Should a babysitter have to care for sick kids?

Question

Hi I am 20 and I babysit two kids as my day job. When I had pink eye a couple months back I made sure that she found a different sitter until I wasn't contagious because I didn't want to spread it to the children. Well both of her kids have strep throat and she didn't notify me until I was already there and kissed on the kids. Now my throat is getting sore and I don't have medical coverage and can't afford to go to the doctor. What should I do?

Answer 1

you go buy some medicine if you can't afford a doctor

Answer 2

kids parents should pay for it!!----i cant stand it when someone is sick and they go to work-and give it to others---thats NOT being responsible ,they should have warned you to be fair.

Answer 3

I think she should have told you about this before.  When did the kids begin medicine for strep throat?  After 24 hours with meds they aren't contagious, just in case you didn't know.  Anyways, I think it is up to whether you want to be watching sick children or not.  Try politely mentioning that next time you watch these children.  Also, if the kids were still contagious when you watched them, you probably should go to the doctor.  I know many areas have free clinics for those who cannot afford it.  You could also look into recieving medicaid insurance (insurance for those with low income) from the government.

Answer 4

Once you get well, find another family to sit for!  Once you have, let the other person know why you will NOT sit for them again!

Answer 5

I think the fair thing to do would have been to warn you.  When I hire a sitter (which is usually just for a night out with my husband), I don't often think of them getting sick from a child, but I don't think it's fair to have them take care of a sick kid because sick kids are miserable to be around (mine whine and groan and cry all day long when they are sick--they aren't the kind who quietly lay down and rest because they don't feel like doing anything).  I wouldn't want anybody to have to deal with that.  I never really thought about the possibility of the baby-sitter getting sick, mostly because I don't get sick much from my kids, so I don't often think about it.

If that mother had those kids in a regular daycare, she would not be allowed to bring them with strep throat.  But you are a private sitter, so the situation is not the same.  What should have happened is having had fair warning.  I'm sorry you're in this situation.  The doctor check-up will be what costs; the antibiotics for strep throat are very cheap.

Answer 6

She should have kept them at home that day.  You probably need to come up with a contract stating that if the kids are sick with something contagious, then you can 't keep them especially if there are other children around.  If your throat gets worse you need to try to make arrangements some how to see a doctor. Strep is something that needs treating or it can lead to all kinds of problems.  Call around and see if you can find one that takes payments.  Also if you have a credit card, most take them.  Maybe the mom can give you a loan, or better yet, pay the doctor bill, after all it was her kids that made you sick.

Answer 7

Unless you have a sick policy in place, what she did was rude but not against the rules. Nanny's/in home providers are typically expected to perform their duties whether the kids are sick or not, unless there is a documented sick policy. Daycares are different because of exposure to children of other paying customers.

You need to go to a community clinic or ask your parents for help. Then draft a new contract including a no-sick-kid care policy and have her sign it. Frankly, I would be worried about hiring a caregiver who didn't have medical coverage as they would be less likely to keep themselves in good health, exposing my kids.

Answer 8

You should not take care of children if you have something contagious.....and parents shouldn't bring your their children if the children have something contagious.

Answer 9

I would at least tell her that because her kids got you sick, you now would like to be paid for any days of work you miss due to your strep throat (if you take any days off).  It is extremely rude for her to not even tell you they are sick, especially when she wouldn't was a sick sitter watching her children.  I would tell her that you got strep throat from her children, and tell her that unless she is paying you for days off due to this, you will be showing up to work even while you have strep, also tell her that because you have no medical coverage and can't afford avoidable doctors appts., you can't be watching her kids when they are sick.  It's not like you can sue someone for giving you there sickness, so other than ask for compensation for any sick days you need and for her not to have you watch her kids while they are sick, there is nothing you can really do.

Answer 10

Ask her to pay your medical bills and after she does- quit! That was incredibly rude and irresponsible on her part. Especially when she's not even paying you enough to have medical coverage. You are a babysitter, not a nurse. You shouldn't have to care for sick children, that's a parent's job.