Has anyone successfully renegotiated costs with their childminder since recession began? I gave mine a 10% rise in 2007, but have since had fairly big reductions in my earnings, between salary reduction, overtime ban and an income levy. I've mentioned all this to my minder, she is well aware of it, but no mention of her doing similar. I felt it was fair to give her a raise after a couple of years due to my own salary increases, and I had also said this to her.
Her work is easier than ever, supervision rather than 'minding' as my child is old enough to do his own thing, just not to be left at home alone. "Meals" are provided but they are not nutritious and I have to cook something proper in the evenings to supplement.
Would I be mean-spirited to ask her to take a reduction now, say €100 instead of €110 for after-school care? During holidays it's closer to €170 and I pay every day of the year, no 2-week break like at the creches.
Her work is easier than ever, supervision rather than 'minding' as my child is old enough to do his own thing, just not to be left at home alone. "Meals" are provided but they are not nutritious and I have to cook something proper in the evenings to supplement.
Would I be mean-spirited to ask her to take a reduction now, say €100 instead of €110 for after-school care? During holidays it's closer to €170 and I pay every day of the year, no 2-week break like at the creches.