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AIBU?

..to send my babysitter home for being too quiet?

39 replies

vanimal · 05/08/2011 11:28

I work from home, and have a regular babysitter to watch DD1 (3.11) and DD2 (2.2) for one day a week. She is unwell and can't care for them today, so I have a new girl in. She's 19, has lots of experience of working with children and is NVQ2 qualified.

She is very quiet.

Both DDs came charging up to my study room whilst I was on a conference call with a client. I had to apologise to my client for the interruption (I work freelance, so client relationships are very important to me). The babysitter was still downstairs .

I asked her to plan an activity with them, so I have pulled out their paints and craft-y things, and they are doing this. It's silent downstairs. DD1 was sticking stickers onto a sheet the last time I looked. I suggested they used potatoes and did some potato prints.

I cannot hear a single sound. Apart from the occasional hum or mumble from the DDs.

I think they are sticking stickers whilst babysitter is passively watching them. DD1 is very sociable, but has already complained of being bored, and is being a bit clingy to me - and babysitter has only been here 2 hours!

AIBU to send her packing, and then try to juggle work calls with the aid of Peppa Pig DVDs instead? Or should she stay and supervise in her eerily quiet manner instead?

OP posts:

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whatcanbemynewname · 05/08/2011 12:11

Can I ask how much are you paying your babaysitter as you call it? I would say she is doing more than just babysitting!!

I work in early years and at 19 I would have been very quiet too at first.
Have you sat and had a chat with her about herself? May make her come out of her shell a bit.
Have you also talked about what she can or can't do? Maybe she is mindfull of the noise as she may not want to disturb you?

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lesley33 · 05/08/2011 12:12

The difference between a babysitter and a nanny is that babysitters generally just keep an eye on childre. They may go to the park or do a bit of painting with the children, but you wouldn't expect them to have a full list of activities planned.

Nannies should have activities planned and be making sure the children are doing a range of activities that will develop young children's basic skills e.g. knowing their colours, shapes, numbers, etc.

And that is why you pay a nanny a lot more than a babysitter.

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whatcanbemynewname · 05/08/2011 12:12

Also have you a back garden that she can take them out in to be more 'loud'?

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Dozer · 05/08/2011 12:14

I think your regular person is a nanny. Bet you're calling her a babysitter so you can pay cash-in-hand with no tax or national insurance. If so, then yabu.

Am feeling mean today!

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cjbartlett · 05/08/2011 12:16

It's funny to be paying someone to look after the kids and be in mumsnet

I mumsnet and watch the kids

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RitaMorgan · 05/08/2011 12:17

Presumably you're paying her peanuts cash in hand?

In which case all she should be doing is sitting and watching them? If you want professional childcare then you'll have to pay for it.

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RockyRaccoon · 05/08/2011 12:20

She's probably a bit scared of you. And I not surprised to be honest.

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Mitmoo · 05/08/2011 12:49

She is aware you are working from home so is getting the children involved in quiet activities. What's wrong with that?

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CurrySpice · 05/08/2011 13:09

She's probably aware that you are monitoring her!

I'd say that if she has kep two pre-schoolers quiet and occupied for the morning yuo should pay her double, not kick her out!

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MadameLupino · 05/08/2011 13:12

NVQ2 is not very qualified at all (pun not intended) and she is young - this could be one of her first jobs and she's lost. She won't have had a whole lot of practical experience if the NVQ was college based, as opposed to one she went for after a few years working in a setting.

I'd give her the benefit of the doubt but keep a close eye.

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mousymouse · 05/08/2011 13:14

I would send them out to the park.

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valiumredhead · 05/08/2011 13:35

What curry said!

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exoticfruits · 05/08/2011 13:46

Did you give her a job description? I would expect that she thinks your priority is to keep them quiet.

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minipie · 05/08/2011 13:56

What everyone else said. Is she a nanny or a babysitter? (the clue is in what you are paying her).

If she's a babysitter, I think YABU to expect her to do activities with them TBH. Her job is to keep them safe and from disturbing you.

If she's a nanny, I still think YAB a bit U, since she is new and the children seem to be happily doing the activities you suggested... though I agree I'd want a bit more active involvement longer term.