If you're asking my high school and college-aged daughters to babysit, what are you thinking?

[Anonymous]

Let me start by saying that I have the utmost sympathy for parents of young children who are trying to work at home this summer when daycare and camp opportunities are limited.

But . . . when you ask my high school and college-aged daughters to babysit do you not realize how risky that could be for your family and for ours? My daughters, who have been much in demand over the years as sitters and who truly love kids (as well as the money they've earned -- thank you), are besieged with requests to babysit this summer. They are turning all of these down because they just don't see it as reasonably safe -- and my husband and I agree completely.

Folks, you may not be aware of this, but like many families with young adults in residence, we are stretching our bubble for essential activities -- most notably BLM demonstrations -- but also other activities, which we deem to be an acceptable for our family, but which we cannot, in good conscience, expose you to. Yet, even when our daughters explain this to parents, they do not seem to get it.

And, conversely, we don't know how observant you and your adorable children are of social-distancing, mask-wearing and other public health guidelines. So, please don't ask us to take on your risk portfolio.

I know I'll probably get flamed for this, but please just think of it as a public service announcement brought to you by Karen. (And, no, that is not my real name.)

[Anonymous]

Nice for you that they don't need the money. Some do.

[Anonymous]

So don’t OP. People are thinking that they need to work and it’s near impossible with little kids.

My teen is looking for babysitting jobs. If you don’t get it, move on. No reason to try to make other people feel like they are compromising their health because they need a sitter.

[Anonymous]

I think people are thinking that it's an offer that can be refused, and not a summons. No is a complete sentence!

Some people are comfortable with this. Once your kids say no, people can ask others.

[Anonymous]

My teens are babysitting. They like to earn money, and after 3 months in quarantine, they need to get out of the house and fill some of their many, many hours of free time.

[Anonymous]

They can’t just say no? I asked our babysitters - one said yes please and one said not at this time.

[Anonymous]

The simple “ask” shouldn’t be this offensive to you. Geez.

[Anonymous]

I feel bad for OPs daughters. I know quite a few high school and college aged kids who are babysitting this summer. They have zero.issues with it. Op sounds slightly unhinged

[Anonymous]

You’re obnoxious, OP.

[Anonymous]

“Get a teenager...” is common advice here for all those who don’t have teenagers. And then they want to underpay them, make them walk home alone in the dark, and not let them eat.

[Anonymous]

Thinking about the dozens of high school and college aged kids posting on NextDoor looking for babysitting jobs and wanted to offer the opportunity to your kid, perhaps.

[Anonymous]

Op, we aren't hiring anyone this summer because we are fortunate to make our schedules work. Surely you can understand not all families are as fortunate as yours. I also know several high school and college aged women who are spending the summer babysitting. They need the money n. It's wonderful that your children don't have to work, but that is not the reality for many.

And they are not asking "us". They are asking your daughters. One of which is an adult.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:“Get a teenager...” is common advice here for all those who don’t have teenagers. And then they want to underpay them, make them walk home alone in the dark, and not let them eat.

Really? Haven't seen that at all. Are you also OP?

[Anonymous]

We are thinking it's probably safer than a group day care with 15 kids and 3 teachers, and it is one of the few exceptions we will make to stretch our bubbles because once things "reopen," our workplaces have let us know they will no longer be so flexible about childcare. We don't all have the option of just not having childcare all summer to reduce risk.

Now the risk to YOUR family is another question, but again, for us the alternative is sending our kids back to day care at risk to teachers; saying no is your daughter's and your family's right and responsibility, don't get offended at people just for asking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:“Get a teenager...” is common advice here for all those who don’t have teenagers. And then they want to underpay them, make them walk home alone in the dark, and not let them eat.

No, I am not OP. Go back and read this forum. Parent posters are constantly responding about underpaying teenage babysitters, demanding they have their own transportation home and pissed that they get hungry.

Really? Haven't seen that at all. Are you also OP?