Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here-

I bought fabric markers. Not paints. very different things. And I don't know how many times I can say that I had zero expectation to be reimbursed the $45.

Honestly, if I sat for someone and they threw a fit over me bringing crafts, I would leave and never babysit for them again. I make sure all my crafts are washable, non toxic, and super easy to clean. I do all the cleanup myself. Every family I work with knows that I do crafts to avoid screens!

Seriously, I do not get being annoyed by this. Would you rather I put your kid in front of the TV and earn $15 an hour doing nothing?

Depends on the day. I have no issue with you putting mine in front of screens and you being there to make sure they just survive as they are in multiple activities plus school and everyone needs downtime. Screens aren't a bad thing in moderation. Its great you are doing all that and the kids are enjoying it but every family is different.

Your family sounds boring and shitty.

How are we shitty or boring? Our kids aren't home much so if they want some screens after everything else is done, what is the big deal? Mine are in daily activities with some days having two. They'd do more if we'd let them. Everyone needs downtime sometimes. Clearly you do or you wouldn't be here.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here-

I bought fabric markers. Not paints. very different things. And I don't know how many times I can say that I had zero expectation to be reimbursed the $45.

Honestly, if I sat for someone and they threw a fit over me bringing crafts, I would leave and never babysit for them again. I make sure all my crafts are washable, non toxic, and super easy to clean. I do all the cleanup myself. Every family I work with knows that I do crafts to avoid screens!

Seriously, I do not get being annoyed by this. Would you rather I put your kid in front of the TV and earn $15 an hour doing nothing?

Depends on the day. I have no issue with you putting mine in front of screens and you being there to make sure they just survive as they are in multiple activities plus school and everyone needs downtime. Screens aren't a bad thing in moderation. Its great you are doing all that and the kids are enjoying it but every family is different.

Your family sounds boring and shitty.

You are a babysitter and parents pay for everything for their children. No exceptions

OP here

Thanks for everyone's insights.

I hadn't considered what PP mentioned (it creates a lot of "stuff") and I will be considering that going forward.

I've decided to stop buying supplies (other than the very basics like glue, paper, etc) and get creative. I've asked my friends to save their egg cartons and things like jars. I also have been on Pinterest (coffee filter snowflakes!).

I'll talk them for more walks, too. I usually do one a day but we didn't get out yesterday (other than me driving them to sports).

It's helpful to get insight from parents as I'm not one. Their mom has expressed that she's thrilled, but I want her to continue to be so!

Thanks for all the help, I have a much better idea of how to obtain balance and avoid waste from now on.

I would definitely be irritated if I was presented with a bill for crafts. (I understand that you were not doing this OP, but someone else was suggesting it. ). I do provide craft supplies. When we run out of something my kids usually let me know and I get more.

I really appreciate it when our nanny provides a balance of activities. So crafts a little bit, but walks, riding bikes, exercise, play dates, more of the time. I would prefer my kids not sitting down doing crafts very much.

Also, doing crafts all the time crates a lot of “stuff” and is bad for the environment. Like a previous poster suggested, use things from outside or reuse trash of some sort.

OP - you sound like a great person. Just talk to the mom and ask what she would like you to do with the kids. Mention they like crafts and it would be great if she could provide some supplies.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The family pays, not you! She should reimburse you the $45. It is her responsibility to provide the sitter with crafts, reimburse you for gas, and any food bought for kids. At $15/hr, this is dirt cheap, you should pay for nothing!

The family should pay if its agreed upon first. Sitter should not go out and buy what she wants and then demand payment. $45 is a lot for craft supplies. I would not agree and I'd be annoyed if she brought things like fabric paints in my house without asking. Its nice she takes the initiative but you get permission first.

She should then return it to Michael's. If you are too cheap to provide craft activities for you children then they can watch TV all day.

I’m sure there are toys, books, sports equipments... lots of things to do besides crafting. Sheesh. Who are these babysitters?

Also, OP, you sound sane and normal.