When a new mom asked her retired mother to watch her baby, she never expected to be handed a bill. But in today’s economy, even grandma has a price.
The 29-year-old, drowning in student loans and credit card debt, hoped her mom would step in as free childcare so she could return to work. Instead, the 64-year-old—who spent decades raising her own kids—said she was done with unpaid labor. Her rate? $20/hour, plus expenses.
“I was shocked,” the daughter confessed online. “She said I should’ve thought about staying home if I wanted a baby.”
The Reddit thread exploded with opinions. Some accused the grandmother of being cold-hearted: “Family helps family—that’s what grandparents do!” Others argued she had a point: “She raised her kids. Why should she work for free now?”
The young mom crunched the numbers. Between late fees, a car seat, and gas money, hiring grandma cost more than daycare. It’s a modern dilemma: With wages stagnant and childcare costs soaring, is it fair to expect retired parents to fill the gap?
One thing’s clear—this isn’t just about money. It’s about generational expectations, boundaries, and the real cost of “free” family help.
