Good morning! I am checking in a bit later than usual today because I haven’t quite mastered the pre-write-posts skill for the mornings when I am on FOX News Rising. Today Derek and I made homemade fruit rollups. My blender was a little slow to work, but the most important part is that these fruit treats are REALLY good and completely natural. I left empty-handed after they were eaten up by the crew. Success!
I’ll also post the recipe here soon!
Switching gears a little bit from food brain to mom mind, I wanted your thoughts on a subject I’ve been cogitating on recently- babysitters.
I started babysitting around age 12. It was for my next door neighbor’s new baby boy, Daniel, and he was such a cutie! That started my sitting ‘career’ and I went on to watch other children and even somewhat ‘nanny’ kids during the summer. I remember feeling honored that adults trusted me. Given, I am a bit of a people-pleaser by nature, but I really gave my best effort towards childcare. Babysitting, to me, involved the following-
- basic childcare (diapers, bottles, snuggling, discipline, etc)
- engagement (playing WITH the kids, not watching tv while the kids are in the other room)
- help with dinner (I certainly didn’t cook, but heating up or plating whatever the parents told me to)
- clean up after dinner (washing plates, wiping down table or highchair, rinsing bottles)
- picking up once the kids were down
I thought this was just what a babysitter did. I didn’t do laundry or vacuum the living room by any means, but I felt a little straightening up was expected.
Once the kiddos were asleep, I watched my fair share of SNICK (oh how I loved Are You Afraid of the Dark), but focused on outside play while I was ‘actively’ sitting.
Now that I’m a parent myself, I expect the same from Hailey’s sitters. I’ve lucked out and found some really great ones, but I’ve also come across (in my own experience and through hearing friends’ stories) sitters that do little more than play on their phones and leave dirty dishes in the sink.
It got me thinking, are my expectations unreasonable? I feel sitters are paid decent money (anywhere from $10-$15 per hour when I surveyed my friends) and it isn’t unreasonable to hope they wash a child’s plate after dinner.
I know a lot of you have family nearby (you lucky ducks!) and I imagine expectations are different for those situations.
But overall, what do you expect from your sitter?
Do you outline your expectations with them clearly up front?
Karen says
I am looking froward to that recipe for fruit roll ups. I feed alot of children in my profession, and this would be a great snack to make together.
Brittany Dixon says
I just entered it here- http://www.ahealthysliceoflife.com/recipes/?recipe_id=6047527
I agree, I think kids would enjoy making it! Especially if it was paired with a trip to a strawberry farm to pick their own berries. It could be their own person farm to fork experience 😉 Let me know how it comes out!
Kathy says
I am on board with your thoughts on what you expect from a babysitter-regardless of age. I always remind my 16 yr old of these things as she is going out the door for a babysitting job. 🙂
Charlotte @ Commitness to Fitness says
I love that fruit roll up idea! I’m going to have to try that this weekend. I was the same way- started babysitting around 11 or 12 and would “nanny” during the summers in high school. The list you have is perfect in my opinion. there are always going to be those terrible babysitters, back in the day we didn’t have phones to play on but some girls would just watch tv or invite their boyfriends over. I think you just have to be open about what you expect and find one that actually ENJOYS doing it. i think thats the key.
Brittany Dixon says
Yes, I think finding someone who enjoys it is such a great point. I’ve always been a big kid and liked playing, but it’s so hard to tell with some sitters because they are so shy. I wish I could peek in on them and see how they are doing when I’m not watching.
PS- good point about not having cell phones back then. I’d hope I would have stayed away from twitter, but there’s no telling 😉
Marie says
I expect the basics of what you listed. We pay $10/hour for one 18-month old. Plus a tip. Typically the sitter comes at 5-6pm and the babe goes to bed at 7, so it is not much actual hands on kid-time. I have never expected “chores” to get done, but I do ask that the babe’s dishes are done, high chair cleaned, etc. I also typically used “older” sitters – college age.
Brittany Dixon says
H goes to bed at 7, too. Sometimes it makes me think I should pick up an evening shift. Being paid to watch TV after the kiddo goes down sounds kind of nice!
