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Things You Should Never Do When Babysitting
Some babysitting actions, such as crossing boundaries or leaving a mess, you may not see as unacceptable babysitting behaviors on the job.
There is a great deal of trust and responsibility involved in babysitting. While most sitters have good intentions, there are several habits that, even inadvertently, can cause conflict with families or jeopardize your chances of getting called back. Whether you're new to caregiving or an experienced sitter, these are seven things you should never do when babysitting.
1. Ignore the Parents’ Instructions
Every family has its own routines, preferences, and rules. Whether it's about screen time, snacks, or bedtime rituals, it’s important to follow the directions provided. Ignoring them—even if you think your way is “better”—can break trust quickly.
2. Leave a Mess Behind
When parents return home, they shouldn’t be met with a messy kitchen or toys scattered everywhere. While you're not expected to deep-clean the house, tidying up after meals and playtime is part of being a responsible sitter.
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3. Post About the Family or Children on Social Media
Even a casual post like “Had so much fun babysitting tonight!” can violate a family’s privacy—especially if it includes names, photos, or location tags. Always ask before sharing anything online, or better yet, avoid it altogether.
4. Invite Others Over
No matter how casual the job may feel, this is a hard no. Babysitting is a job that requires your full attention and complete responsibility. Bringing a friend or partner without permission is not only unprofessional—it’s unsafe.
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5. Get Too Comfortable
It’s okay to feel at ease in a family’s home, but remember: you’re there as a professional. Don’t raid the fridge, make personal phone calls, or take naps unless you’ve been explicitly told that’s okay.
6. Overstep Boundaries
Even if you form a close bond with the family, it’s important to maintain professional boundaries. Don’t discipline in ways the parents haven’t approved or make decisions outside your role.
7. Skip Checking In
If the family expects updates—especially for longer jobs—don’t go silent. A quick photo of the kids playing or a short text saying “all is well” goes a long way toward reassuring parents.
At SeekingSitters Westchester, our sitters are screened, background-checked, and trained to meet families’ expectations with professionalism and care. We believe that trust is earned, not assumed—and that includes knowing what not to do.
Need a sitter you can count on? Visit westchester.seekingsitters.com to book trusted, on-demand care.
#BabysittingTips #WestchesterParents #SeekingSittersWestchester #BabysitterEtiquette #ChildcareDoneRight
