Absolutely. Anything outside of their request to spend time with their grands they should be paid to do just like any other babysitter. My in-laws are amazing in helping us with our kids when we need them. We always offer to pay them, which of course they turn down. So we compensate them in other ways. We invite them over for dinner, we have bought them movie passes and even lunch. We have to understand that grandparents still have a life that doesn't stop because their children decided to have kids. We can't use them as free childcare so we can avoid paying someone else and dress it up as they are spending time with their grandkids so we feel better. Our parents will always support us but it's not fair to take advantage. When you start planning to have kids you already know the cost of childcare is ridiculous. So put it in your budget and be prepared to pay.