I’ve been grappling with a question for a while now: Should I compensate my child for watching over their younger siblings? Growing up, I often looked after my two younger brothers. My mother never remunerated me for this, which at times, left me feeling frustrated. I used to wonder, if she paid outsiders to babysit, why didn’t she pay me? Was it my duty to oversee them? I wasn’t so sure. Yet, considering our age differences and my role as the eldest, perhaps it was my responsibility.
Many adults I’ve conversed with expressed some lingering resentment towards their parents for being expected to care for their siblings without compensation. Would offering some financial incentive or another form of reward alleviate such feelings?
Should You Compensate Your Older Child for Babysitting Younger Siblings?
It’s a straightforward question, yet the answer is rather complex.
In my perspective, for occasional babysitting, like if the older child watches the younger ones while you make a quick trip to the store, there might not be a need for monetary compensation. However, if they’re regularly stepping in, for instance, every day after school until the evening or every weekend, then perhaps a form of reward is in order.
It doesn’t always have to be monetary. The reward could be a special activity, like baking together or a trip to get ice cream. The crux of the matter is that the older child should feel valued and recognized for their efforts, rather than feeling it’s merely an obligation.
There’s a belief that ‘they should care for their siblings for free since they’re family’. However, simply expecting the eldest to assume responsibility based purely on age doesn’t seem quite right.
In conclusion, if babysitting becomes a significant commitment and the older child is dedicated and responsible, it’s only fair they seek some form of acknowledgment or reward. Naturally, this would be within what’s feasible for the family’s budget.
I’m curious about your views on this. What are your thoughts?