My sister is at my home babysitting the kids for the evening. She has never babysat in my home before. Usually my parents will take the kids if we desire an evening out, and my sister is quite frequently there to assist.

She didn't ask for money. Do I offer? Or do I just give her money? What is an acceptable amount?

I would buy her dinner.

I never have paid my family. But we only go out about twice a year and they love to do it, when we do go out.

I would either give her 20bucks because less than that is cheap and if not, get her a drink and dinner and movie

Parents, no.
If I am working, I will pay my SIL, although it usually takes some insisting.
For a date night or something, I just bring her home a hot tea or do something "thoughtful" like that...I also try to pay for her meal or whatnot when we go out, as she is very helpful to me!

my brother watches our daughter during the week while we are at work and we pay him 50 dollars a week...and tonight he watched both our kids so hubby and I could go out for bingo for the night and we payed him an extra ten as it was only for 2 hours  

I never pay family but then again I'm states away from our family. When we go visit family watches her for free. They never get to see DD so they don't care

I am going to pick up some dessert for her on our way back. And I will offer to take her out for lunch next week.

DH and I are mostly homebodies, so this babysitting thing has us confused!

Quoting Safka9973:" My sister is at my home babysitting the kids for the evening. She has never babysat in my home before. ... [snip!] ... there to assist. She didn't ask for money. Do I offer? Or do I just give her money? What is an acceptable amount?"

it depends how long you will be gone....if my sister watches my kids for a few hours i give her $20 and always make sure i tell her how much i appreciate her watching them   enjoy your night out!

Parents, no. Sibs. Yes.


Unless it's for a short time after school.

My mil babysits for free. We do help her with her groceries and drive her everywhere since she no longer has a car.

Thanks for the advice everybody!

since it doesnt happen alot id get her a treat depending on age maybe a gift card

How old is she?If she's about 14/15 then yes.Otherwise no, they'r your family and expected to help.