I'm about to start 3rd year and long hours (before preschool opens). My MIL lives with us and can get my son ready in the morning, but she doesn't drive. I am thinking of asking my son's preschool teacher to pick him up in the morning. How much do you think is reasonable compensation per week?

My house is on her way. Gas isn't much of a factor (it's literally no more than 3 miles off her route, and no extra traffic). It's more about time and inconvenience. I guess it would take her maybe 10 extra minutes a day including the extra drive, strapping in, etc. She has a son of the same age, who goes to a different school and gets dropped off there before she gets to my house, so I'm thinking my son could use his carseat (less inconvenience for her and for me!).

What do you think?

It is tough to know what would be appropriate to offer without any discussion with her. I am thinking that perhaps offering her a $50-$75 ($60 being my perfect number) gift card for gas or the same amount as payment every month might be good. I am assuming she will drive him for 20 days/month and thinking that $3/day is quite adequate for the 10-15 minute detour and added responsibility - in other words, think of it as buying her a nice cup of coffee every morning for picking up your son. I hope this helps...

Thanks Sweet. I was thinking maybe $20 per week (just to have a round amount), but I think I can get away with lower if I present it "per month". $60 sounds good. I'm trying to find other solutions, but if it comes down to that, I will offer this much. Thank you!!!

That's a nice solution I hadn't thought of before.

I pay our former babysitter to pick the kids up from school occasionally. (kids don't need daily sitter anymore, but need ride home when clubs make them late for the bus) I've been paying her the hourly fee we agreed on when she started working for us. The main reason for that is it's not on her way home and the gas money and time are strictly for the purpose of picking up my kids. Sometimes she has to wait 15-20 minutes for them if math club runs late.

If it were a daily thing, however, I would probably make a flat fee agreement like you're talking about.