Dana says
I’m not a mom, but I am a regular babysitter, so I think your expectations are reasonable. I’ve had parents on all ends of the spectrum. One dad told me to “Help myself to the beer in the fridge” (?!?!) but another mom expected me to literally wash the entire kitchen floor because she “hadn’t gotten to it today.” I figure babysitters are responsible for kid-related stuff. Kid eats? Clean up the kid’s dishes. Kid plays? Clean up the kid’s toys. Kid pukes? Call mom and get the heck out of there. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
I kid you not, the other day David asked me if he should offer the sitter a beer after Hailey went to bed (she was old enough to drink). I died laughing- NO! Haha.
I loved hear a sitter’s perspective. Thanks for the input 🙂
Danielle says
I’m finding this blog a little late- but I have also been offered a drink while babysitting! (And I’m not even legal yet!!) Obviously, I declined, but I’m glad I’m not the only one! Haha
Beth says
I think your expectations are spot on. We have used a few sitters – mostly from Claire’s daycare. All have done what you listed, plus let the dog go out if she asked. Another place to find sitters is nursery workers at local churches. The good thing about getting from one from either place is they are likely trained in CPR, choking, etc. which gives me peace of mind. Also, we typically pay $10-$12 an hour. And, don’t feel guilty about not asking one you don’t like to come back!
Kimberly @ Healthy Strides says
I baby sat a lot when I was a teenager, and I am sure that I did just what you said – especially since I had referrals and sat regularly for families over the course of a summer. I have yet to have a sitter come to the house as my in-laws are willing, able and local, and I just can’t cut the strings. Probably should work on that. I’d appreciate it if she would rinse dishes and put them in the dishwasher, put toys back in the basket and put away anything she used. And a definite yes to the engagement! I’m not paying you to play on a phone.
Beth Sheridan says
I think your expectations are perfect! That is what was expected of me when I was a babysitter and if I hired anyone to watch my 2 1/2 year old, that’s what I would expect of them (I am one of those lucky ducks that lives almost next door to grandparents) but outside time and engaging with my boy would be my two highest priorities!
Karen says
I’ll have to try that fruit roll-up recipe for Keely. We are lucky that my parents usually babysit for us but if all of us what to go out then we were referred a wonderful babysitter. She hasn’t watched Keely yet but our friend uses her every week. She is in her early 20’s and Keely took to her right away when we met her at a first birthday. We are hoping to use her one of these weekends. But I look for someone who gives off a great first impression. I am all about first impressions and so is Keely. I also want someone that either family or friends know so I can get the 411 on them. I need someone who is comfortable with cats since we have two at home. I started babysitting when I was 10 for a neighbor and loved it. I think once you find that sitter, you won’t let me go. 🙂
Brittany Dixon says
Great point about the cats! I always check to ask if people are comfortable with dogs since Koda can get a bit overexcited.
I’m so jealous your parents are able to sit for you. I imagine that offers great peace of mind. 🙂
Christine says
I’m a full time nanny (and have been for years) as far responsibilities, Ive found it varies based on the family. I’ve always been happy to do any kid related housekeeping and chores (laundry, cooking, clean etc). I’ve always wanted it clearly written in my contracts what is expected. I think that way you and your nanny know what is expected and what you want and no one is disappointed or feels uncomfortable! That being said I’ve had crazy mothers who I’ve seen their expectations and I did not chose them as a family I would work for (absolutely no cell phones in the house, no tv even when the kids were sleeping, one who wanted me to be the full time housekeeper, cook plus watch the kids!)
I also think its crazy how much the pay scale varies! I work in the Bay Area and you can’t hire a babysitter or nanny for under $20 an hour!
Brittany Dixon says
Whew, $20 a hour would ensure we never went anywhere- haha! But yes, I know it all depends on where in the country you are. I love your perspective and think it’s a great idea to write down expectations. I’ve done a poor job at that and should step it up. I certainly don’t expect anyone to wash my floors (nuts!) or to drop their cell phone at the door- sorry you’ve had to deal with some crazies!
Ali says
As per another parent’s suggestion I have now taken to having a typed document of normal routine in the house and expectations for the sitter and kids. I make sure the sitter sees this before ever sitting for us and every few visits I break it out again. Given each family expects different stuff, I think this is helpful to the sitter and makes me feel like I haven’t missed anything in my verbal directions.
