Bad-Service With Babysitting?

Question

I am desperate for time to study for school. Some woman at my church suggested that her 12-year-old daughter could babysit for my son. I TOLD them I needed do homework for two hours uninterrupted. It was between 3 - 5 on a Sunday, so I figured that she (the girl) would have eaten by then. Isaid that I basically needed her to playwith him for two hours with no TV/computer games, I would give her $10. Since the girl is 12 and has no bills, and they agreed to it.

When she showed up, she had a backpack with her and when I suggested she put it in the closet, she said, "But I'm going to do homework while he plays". I thought she was confused and said, "Oh, no, it's so I can do homework. I'm sorry." Well, she did put her bookbag away but SHE interrupted every few minutes to tell me how bad he was behaving and to beg to have the TV turned on. THEN she asked fi I was ordering pizza for her. THEN she handed the $10 back and asked for a $20. Her mom agreed. Um, I'm confused here.

Answer 1

Chalk it up to a bad experience. Did you give her the twenty or order the pizza?  It's common for people to miss understand an arrangement and the girl is only 12.  If you feel you were taken advantage of, you should bring it up with her parents.  Otherwise just let it go.  I suggest that if you're going to get someone to watch your son, you should leave and study somewhere else.  That way the baby sitter has the full range of entertainment tools at her disposal.  Try the library or a coffee shop.  If you must study at home, see if you can drop your son off with someone instead.  If you only get a precious few hours to study, make the most of them.

Answer 2

I think you need to understand that this is a child you are dealing with. She is yet to develop real maturity and understand responsibility. She is young and still needs guidance and approval from adults(which is why she was interrupting you).

She probably has a preconceived notion about what a babysitter does. I don't know how many times people say "babysitting is not hard, you just play with a baby/child for a few hours." They think you watch tv, or play on the computer while the child does their thing. it is very possible that she think this is how it goes.

Since she was not staying late, it it should be explained that you will not be providing food. As a nanny most families leave something for me to eat(since I sometimes work, starting at 4:00 or 5:00pm and continue late into the night.)

As far as money goes, you need to clear that up. You are offering $5 an hour and not $10/hr.

If you are really desperate for time to study, than I would suggest offering a little better pay and getting a real nanny(one with experience and a bit older). I used to help a mother(she had two boys), while she was going for her masters degree. I would watch the boys and keep them from interupting her while she worked. However, as a nanny/babysitter with college credits in early ed, workshops in childcare, three years in a licensed daycare, great references, etc, I charged more than a teenager would. Sometime the saying, "you get what you pay for" really is true.

Answer 3

wow! I am a 12 year old babysitter and I am shocked by her behavior!! I would never do that on a job and I have never brought homework, only a book when they go to sleep and it is a late job. I would NEVER expect a parent to pay for my meal, even if they offer I always say no, and bring dinner with me or ask my mom to drop it off. You should talk to the mom about it. You hired a babysitter to play with your son, not to be bothered.

Answer 4

What did you expect?   She's 12, not 22.

IMO, she was doing what 12 year old do.  She wanted to make sure she was doing a good job, she wanted to have your approval.  She's young.

God, I really dislike people like you. Common Sense, Lady.  She's 12.    She a kid.  She probably a very nice, responsible kid.

But, she's a kid.   She's not an adult.  Don't expect her to act like one.    

I don't even know why you're complaining.   I wouldn't have expected anymore from a 12 year old girl.  

Next time you want to study, have someone take your son out of the house.   Why not have your Fi take your son to the zoo or park for a few hours?  It'll save you money too.

But, don't complain.  It just makes you sound silly.

Answer 5

Well she sounds like an immature 12 yr old and the mother doesn't sound much better. Maybe try someone older like a classmate.

Answer 6

Wow never let that lady and her daughter babysit for you again!

why dont you find someone close to do it like a friend or family member.

Or find someon responsible

Or you could allow your son to play vide o games just with the volume on low and then go to another room and study.

I dont think you really need a babysitter if your sitting right there. Just allow him to play or watch tv or a movie( rent,buy) just not witht the volume loud.

I hope this helps!

Answer 7

Whoa! I just wouldn't use her again or I would focus on teaching her what's expected.  

not a good babysitter. But also, at 12, you could also groom the girl to becoming a good babysitter by establishing firm rules and expectations.

Remember, a 12 year old will do what they want if they can get away with it. At that age, their development puts them in a very self-absorbed state of mind. Maturity isn't always born, it's learned and there are plenty of 12 y/o's and older who have already learned how to be responsible for a younger child.

Basic rules for babysitters:

NO cell phones while baby is present at all. Attention should always be on the child.

Behaviors that aren't allowed in your home.

HOW to correct your child. (Give prospective babysitters scenarios and ask how they'd address a bad behavior.)

NO friends over. NO homework while child is awake. (If kid watches power rangers on T.V, I expect the teen to be there, too. or to be preparing a snack/ meal, or getting an activity organized.)

INTERACTION. INTERACTION. INTERACTION.

Let babysitter know you expect child and her to pick up messes by saying "It's going to be so nice not to have to walk into a room and see toys everywhere and spilled cereal! I'm so glad you're going to help me by keeping him happy and entertained."

Answer 8

It seems like the kid doesnt know what she is doing. Thats dumb of her to except things like that, and the mother is at falut aswell because she knew what you needed to do (Study)

so thats wrong of her mom to tell her to take her homework as well. You have to use someone at least in HS because most 12yrs old i know still need a babysitter themselfs. Good Luck with the next one.