80 Wild Babysitting Posts That Prove Some Parents Have Completely Lost Perspective

Even the most devoted parents sometimes need someone else to take over for a few hours. They may be heading to an event or simply hoping to enjoy a rare evening out. Babysitters make that possible, yet their work is not always treated with the respect it deserves. 

A 2019 survey sponsored by the US Nanny Institute found that some childcare providers felt disrespected by their employers and stuck in poorly paid positions. The requests in this list show how easily some parents can forget how much responsibility the job involves.

At the end of the day, babysitting is work, not a hobby. That is why many sitters have plenty they wish parents understood before leaving their children with them. 

When childcare providers spoke to SheKnows, one of the biggest points they raised was the need for clear and realistic expectations. Parents should explain the household rules in advance, rather than expecting a sitter to enforce rules the children rarely follow when they are home.

The same clarity should apply to the actual duties involved. Some parents expect babysitters to clean the house while also watching the children, even though those are two separate jobs. 

As one caregiver told SheKnows, families often try to combine caregiving and housekeeping while paying for only one. Any extra tasks should be discussed beforehand and reflected in the rate.

Parents should also expect their children to act a little differently once they leave. One nanny told SheKnows that children often behave better for her because she sets firm boundaries and follows through with them kindly. 

A sitter may use a different approach, and that can be perfectly fine as long as everyone agrees on the important rules. Sharing useful details about bedtime or difficult behavior can make the evening much easier.

Respecting a babysitter’s time matters just as much. Several childcare providers told SheKnows that parents sometimes return much later than promised or ask them to stay longer at the last minute.

Occasional delays are understandable, although they should not become a habit. Parents who plan to return very late should also think about how the sitter will get home safely.

Payment is another subject that should never be left until the end of the night. Babysitters who spoke to Mamamia said they were often asked if they were available without being told how much they would earn.

Some felt uncomfortable having to name their own price once the parents returned. Agreeing on the rate and hours in advance prevents confusion and helps everyone know exactly what they are accepting.