Babysitting issue -?

Question

I have two kids in daycare/preschool. Ive become friends with another mom and her daughter that goes there also. This week she came into some issues with a sitter and asked if I could babysit. No problem to help her out. At first she was tring to share the week and no one will help her so Im picking her up with my kids all this week. No problem, She said she'll give me 15-20 at the end of the week when she gets paid. Thats not too much money for babysitting, IMO. But to help a friend I was willing to do it for free. She was so happy the kids had a blast and very thankful for me helping her out. Now she mentioned oh maybe you could just be my nanny and I can give you 40.00 every two weeks. She works second shift so is picking her daughter up 1030-11pm. Im up early in the morning for work, My kids are in bed by 8pm. I dont mind helping when she is in a bind but how should I discuss that with her. I feel really bad she doesnt have too many people to help her.

Answer 1

If you want to help out, that is great, but don't be taken advantage of.  Explain to her that you are in bed before she gets out of work, so the schedule will not work for you.  If you do decide to babysit anyway, let her know up front what you expect to be paid.

Answer 2

The situation is that you have to say what you want or are willing to do and do not pussyfoot around it.  People who do not speak up for themselves get walked on and taken advantage of.

Tell her thanks for the offer but your not in the nanny business.  Tell her you don't mind helping out in a pinch but aht your kids are on a schedule and that is the way you are going to keep it.