‘I mind my grandchildren full-time for free and feel taken for granted – how do I raise the issue of payment?’

Two afternoons a week was fine, but now I’m looking after them up to five days a week. How do I raise the issue of compensation?

How should you raise the issue of compensation if you are looking after someone else's children for free? (Photo: Getty)

Katie Byrne

Question: I’ve been minding my son’s three children for the last few years. It started with two afternoons a week but since their au pair left, I’m there almost five days a week. I love spending time with my grandchildren but this is a very different proposition. I cook and I clean, and I help the children with their homework. Come Saturday, I’m exhausted.

My son and my daughter-in-law are very appreciative. They buy me gifts and take me on holidays. But I think what started as a loose arrangement has become a full-time job. I think I should be compensated for the work I do. At the very least they should be paying me what they used to pay their au pair.