Part of CareFinder's mission is to create a community in which sitters and families are able to develop respectful, supportive, and lasting relationships with one another. We believe this is important for successful babysitting; it indicates that — most importantly! — the children are being well cared for.

As we encourage sitters to build strong connections with the families they work with, however, we also caution becoming overly comfortable with them. As much as the job requires collaboration and, often, personal conversations and situations, it is important to remember that the family who employs you is just that: your employer. Remaining professional is critical. Each family will be different in their expectations, of course, but there are general boundaries you should keep in mind in your interactions with them.

Be explicit about job expectations.

Fortunately, much of the job expectations are outlined within the job post and therefore, the contract you agree to when you accept the position. However, some times things change during ongoing jobs and schedules or duties must change in return. In addition to ensuring you have job agreements for each new job, you should also be cognizant of formalizing new expectations around your availability, responsibilities while on the job (for example, if you are now expected to cook meals for the children), and you should...

Say no if you are not able to meet updated expectations!

Respectfully and tactfully, of course. While saying no can be awkward and uncomfortable, being realistic about your ability to meet any additional demands will save you and the family a lot of trouble in the future. Rather than risk burning out, or worse, trying to do something you don't have the bandwidth or skill set to do, be upfront and honest when asked.

Keep the personal, personal.

Working in someone's home, caring for their children, maybe even traveling with them on vacations — it can make the line between professional and personal seem blurry! But remember: while we hope that you enjoy working with and for the family, and vice versa, they are first and foremost your employers. Just as you wouldn't tell a supervisor in an office setting about your hot date or your financial troubles, you shouldn't tell the family. This goes in both directions, as well. A parent oversharing about their marital troubles puts you into an awkward situation; encourage them to seek out a friend or other confidant instead.

Maintain professional conduct.

One of the wonderful things about being a babysitter is the ability to have fun and play at work. And to repeat: we want the sitters and families in our community to enjoy working with one another! But just as there is a time and place for sharing the details about your personal life (not at work), there is also a time and place for partaking in fun and play (not with the parents). You may be offered a glass of wine at the end of a long sitting or a parent may request to follow you on social media platforms. Each parent-sitter relationship is unique, and we trust CareFinder sitters to determine their own comfort level as these situations arise; please use your best judgment!

Contact the CareFinder Team.

While we hope that sitters and families are able to determine the rules and boundaries each is comfortable with and maintain them throughout the working relationship, the CareFinder Team is also here to support sitters if a parent crosses a line or the sitter otherwise needs assistance in creating or asserting professional boundaries. Please don't hesitate to contact us.