What to do about my sister who doesn't pay?

Question

I babysit frequently for my sister who never seems to appreciate it but as I love my niece I still do it. She doesn't pay or say thanks half the time and I don't know what to do about this. My mom says she should pay but I know she won't and I always had her other kids at this age (17 months) so it's not like I'm not used to it. Just looking to vent and see if anyone has any suggestions on what I can do about it.

Answer 1

Although you love your niece,  babysitting is job in itself.  I would let your sister know that from now on, you are going to be charging her. Make sure she pays you for each day, and not weekly.  If she does not pay you, make yourself "unavailable" to her. You can make up excuses not to babysit rather than tell her "no" if you feel bad about it

Answer 2

Well you set this up to be the way it is. Its not really your sisters fault. Its yours. From the first child you should have asked to be paid for this.

If this is not something you want to do anymore than you must lay it out on the line. We teach people how to treat us. Stop being a doormat and speak up.

My best wishes

Answer 3

if she doesnt want to pay you dont babysit for her kids. i think shes taking advantage of the fact that you're doing it for your niece.

Answer 4

Start telling her no, you can't babysit.  

Answer 5

you should talk to your sister about this.

if she refuses to pay your or even thank you then tell her that you will not baby sit for her until you know that your work is appreciated.

Answer 6

for me you have to  wait maybe she dint have money and because you are her sister she think that you will understand just wait or talk with her in a nice way after all,.she is your sister .sisters helping to each other you know me I'm paying the apartment of my sister monthly. because she has 3 kids and her husband died who else will help her  what are sisters  for?be patient i hope you understand this.

Answer 7

Well fair is fair.  If it is an issue, when you had her other kids did she pay you then?

Also realize it is not just about love.  It is also about your time.  Your commitment, your sacrifice, and your dedication.  If you love your sister, and the niece and other kids as well, you might not say anything if you think it will jeapordize the relationship (to a point where you may be out of their lives for a long time).  I think if you have at least a SEMI Decent to decent relationship with your sister, try to have a heart to heart talk.  Say look I've been trying to save some money to buy a ...........(fill in the blank....even if it's not necessarily 100% true, like new TV, or Monitor for my computer, or laptop etc)....that way you have a goal in mind, she knows you need the money....and you can say look I am doing you a favor, could you help me out too! And of course establish a set price, and time time frame you would feel is reasonable.  Hourly rate, flat rate (or other forms of compensation...IE Take you out to see a movie, dinner, lunch etc....), and if you get to partake in food/drink/snacks in the fridge etc.  

And realize just because you are USED to not getting paid, or used to taking care of her kids for free, doesnt mean you should have to.  Just have to feel out the situation yourself really....and decide if it is worth it or not to ask for pay.  If it is not, then decide is it worth it to babysit or not.  

Answer 8

Its simple. She thinks she can get away with it cos you're a family member. Do u think that if she hired a regular babysitter she could send her home without payment? I don't think so!!!!!! Shes taking advantage cos you're her sister. And chances are things are never gonna change, so suggest she asks someone else in future.

Answer 9

Did you suggest if your sister needed help babysitting? Or did she come to ask you? The best thing to do is just sit her down and have a talk. Tell her that you babysit since you know how busy she is, but you feel like the help you are giving isn't being appreciated.

Tell her "It takes a lot of time out of my day/week, but I would really appreciate it if you could show some kind of gratitude at least. I know you are busy, but I have to find time out of my schedule too."

This will leave her some time to think about it. Don't start talking about the money yet though. If money comes into it, you should get your mom to talk to her because your sister is more likely to take advice from your mother

Answer 10

if you really need the money i think you should ask her but if u dont then ur doing a great thing for your niece and i think your sister really appreciates it but she just doesnt want to say it.

Answer 11

Did you offer your services for free? If you did, then you don't have a right to complain about money. If you wanted money, you should have made it clear the first time. Yes, a thank you would be nice and it is rude that she doesn't.