Brittany Dixon says
You always have everything so organized! I’m definitely going to start writing things down. Can’t believe it took me so long 🙂
Christina says
I started babysitting when I was 12 as well, which is so funny because now that I’m in need of babysitters, 12 seems REALLY young! I have a couple girls who live in our neighborhood who are 14 and 16 who sit for us, and I occasionally use a 12 year old as a “mother’s helper” but I’m not comfortable letting her babysit for my 15 month old just yet (maybe I’m too overprotective??) I also found an amazing babysitter on SitterCity who is in her early 20s. I think your expectations are right on target, although I will say I find that the local teens don’t do as good a job picking things up and cleaning the dinner dishes as our older babysiter (the one in her 20s).
Brittany Dixon says
No, I don’t think you are overprotective! 12 sounds so young to me, too. My mind is blown that that’s when I started babysitting!
Sarah says
I think your expectations are very reasonable, and definitely for the price you’re paying! (I usually pay $8-10/hr.) I’ve had the whole gamut, from dirty dishes left in the sink (of the meal I prepared) to another sitter who basically picked up my entire house (including my bedroom — ?!?!?!) I probably should be clearer about my expectations, but our nights out are so rare, I usually forget about it as I’m gleefully skipping out the front door.
Brittany Dixon says
haha, I’m usually skipping out the front door, too! And yes, I’m not sure whether I’m be grateful or weirded out if a sitter straightened up our bedroom…
erin says
I’m looking forward to the fruit rollup recipe!
It’s so funny because I remember babysitting multiple kids when I was 12, but now that I am a parent I cannot imagine leaving my kids with a 12 yr old. We are even having a hard time with the thought of trusting a high school kid with our kids. Am I crazy?
I don’t expect much from an occasional nighttime sitter. Mostly just get the kids ready for bed and in bed at their regular times/follow our schedule, clean up if she fed them dinner and that’s it. My son has to clean up his toys before bed so I expect him, not her, to do that, but she should enforce it.
Brittany Dixon says
I just posted it here- http://www.ahealthysliceoflife.com/recipes/?recipe_id=6047527
And YES, 12 sounds so young doesn’t it? Even though I started then, it feels like it would take a very special 12 year old to make me comfortable. And even then, I’m not sure I could do it.
Sarah @ The Smart Kitchen says
Obviously, I don’t have kids, but as a former babysitter, I thought it was sort of expected that we would play with them. Sure, I loved once they went to bed, getting to raid the fridge or whatever, but I ALWAYS washed up the dishes and the sink, and I was secretly thrilled when I had to prep dinner. 🙂 Babysitting is a JOB. You get paid better than a substitute teacher. So you better DO something.
Chantal says
That is exactly what I expect. We’re hiring a teen for the first time for our anniversary, and she will be in charge of dinner, bath and bed. Though I might skip the bath… it makes me a tad nervous for someone else to watch her around water. Is that silly of me? Anyway, I expect a babysitter to be as attentive, if not more so, than I am!
Brittany Dixon says
We always skip bath with sitters! Call me paranoid, but a night without a bath is no big deal 🙂
M says
No kids, but as someone who did a lot of babysitting in college, as well as daycamp counselor/church nursery stuff in high school, I think you’re fine.
Something that I found really valuable was when the parent was OK with teaching – for example, I was a mother’s helper for twin babies in college. The mother needed me there so she could run errands, get things done around the house, etc. I came recommended from one of her babysitters, and instead of being concerned that my experience was with older kids, she walked me through everything. She literally taught me everything, from how to change a diaper to why you tilt a bottle at the end so the baby doesn’t swallow air.
By the end of my time with the kids, I could do bottles, diapers, feedings, clothing, AND post-bath pyjama time 🙂 All in addition to the fun of playing with them! It helped tremendously and gave me a lot of confidence. And when I graduated during the recession and badly needed a job, I was able to turn to Sitter City and get hired for a 3 month old baby boy because I already knew how everything worked.
