Grandparents capitalizing or communicating what they need?

My parents were in a semi-rough financial place for many years but lately have been doing much better. My son was born in March and they have been a huge help: coming over to help almost every day (laundry, cooking, dishes, etc) and really being there for us. They are retired but watch dogs during the day for extra income, and volunteered to watch my son three days a week…and at the time didn’t ask for anything in return. It became clear they’d need a second car to get to and from our house, so my husband and I are lending them our two year old car until our son goes to preschool (2-3 years from now) and they don’t need to watch him any more. My husband and I had to buy another car because of this. We also put 5k into an fsa for daycare but since my parents are watching him, we said we’d give it to them instead (this year). Long story short, they asked us to continue paying for our car that they’re using (fine) including maintenance, and they want 5k every year. They then asked for 10k. It feels like they’re capitalizing on their grandson and it really upsets me. We were giving them the 5k in addition to a well-maintained car to help out because that’s what family does, but now it feels like we’re paying them? Am I overthinking this is or this weird? It feels…icky??? :(

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Yeah this is wild to me! In my opinion if they’re still working and have had to cut hours or stop work to help you out then it’s fair to pay them however if they’re retired for example and are asking for that kind of payment on top of you giving them a car then I think that’s so unreasonable. My dad or in laws would never in a million years ask or expect any kind of payment to watch their grandchildren! X

This is weird. The car is fine. But They’re no longer doing you a favour, you’re paying them.

Yeah it’s a no from me. Sign over the car and tell them that their compensation. Or take it back before they ignore all maintenance and wreck it.

Trust your gut! This is icky It went from volunteering and being helpful, to them now expecting payment and luxuries that you only gave as a good gesture and helping them like they've helped you. Take back the car or sign it over and the 5-10k payment each year is a huge no, unless this is what you agreed to — but seems like they're capitalizing on a situation they know you have no other options on. Feels like they "volunteered" as a trial and now the subscription payment has kicked in.