last-minute babysitting...safe?

[Anonymous]

I need to pick up some extra cash, so I applied for a babysitting gig for tonight and tomorrow night. The dad emailed back already and I will call him soon. Normally I would want to meet them prior to babysitting to make sure everything feels right. Any tips for assessing the situation on such short notice?

[Anonymous]

Anyone who is ok with you watching their children without having met you first is not someone you want to work for.
It's not worth the risk.

[Anonymous]

Your first red flag: you're talking with a man instead of a woman. Don't do it.

[Anonymous]

What city? How did u find it?

[Anonymous]

OP. Yeah, it makes me a bit nervous. I'm thinking about asking if he and the child can meet me a little earlier this evening, in the neighborhood. It's in NYC, in a good area. I found it on SitterCity, so there's no agency to ask about them.

[Anonymous]

Did you ask about the mom?

[Anonymous]

OP. Not yet. I think I need to make the call and see how I feel then.

[Anonymous]

Yeah OP but many can give off a good vibe over the phone so don't go with that. Meet in a public place like you mentioned above.

I also agree with the others who said it's a red flag that a male hired you before even meeting you. If you're attractive he may have other motives as well. Or he may have sinister motives that have nothing to do with childcare so be careful.

[Anonymous]

OP. Thanks, all! I was able to find his full name by googling his phone number. Seems legit, so when he calls back I'll ask about meeting in person.

[Anonymous]

It could be legit. You sometimes get parents who really do need a last minute babysitter, example being that their usual sitter got sick.

NP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It could be legit. You sometimes get parents who really do need a last minute babysitter, example being that their usual sitter got sick.

NP

+1

And speaking with a man instead of a woman has never been an issue or a red flag for me. If you feel uncomfortable though, I would not sit but ask to meet sometime for future care opportunities.

[Anonymous]

I do it all the time and have never had a problem. Normally I'll give a reference's phone number, they'll call, and all will be be good!

[Anonymous]

I know a guys whose sister was killed by someone who played as a woman who wanted a babysitter. Don't do it

[Anonymous]

How did it go OP?

[JenniferShumaker]

Baby sitting job is good but one need to keep in mind few things like you have to be positive always encourage kids,be honest with parents give them correct report ,plan ahead be child with child,jump around with children they like the most,and lastly take notes and details of every child.