PARENTS
Finances: What are your options? What can you afford?
Flexibility: Can either parent change their work schedule? Who else can pitch in?
Communication: Before entering into a childcare arrangement, be sure to talk about all the specifics that might come up — and then continue to monitor and discuss month by month.
Logistics: Whose house will the kids be at and who will commute? Grandparents will need a childproofed environment and some kid equipment. What’s your backup plan? What happens if the grandparents
need a day off or get sick?
Time frame: When will you reevaluate the arrangement?
Compensation: You’re likely not going to pay a grandparent’s market rate for childcare, but is there something you can provide, such as a stipend, gas money, or some other form of trade?
GRANDPARENTS
Are you prepared for the physical and mental challenge of spending your days with a little one?
Do you want this commitment? Will this limit your freedom for travel and other healthy retirement activities?
Can you provide consistent care? Many working families won’t have much flexibility in their work schedules.
Is a smaller role right for you? Families also benefit from care on weekends, evenings, sick days, and numerous non-school days.
Do you agree with the parents’ choices? You’ll often have to defer to them even if these practices differ from the way you raised your own children.
Your time is valuable. Do you wish to be compensated for your consistent contributions to the family? How would you feel accepting a monthly/weekly stipend, gas money, or some other token of trade?
