Should grandparents be paid for babysitting?

Linda_sun (China)

In China, the grandparents help raise the grandkids without payments because it's the way family relations are. My grandparents raised me while my parents worked full time. Now my mom is returning the favor. I did not pay my mom when she watched my daughter full time so I could save money. If I tried to pay my parents for baby-sitting they'd be insulted. I'd often buy token gifts for them to show my appreciation but payment for them would be insulting. Each family is different, and it is nice when parents help out if they can.

A retired couple take care of their granddaughter. It is a common scene in China, where elderly people play a major role in raising grandchildren. [Photo/IC]