How should I react to being the free neighborhood babysitter?
Posted by adminSep 25
We live in a small community where it mostly takes two incomes to make it. Most parents aren’t home until dinner time. I am fortunate enough to be able to be a stay at home mom. Mothers often tell their kids to play at our house for a while if we are home. Some times I have as many as 8 kids in my yard or home. My son likes to share snacks and which I think we have controlled with a price tag. But I often feel responsible for all these kids if I have to leave. I feel like the free babysitter and sometimes it is overwhelming any suggestions?
By: Trisha
About the Author:
By: Trisha
About the Author:
14 comments
Comment by AMBER on September 27, 2009 at 8:36 am
i feel your pain, dont be affraid to say no and send them home its not your responibilty to watch all the kids around. i have three daughters and i find that my house is also the hang out. i can handel it for a while but i never let the kids in to play good luck.just set some bounderies.
Comment by lisamarie7901 on September 29, 2009 at 4:08 pm
this happen to me in my old neighborhood, kids coming in eating all the snacks, dirtying up my house and carpets and yard… So I simply told the kids that it was their parents turn for them to play at their house today! I am not a baby sitter and this is not the projects!
Comment by soulsista20 on October 1, 2009 at 7:55 am
Tell their parents your gonna charge them money and watch them run a mile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Keriokeeee on October 1, 2009 at 9:34 am
It is your home. You can say yes or no whenever you want. You are NOT responsible for these kids, their parents are. When you don’t mind, let them play. When you are not in the mood or have had enough, send them home. People will take advantage only if you let them. You decide what is best for YOU and YOUR FAMILY. Don’t let the whole neighborhood run your household.
Comment by dirty t on October 1, 2009 at 12:26 pm
Many parents are glad to have the neighborhood kids come to their houses because they can more easily keep track of their own kids. However, it sounds as if it is abusive.
First, don’t let the other kids into your house. Even if they have to go to the bathroom, that is not your problem. Don’t let them use the phone, either.
Second, if you wish to go out, chase the kids out of the yard and go. You do not owe anyone an explanation. If you don’t already have a fenced yard, you should consider fencing it.
Third, you might talk to parents about starting a babysitting service after school. Tell them that you plan to charge for it, and suggest a price that you consider fair. Then set a date to begin the service, and chase those kids away whose parents don’t pay.
Be sure that you talk to your own children about the problem. Suggest that they limit the number of other children they invite to your house at one time. Even small kids understand that parents cannot be expected to be responsible for a large number of other children.
Comment by momblessedx5 on October 3, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Oh you are being used badly. I was the free babysitter and I finally just stopped. They are taking advantage of you and know it. I would either ask for payment or geez at least snacks. And if you are doing this for free you need to make these parents realize if you need to go somewhere unless you are being paid then you are not responsible for your child. You are a nice person and nice people get taken advantage of very easily.
Comment by daisy_d87 on October 4, 2009 at 2:58 am
Print a flyer.. Babysitting services.. put a price on your services. And say.. 5 children limit, or 4, whatever you feel you are comfortable with.. give them out to these moms when they pick up their kids.
Comment by mommyhappy3 on October 6, 2009 at 2:04 pm
I went through the exact same thing. I can totally sympathize with you. You don’t want to send the kids away, especially if they are going to an empty house. I ended up having to explain that I loved their children, however, I am working too and having all the children around was causing me to not be able to get the things done i needed. I suggested if it was an emergency I could help out but the parents would be responsible for sending snacks. After a few weeks of sending children home, parents finally got the message. Now I can control who is playing with my children. You have to stand up or yourself of those other parents will continue to believe that your time isn’t valuable! Good Luck!!
Comment by yellowstarburst100 on October 8, 2009 at 7:02 am
You are definitely being used!! It is a very big responsibilty to watch someone else’s kids and I can see how you’d be frustrated. I don’t understand how these parents can be so inconsiderate. I don’t see any changes in this situation unless you speak to the parents and let them know how you feel.
Comment by alwaysacowgirl2000 on October 11, 2009 at 4:52 am
The reason why you are the free neighborhood babysitter is because you didn’t say anything and allowed this to continue, giving every parent on you block the impression that you will watch their kids for free. Next time speak up and say that you want to be paid for watching other peoples kids.
Comment by MD4Christ on October 13, 2009 at 10:45 am
You have every right to say no! I think it’s great that you have volunteered at times to watch these children since you are home, but it seems that their parents are taking advantage of you. The fact that they don’t even give their kids snacks to hold them over to dinner, knowing they will be at your house, shows they are irresponsible parents. I think you should not feel guilty if you had to run errands or leave. You don’t have to stay with those kids everyday. I think you should call the parents and tell them that you really feel they should find adequate supervision for their children after school since you are not available everyday to watch them and feel they might be in danger if they are left alone. Hopefully the parents will understand and either offer to pay you for your time or get a real babysitter.
Comment by Linda D on October 15, 2009 at 10:37 pm
I would send each parent a note stating; ‘your child has been at my house until you arrive home after work. Your child has also eaten the following snacks……… I am requesting the following ($) for this service. If you can’t assist then please make other arrangements for your child after school. Thanks’.
Comment by Lisa D on October 16, 2009 at 9:10 pm
I would send a flyer home with each child after their playdate at your home. The flyer would read Stay-At-Home-Mom will provide after school care affordable rates. That way if they continue to send their children to your home, you can start providing an invoice with each child.
Tell the parents that you are thinking about starting an afterschool daycare program charging by the hour. Then ask them what they think of the idea.
Comment by Lydia on October 18, 2009 at 3:43 pm
Contact each and all of these parents and say that you will no longer be having their children at your home, unless it is prearranged by you to have their children over to play with yours. OR start charging!