Ali says
It is so true. Training or teaching the sitters is the only way to ensure they know how and what to do. I have done this with many sitting skills. I also try really hard to complement them on the things done well that are important to me it increases the chances of them doing it right again!
jodi says
Again, great job on fox news!! 🙂
I was a ‘professional’ babysitter from ages 14-17, meaning almost 5 days a week at several different houses (and as long as it didn’t conflict with my sports seasons…) and I racked up good cash despite only making $5-7 back then. It was great! But that being said, I always took care of the kiddos first and foremost, playing and interacting the whole time. When they went to bed, I would start picking up and for some families if it was discussed I would fold laundry, clean the kitchen and bedrooms. THey always paid me extra for that. As a mom, I now totally get why mom’s fought over me… 🙂 I think laying what you do and don’t want is totally appropriate!! Especially bc not everyone is one the same playing field. We have our family 90% of the time but we have been using a 15 y/o across the street every other week to play with Avery for 2 hours and they both love it! There are no expectations but to have fun with her either at our house or hers (we know the family well at this point). She is great with Avery and if we were ever in a bind I am sure could use her when our family couldn’t. Definitely go with your gut on this one if you are questioning anything with your babysitter!! 🙂
Kelli H (Made in Sonoma) says
I definitely did the same as you when I would babysit. It’s not too much to expect at all!
Ashley says
Oh, man. Sore subject. Like you, I babysat/nannied a lot, and even preplanned activities, and cleaned the house. So yes, when I hired sitters I thought they’d do the same. Nope. I came home to find one just waking up on my couch, with 2 boys under 2 roaming my house. Every. Single. Time. I leave my little guy with a sitter (any sitter) I come home to find his diaper dirty, to the point of diaper rash. House is a DISASTER. It’s so bad I actually quit my part-time job to not deal with it. I’ve since found a great gal but I have to drive 30 minutes round-trip to drop him off.
Beth says
This recipe looks great! I watched your show and I can’t wait to try. Only one issue-have you experimented with baking on parchment or a pan lightly greased with coconut oil or something-rather than use the plastic wrap? Thinking of baking plastic wrap for 6 hrs has me a little concerned about hot plastic leaching chemicals into the fruit?? I know. I’m such a worrier! Now that I’ve got a 13 month old I’m always thinking about that type of stuff!
Brittany Dixon says
Hey Beth! Totally understandable. The plastic doesn’t get hot enough to melt, but I can see how it’s still not ideal. Do you have a silpat? If I did I would have used that, thought I imagine you could cut parchment paper to fit. If you try it, please let me know! 🙂
Tina @ Best Body Fitness says
Not unreasonable at all!!! And the same expectations we have. I haven’t had to outline up front anything like that, but would if I felt my kids weren’t getting the proper care and attention. We find most of our sitters we use if our parents aren’t available through our church’s nursery program. I think that helps because to volunteer there they have extremely high expectations and then the teenage students carry it over in their normal babysitting too.
Haley says
No kids here but as someone who nannies all through grad school and has built long-term relationships with these families, I think you’re fairly on target. Writing things down for the first couple of times can be fine, but I think if you find someone who is intuitive with babysitting/nannying, they won’t need much written down. The only time my families ever write anything down is if I’m taking the kids somewhere–change of schedule/directions–and need more information (like I said, long-time families). I’ve never had a mother (or dad) ask me to clean up, but I do anyways–after meals, toys at the end of the day and generally anywhere else we make a mess. I guess my point is, when you find the right person….it will all click!
Liz says
Everything you mentioned sounds very fair to me. They get paid well nowadays and should have certain things to do in addition to taking care of the baby. They shouldn’t have any friends over either so that they can concentrate on their job. Oh well, I’m probably old fashioned, but I still feel that way. Best of luc!
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
Homemade fruit rollups??? Wow, now you have me really intrigued! I cannot wait for that recipe! 🙂
Meg says
As everyone above has basically said, I think babysitters run the gambit. You have some who are great and go above and beyond the call of duty which is to make sure your child is cared for until you return home and you have others who are there to make money and not to take the best care of your child.
As a babysitter for many years, I loved having positive interactions with kids and I took great satisfaction in going above and beyond and in getting many callbacks from parents. I also took satisfaction in watchin my hourly rate go up without me even having to ask for it as word spread :-).
