How much do you expect your babysitter to do?

[unicorn]

Just curious, as tonight I agreed to babysit for some neighbours (who I know reasonably well.. but don't know the kids quite so well (age 6+3).

Anyhow, the kids were still up when I arrived - and mum told me that they watch a video til its finished and then I read them stories each.
Also was to put nappy on 3 yr old.. and put them to bed.

Tbqh I was a bit put out, as I have my own kids to do that for - and as a sahm I don't relish even more 'kiddy time' at night.
I expected the bedtime routine would be done by parent... and babysitter left to, well sit.

NB.. This was a favour,so she will return it... but there is no way I would expect a babysitter to do the same with my 2... unless that is I was paying that person, and they knew my kids very well.

Just wondered what you all do?

Yes, I'd go up like a shot

Love Marina's term 'afternoon delight', too.

isn't some of the concern about putting other peoples children to bed not the actual act of having to do it but them not settling and being up for the evening. Depends on the ages of the children I guess but I know my DS would take forEVER to go to sleep if I went out and left the babysitter put him to bed.

I think that about my ds, but honestly I never had any trouble with the kids I babysat for. I think some of them went to bed a bit late, but only because I insisted on finishing the Lego space station as they begged to be allowed to sleep

Nasa, my kids save all their whining and messing around for me!

I'm always asking my 5 year old to please go to sleep like you did the other day when Kailee was here....

I guess if they were unlikely to settle for a sitter I would be more reluctant to leave them before bedtime.

I only say that because the one time we left dS with babysitter before he was settled, he was still up when we got back at 11.30pm! HE was fine but babysitter looked knackered! But then he does have an astounding capacity for staying awake. It's not that he was upset, more that it was 'different' having someone else there and he wanted her to read him stories etc

Blu, can I have his number please...

Given her idea of reciprocating unicorn then yes I think she was a bit out of order. I would be extremely busy next time she asks you.

The more I think about it, you know, the more I would like an unsuitable bloke to come round and suggest ice cream in bed

I used to babysit when I was 13-15 and I had no idea what I was doing! I only realise in hindsight - I was looking forward to my choccie biscuits and a tenner at the end of the night, and it would not have occured to me to check nappies, get drinks etc for kids. SO I remember the kids were always up late, we played with their toys, and in their parent's rooms (!), explored all the special rooms that the kids weren't allowed in. Read the post, memos etc, my boyfriends came to visit - and I was an angel teenager really. So, I would thoroughly recommend getting the kids to bed before you go if you can, and arranging a babysitting circle rather than teenagers!!