Choosing childcare: Family Carers

If you're due to go back to work soon, then here's our helpful guide to getting a member of your family to help out with childcare

To keep the costs down and also have someone you know and trust looking after your child, you may find relatives or close friends are the option you would rather go for.

You won't be in the minority - it's estimated that up to half of all working parents rely on their parents to look after their children.

KEY ISSUES to talk through with your FAMILY CARER

* Do you feel confident about your first aid skills and is your home baby proof?

* Can you be flexible about working hours or would you rather decide on a set weekly routine?
   
* Do you think you'll be able to keep up with the pace of a small child or children?
   
* How would you feel about rearranging your holidays to look after your grandchild/nephew or dropping other commitments at short notice?
   
* Will you be able to look after my child in the way I want, or do you think it's fair to establish your own guidelines and behaviour rules?
   
* Will you find going to a baby or toddler group where all the women are much younger than you difficult to deal with?
   
* Will you be able to restructure your day around my childcare needs?
   
* What impact will looking after my child have on your own needs, work and social life?
   
* If you've been retired for a while, you may need to restructure your days and be more organised. How difficult will this be for you?
   
* What would be appropriate payment (financial, or in the form of chores, gardening, DIY or so on) for your time and commitment?