Pam Barnes, a resident of Louisville, Ohio, watches her 3-year-old grandson 10 hours a day, four days a week. She loves being involved in her grandchild’s life, but being a full-time caregiver also comes with a price.
Barnes had to quit a “good-paying” job as an office manager. Her daughter and son-in-law “knew I couldn’t do it for free” and agreed to pay her $50 a day as a result, Barnes said. She said talking with her family about getting paid was “a little awkward,” but she sees this money as a sign of appreciation for the career sacrifice she has made.
“I’m not looking to replace my other salary, but I did need something, so [my husband and I] could have a little cushion,” Barnes said. “I also take [my grandson] places and out to lunch occasionally and use my pay for that.”…