However, now that I am a middle school teacher, I see that the type of responsible, honest, trustworthy teen you describe is not necessarily the norm. It’s a hit or miss thing and I think you’ll probably have to do trial and error to find that kid who meets your expectations and with whom you feel comfortable.
blackhuff says
I am not someone who is really so much stressed about whether the sitter plays with my children or not. Nor am I upset when they do leave dirty dishes in the sink. I just want them to keep an eye on them (my children should stay safe), tend to their needs (food and drink or whatever they are requesting) and know how to handle an emergency situation. Whether they play on their phone or watch television while the kids are in the same room as they are, at least their is someone older present to keep an eye on them.
John J. says
Another great job on TV, Brittany! Love Hailey’s picture.
Kim @ Racing Bananas says
Those fruit roll ups looks great!
I started babysitting when I was 12 and still babysit for one family, though I’m now 26. I talked a lot with families about expectations and have been told this – if you ask someone to babysit your kids once in awhile, then typically you pay them less and also shouldn’t expect this person to clean, do dishes etc. If someone is a regular babysitter, then you are expected to pay more, and part of this includes the babysitter doing light cleaning. In my experience, it’s all about being clear about expectations. As someone who works at a college, I’ve found that students really need expectations spelled out to them – they really don’t understand at this is expected of them!
Hope this helps!
Danica @ It's Progression says
I think that list of expectations is absolutely reasonable. I babysat or nannied from age 12 to 21 and I always did all of that, plus cook, clean some (once the kids were asleep), etc. $10 is plenty for one child too in my opinion! My advice to your babysitter is just to be very clear about your expectations, but also treat her/him as a sort of “friend” just so they’re comfortable calling you about aaaanything that may happen, if that makes sense 🙂
Jessie says
I think it depends on the expectations you set when hiring a sitter. I have someone come to my house 4-5 days a week while I work. When I was interviewing I specifically asked if they would be willing to do light housework if time allows (while baby naps). Of course my son is top priority and anything related to his needs (his laundry, washing bottles, etc), but if there is extra time and they are looking for stuff to do I don’t hesitate to offer up tasks like loading/unloading dishwasher or dusting. I appreciate any extra effort because that gives me more time with Levi when I am not working!
Layne says
I babysit regularly and charge between $12-15 and hour. I definitely clean up after the kids and offer any other helps once the kids are asleep! Especially on on date nights- I mean really they are paying me to watch TV the least I can do is offer help with dishes or what not!
Neil Butterfield says
The work ethic of the younger generation leaves much to be desired. I favor the way you babysat kids over what happens today.
eb says
Hi everyone I a 16 year old, trained in CPR and Heimlich Maneuver and I am going to tutoring a child with special needs during the summer,
what are common mistakes parents hate about tutors/babysitters?
What is expected in clothing anything specific that drives parents mad (e.g. Booty shorts, tank tops) really anything a teenager would wear.
Sian-Louise says
I have been babysitting for a range of children since age 15, and am now 22 and still do so. I have had all range if parents, some saying to leave dishes on the side if the kids are fed while I’m there, some simply asking to put them in the dishwasher. I have also worked in a nursery and got a few clients through there, continuing to sit for them after the children went in to school or after I left the nursery. I consider myself to be a “hands-on” babysitter, always looking for ways to entertain the children and get involved with them. I think this is partly because of my nursery experience and training, and also because when I was growing up myself, my babysitters did very little with me. If I do any activity with the children, whether it be painting, cooking, general playing, feeding them or bathing them, I always strive to leave the house exactly as I found it; washing up done and put away, bath wiped down, toys tidied away. I just think of how I’d hate if, when I have my own children, a babysitter would come in, do whatever with the children, them leave me to tidy up after them. As much as possible I will try to get the children involved in ridiyong their own mess if they are old enough, but I at least make sure everything is as I found it by the time the parents get home
Kara says
I’m 16 and I babysit two kids (10 and 8 years old), I always am cleaning the house even the messes they don’t make but that’s just because I enjoy cleaning however these kids LOVE electronics…I am constantly trying to find ways to get them outside and doing activities but usually they want nothing to do with it. I feel guilty when I am just sitting on the couch on my phone but the kids don’t want to play with me haha. I guess I am really just trying to figure out is if the mom gets upset on the days we don’t do anything. But when I can get them off the iPads then we usually do some sort of craft or science experiment. Now that it’s summer we have been spending our days at the pool and beach so it has been getting better, but still trying to find ways to get them off the screens!!