This thread is really great! When i used to babysit:
1) I didnt expect children to be sleeping, ever. I knew that they were paying me to watch their kids and they werent obligated to make my job easier. it was much appreciated and if i started after 7:30 the little ones were usually sleeping or in bed.
2) If food wasnt left out for me, i did rummage and took what i wanted. I never took the last of a food item and didnt touch homemade foods
3) If i wasnt warned about using the phone, I did call my parents to check in
4) I did my best to get the children in bed by their bedtimes, sometimes the older ones would stay in their rooms and then come out upon their parents return. How embarrassing!
5) I kept my looseleaf opened on the table so that i looked like i was studying hte whole time. I might’ve been napping or doing nothing, but that is none of anyones business.
6) i did snoop but not in parents bedrooms or offices or read anything.
7) If there was a TV i did watch on the lowest volume and then when i heard them returning, either the car in the driveway or the door opening, i’d quickly raise the volume, put th echannel back on what it was and turn off the TV.
I was a great babysitter and charged a minimal fee. I was always available unless i was already booked. I did well in school and had time for friends over shabbos and in school.
Now as a parent, I would love to have another me…