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When it comes to babysitting, there are certain expectations that come with the job. Keeping the children safe, entertained, and well-cared for are often at the top of the list. But what about cleaning up after them? Should babysitters be responsible for tidying up the mess left behind by the kids they’re watching? This question has sparked a heated debate online, with opinions divided on both sides.
The Viral TikTok Video
The debate was ignited by a now-viral TikTok video posted by a woman named Maiya, who works as a nanny according to her bio. In the video, Maiya pans over a messy living room with toys scattered everywhere. The text overlay reads, “What their house looked like when I got there to babysit.” In the next clip, she shows the same room in a similar state of disarray, with the caption, “What it looked like when they came home.”
Maiya’s video serves as a “PSA to parents who hire babysitters,” as she explains in the caption:
“Psa to parents who hire babysitters, you do not need to have your house spotless when you have a sitter coming over. But you also shouldn’t expect your sitter to clean up large messes that happen before they’re there,” she wrote.
She also clarifies that the family never expected her to clean up the pre-existing mess and that the only reason she didn’t tidy up was because they hadn’t finished getting the kids ready for bed when the parents returned home.
The Great Tidying Debate
Maiya’s video has sparked a lively discussion in the comments section, with people expressing a range of opinions on the matter. Some fully support her stance, arguing that babysitters shouldn’t be expected to clean up messes they didn’t create. As one commenter put it:
“This is basically why I stopped babysitting for families. I’d walk into a mess and on their way out, parents would be like “please help the kids clean up”. You hired a babysitter, NOT a housekeeper!”
Others agree that cleaning should not be an automatic expectation for babysitters, with one person noting:
“Why are people assuming cleaning is a part of babysitting? Cleaning up after kids yes but not cleaning the house? Pay more if you want that??? Is everyone okay?!”
On the other hand, some commenters believe that cleaning up is simply part of the job, regardless of when the mess was made. One woman shared her personal approach:
“Even if I’m “just babysitting” imma make that house look cleaner than it was when the parents left. Every single time,”
Another mother echoed this sentiment, drawing on the lessons she learned from her own parents:
“My parents taught me to always leave it better than you came. Especially if the kids go to bed and you’re just sitting for hours. To each their own but my favorite sitters now are the ones who help me catch up on dishes and put toys away! The mess happens so quick, sometimes I don’t have time to clean before I leave.”
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, the expectations for babysitters when it comes to cleaning should be clearly communicated by the parents from the outset. If tidying up is something you’d like your babysitter to do, it’s important to discuss this upfront and potentially offer additional compensation for the extra work.
At the same time, it’s crucial to remember that a babysitter’s primary responsibility is to care for the children, not to serve as a housekeeper. While helping to maintain a tidy environment is certainly appreciated, it shouldn’t come at the expense of engaging with and supervising the kids.
As with most things in life, communication and mutual respect are key. By having an open and honest dialogue about expectations and responsibilities, parents and babysitters can ensure a positive experience for everyone involved – especially the children.