Teen Babysitters?

I am recultant to use teen babysitters (my kids are 4 and 5mos). I don't feel that most teenagers are responsible enough. That being said, we are going to try out a new sitter who is 18 and graduating from high school in a few months. She works at the daycare at my gym and the kids love her. We will only use her when we want to escape for dinner or need someone to watch the kids while we are home and doing some cleaning or organizing.

I don't think children should be wet when you get home. I don't think diapers should be put on wrong (it really isn't that hard...). As for the toys, if they are still in use that is fine, but a babysitter should help the kids (yours are old enough to pretty much do it themselves) clean up. I don't expect my babysitters (the college girls) generally to clean or cook. I want them focused on the kids. However, my house is always picked up when I get home and dishes etc done if they have eaten. Also- My Space is NOT age appropriate for a 6 year old. Did you give the babysitter permission to use the computer?

I would try to take a positive spin and be glad your husband is concerned.

I tend to be a bit more picky about sitters than my husband, so I feel your husband's pain. Not sure why he would fib about having babysat, but as far as his expectations, I can relate. If I have any advice it would be that age is only part of the equation. We have a sitter in her late 20's that we use once in a while (she's single, no kids, and likes the extra $$). Last time she sat for our 2 year old daughter, she was still awake at 10pm when we got home (sitter said she was crying, okay, I'll let that slide). But after she left, I asked my daughter what they did and she said," Watch Big Bird." I asked her what else they did and she said, "And elmo, and Dora, and Barney, too!" It's hard to know for certain with a toddler, but I think all they did was watch TV for 4 hours. They didn't even read book before bed - which is probably why my daughter was crying when she went to put her down.

Now, I might not have been that upset if I hadn't specifically set out several different toys and projects for them to do together and explained her bedtime routine in detail.

I guess my point is, age is not as much a factor as responsibility and personal integrity. Respect your husband's opinion but I would tell him if he is unhappy, he has to be the one to interview new potential sitters. That way, he finds one he likes and if it doesn't work out, he can't blame you.

I have used teen sitters, but I always set out guidelines with them.

The first step we've done is to invite them to our house to meet my daughter, and then to talk with me about expectations.

We do not let our sitters use our computer. We also expect that all toys are put away (even ones that were already out). Dishes...same thing. I take the sitter on a 'tour' to show her where everything is, and I leave a detailed list in a folder with emergency information.

It may seem 'overdone', but remember, Teen sitters are still learning. They need the expectations laid out for them. If the expectations aren't met, give them a reminder. The second time, they need a 'warning', and three strikes they're out.

L.
i used a teen sitter last summer... she did dishes, cleaned up and only charged $5 an hour! she's in macomb and even drove to rochester

My daughter is 13 and I'm going to respond from the other side. The teenaer might be overwhelmed with just trying to keep up with the kids, so I wouldn't force cleaning on her. Being on the computer is a complete NO - IMO. I would let her know that she is not allowed to use the computer while she is babysitting. I woulnd't let the kids on it either while babysitter was there. I would also spell out how much time you want the kids on tv. I feel you are hiring a babysitter, someone to watch the kids and make sure they are safe, not someone to clean your home. You could also ask her to have the kids help her pick up the play area a 1/2 hour before you are coming home. Tell her that you would like that to be quiet time afterwards and pick out a small book that she could read to the kids before you come home. You could find a game (such as candyland) and tell her you want the kids to play that with her (of course you'd want to play it a few times before asking the sitter to explain everything). A teenager could also assit with the 3yo learning her colors, numbers, whatever is needed at that time while the 6 year old independently reads. When it comes to teenagers (or husbands ha ha)you have to write down exactly what you expect.
S.

Hi L.,
I say go with your gut. If you not comfortable or if you husband isn't comfortable,then start looking for a new sitter. But one thing... You have to spell out what you expect of your sitters. If you expect the toys to be picked up, the dishes done and so on, then you need to tell them that. Unfortuantley not all teens will do things unless you tell them specifically what to do. Also, if you have a problem with something that they did or didn't do, by all means tell them, this a job, this is a job taking care of your babies, so tell them. If you don't want them on the computer, password protect it and turn it off before you leave the house. Leave the sitters a list of what needs to be done when, etc... Personally I have two wonderful sitters and I am going to miss them once they get jobs out in the real world, but even I have had problems with sitters.
Good Luck!
J. in Macomb

If I had a teen babysit for an occasional night out.. I would expect her to just hold down the fort. Watcth the kids so they dont get hurt, feed them... but that is it..I wouldnt even care if she didnt get them to bed on time..

If I hired a teen for a regular schedule.. I would expect more...