honesty, she isnt going WAY out of her way for this. I am sure she understands your situation and truly doesnt mind helping out.

If you feel compelled to give her something, I would get her a $25 gift certificate to a restaurant and offer to watch her kids so her hubby and her can get some alone time.

I pick up a young man that goes to school with my son. I pick him up from the school and take him to his sitter, who lives about 6 blocks from the school. I do this 4 days a week and she gives me ( on her insistence, since I told her it is not out of my way and she didn't need to pay me) $25 a month. Last year I did this with another child and I told her not to pay me and she gave me and my husband a $40 gift card to a nice Steak House. If she is telling you not to pay her and you still feel that you need to, I think any amount would be appreciated. I hope this helps.

I agree with Jennifer T. trade out services. Offer to watch her kids while she & the hubby have date night or if she wants to have a girls night out occasionally. I have friends that I do this with & we pinky swore that we would help each other out & if we couldn't then we wouldn't feel guilty about the times we couldn't.

If she doesn't want to be paid then don't pay her. I agree that a gift card would be nice. If you live close to her, $25 would be fine. If she has to go out of her way, $35 or 40. Find out what her favorite restaurant is and get it for there. You may also volunteer to keep her kiddo while she goes out for her meal.

It doesn't sound like this is a burden for her - and she is offering to do it - so a gift of appreciation is all you need - I would get her a $25 gift card to a local restaurant and offer to keep her kids so she can enjoy a nice meal w/her hubby - or something along those lines. Or give her $10 to Starbucks and a small potted plant that you pick up from Tom Thumb or Kroger's floral dept. - just a gesture to say thank you. :)