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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

Babysitter Here - Sleeping

44 replies

Sleepless123456789 · 11/12/2017 19:33

If you had a babysitter until 1 or 2am, would you expect / be happy for them to kip on the sofa? I'd never have thought to do it - seemed a bit CF, but my mum seemed to think I ought to, and said she'd have been happy for a babysitter to do it if they were there past 11pm or so

(Context - A-Level student babysitting on Fridays / Saturdays)

OP posts:

becotide · 11/12/2017 20:22

Oh User, you sound so uptight and petty

ZigZagIntoTheBlue · 11/12/2017 20:40

I babysit and I do stay awake until that time even though at home bedtime is 10pm!
It's the same 'not my kids' compulsion that makes me want to check on them every 45 mins when I never bother checking mine through the night!!

FluffyWuffy100 · 11/12/2017 20:43

I always fall asleep on the sofa when I babysit my nieces and nephews. I can’t stay awake until 1am!

user1493413286 · 11/12/2017 20:48

I used to when babysitting; children were asleep and I couldn’t keep my eyes open past 12am.
Wouldn’t worry me if a babysitter did it now as long as children were asleep

WaitrosePigeon · 11/12/2017 20:49

Wouldn’t bother me

chestylarue52 · 11/12/2017 20:51

I specifically babysit for my friends so I can put the children to bed at 7 or 8 and get a nice long sleep on the sofa 😊

If it was a small baby I'd still sleep if they were but in the same room if possible - if not possible I'd probably stay awake, but that's just my own non parent breaking a tiny baby by accident paranoia.

UnicornRainbowColours · 11/12/2017 20:52

Nanny here, I often doze off on the sofa...my boss doesn’t care nor do the ppl I babysit for. Maybe you Mum should offer to babysit if she can do a better job staying awak all night....

dudsville · 11/12/2017 20:53

I used to sleep when baby sitting. After raiding the fridge of course and watching a bit of late night tv!

UnicornRainbowColours · 11/12/2017 20:54

I apologise I misread your op I see your mum said it’s ok not that is bad xx sorry

Lethaldrizzle · 11/12/2017 20:58

I wouldn't stay out that late if I had a babysitter

EmilyChambers79 · 11/12/2017 20:59

Last year I babysat for a family who were not due back until 11pm after going out at 6 so I stayed awake. They then messaged at 11 to say they would be back at 12, then again to say 1 etc until they rolled in at 430am. I set my alarm for every 15 mins and had a light sleep on the settee.

She had a cheek then to say she wasn't impressed that I'd been sleeping while looking after her children and that she wasn't paying me to sleep! She then tried to get out of paying me for the hours after 11pm.

She did the same to another two people from nursery and the Manager ended up telling her that no one could babysit anymore and stopped staff from babysitting for parents.

I don't think there's anything wrong if it's a late one but set an alarm so you can make sure all is ok.

I know parents sleep at that time and there isn't any difference, but as I'm paid, I feel it's my responsibility to stay awake. But then I'm that on top of covering myself that when the parents get home, I check on the children with the parent with me so they can sign the sheet to say everything was ok!

BewareOfDragons · 11/12/2017 21:09

I imagine you go to sleep at some point... so why should the babysitter be up at 1am when the children are asleep?

As long as she can hear them if they wake up, and they know where to find her, I really don't see the problem.

Tiredeypops · 11/12/2017 21:13

I wouldn't babysit for someone that would begrudge me a midnight nap whilst the kids are asleep. It's totally fine as long as you are rouasbale if needed.

butterfly56 · 11/12/2017 21:17

Absolutely fine having babysitter asleep.
Especially rolling in at that time!

Catsize · 11/12/2017 21:21

I always felt I had to stay awake when I was the babysitter. We've yet to have a proper night out with a babysitter and our children are 6 and 4. I think I wouldn't be too chuffed if the babysitter was snoozing but nor would I be out so late as it would not be fair on him or her.

Pereie · 11/12/2017 21:29

Nah, it really wouldn't bother me. People need to sleep.

If you are worried about it maybe just ask if they mind, that way you know for sure.

rachrach2 · 11/12/2017 21:30

I wouldn’t mind at all. If we are going to be after midnight I offer the spare room to our babysitter if she’d like it.

SureJan · 11/12/2017 22:22

I once babysat for a neighbour's kids, she came home much later than expected & I'd fallen asleep on the couch. I got the impression she really wasn't happy about it, & she really pissed me off. I didn't offer to babysit for her again.

glitterfarts · 11/12/2017 23:26

I have a babysitter the same age, and if I am home after 11, have no issue with them sleeping but haven't actually stated that. I'd be a bit shocked if they fell asleep at 9pm, often my children will just have gone to sleep then.

I'll spell it out next time, as I am due home at 1am that she can sleep.

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