WWYD?

[DoubleCarrick]

I start work (from home) at three and the babysitter is also due to arrive then. DS is snoozing and likely to be snoozing for most of the time the babysitter is here.

I'm only working an hour but obviously still need to pay her even though she won't be doing any childcare.

Just curious. AIBU if I ask her to empty the dishwasher? I wouldn't get her to clean the bathroom or anything but it seems such a waste of money to pay her to do nothing.

She isn't doing nothing, she is babysitting.

You would be spending the money regardless so it isn't a waste of money at all.

No, she is there to babysit.

Unless you have a really good relationship with her or she offers. Like friend relationship

Your child could wake up the minute she comes in. She is there so you can crack on without worrying he will wake up.

Also doing the dishwasher takes 2 minutes. Do you really feel that would make you feel like your 'moneys worth'?

If she offers to do something else then take her up on it, but don't ask.

She will be babysitting whether baby awake or asleep.

If you wanted a cleaner you should have booked one.

I don't particularly need/want her to do the dishwasher or anything. I was just curious as to what people think tbh. I don't begrudge paying the money. She's amazing with my son and he's really fond of her

How well do you know her? I frequently babysit for one family when they go out of a night time. I put the child to bed then make a cup of tea. If I see anything that needs doing I'm the kitchen then I do it while the kettle boils such as the washing up.

I also tidy away all the toys etc not just the ones we've played with.

If I was babysitting and child was asleep I personally would ask if anything needed doing on the understanding if child wakes up, then that takes over.

If I didn't ask, I wouldn't be offended if you asked me to do something.

No.
She's a babysitter not a housekeeper.

You're paying for the knowledge that your son is safe whilst you work. The knowledge that if he does wake up while you work, she is there.

Not for her to empty dishwashers because you're annoyed she's not actively "working"/

I'm not annoyed in the slightest but it's typical he could just sleep upstairs while I work. I love the quality attention he gets from her. He's awake now anyway

It is quite typical for children to be asleep when being babysat for. And no, not ok to start adding housework into the mix.