Relative care is daycare provided by a relative in their home or the parents' home. The relative could be a grandparent, aunt, uncle, sibling, cousin, or any relative in the family. There are many advantages and disadvantages of relative care. If the parent pays the relative for childcare, the cost of relative care will vary from situation to situation.
The Advantages of Relative Care
There are several benefits of choosing relatives to provide daycare:
- Parents have a prior relationship with the caregiver, so they can feel assured that their child is safe and that their child’s needs are being met. In most cases, a family member will share the parents’ values and goals regarding the child’s development.
- With relative care, there is typically more flexibility in scheduling and other requests. If parents have to work later or earlier than usual, usually a relative will be able to accommodate their requests.
- The cost of relative care is generally less expensive than preschool, daycare centers, or family daycare. Parents also have more negotiating power when it comes to childcare costs. As well, parents will save time and money on transportation if their child is cared for by a relative in their own home.
The Disadvantages of Relative Care
There are also some drawbacks associated with relative care:
- The relative may not be abreast of early childhood development and curriculum that will prepare children for kindergarten. If the is the only child in the relative’s care, he or she may also lack the interaction with other kids that is necessary for social development.
- If serious disagreements arise between the relative and the parent, chances are it will affect their childcare arrangement.
- If an elderly relative cares for the child, he or she may not have the energy or stamina to keep up with the infant or toddler.
The Cost of Relative Care
Whether or not parents choose to pay the relative to care for their child is strictly between the two parties. Some parents can’t afford to pay and some relatives refuse payment. In some cases, parents will “pay” in gifts and deeds rather than cash.
If a parent has agreed to pay a relative to care for their child, the rates of childcare will vary. Some providers prefer to be paid by the hour, others weekly. Rates for relative care can range from minimum wage to $20 per hour. It all depends on what the parent and the provider agree upon.
Parents also need to negotiate overtime, holidays, and vacation time just like with any other childcare provider. While parents do not need a formal contract, it may be a good idea to write down the agreement in order to make clear childcare rates and childcare expectations.
In all, relative care is an affordable and reliable childcare option for many parents as long as there is a good relationship between the parent and the childcare giver as well as clear communication between parent and provider.
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