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Ok, so maybe I'm old school, but should my babysitter really be chatting on her cell and texting while babysitting?? We have a new babysitter as our regular one (who we LOVE) is on a trip for 5 weeks. She is really good with him, and had good references. She just comes over a couple times a week to play with Ben while I work...only 2 hours at a time, typically. I have walked in on her several times texting while Ben is playing alone and once while he was eating (which I said something to her about).

So, I am in my office working, and she just arrived about 20 mintues ago. I hear Ben saying "swing swing swing" and she is chatting away on her cell!! My instict is to go in there and take Ben outside to swing to make a point. But, I need to decide if I just want to talk to her about it, or find someone else.

She knows I can hear her, so maybe she thinks it's ok??? Maybe she has cell phone attachment syndrome, like so many 21 year olds. I don't mind her returning a text every now and then, but I am paying her to play with my son. It's a job. So, unless it's an emergency, or a really quick "I'll call you back later" I wish she wouldn't answer her phone unless he's napping. Am I being too harsh?

Thanks.

P.S. She's still chatting...

No, I don't think you are overreacting at all. I'd feel the same way. You are paying her to do a job. I'd say something. At least she's only temporary. But still. Ben shouldn't have to wait for her to have conversations before he can play.

I agree with Kristi. We have one babysitter who sometimes brings her laptop, and since we have wireless in the house she can get online very easily whenever she wants. My kids were telling me she was on the computer "all day," which was probably an exaggeration, but like you say, still...
I just don't enjoy the confrontation factor of correcting sitters - it's awkward for me. So I made my husband do it, and I'm not sure he actually told her not to bring her computer anymore because she still continued to do it some. I just wish they were all awesome and did exactly what we ask them to do all the time!
Did you say anything? If so, how did it go?

Thanks, guys.

I'm with you, LM, I don't like correcting babysitters....I know I can't expect them to act like a parent would if they don't have children of their own. However, I think this one falls short of our expectations. When I went in to let her go home, she was sitting in the floor watching "Legally Blond" while Ben was playing alone with blocks. Funny, I had been so worried about what I was going to say about the cell phone, and I didn't even get to that part! I told her I'd rather she not watch television unless Ben was napping or having quiet time in his crib. She was apologetic, and sincerely so (I think).

I just don't know if she's the right fit for us. Or, maybe I need to be more specific about our expectations and give her another shot. I have her scheduled for 10 more hours this week. Hmmmm....

I agree with Kristi and LM... you are paying her to take care of your child, not to talk on the phone / text. The whole phone thing seems to be a really big problem now. I used to be a retail mgr and was constantly having to give out warnings over phone usage. ugh! Does this babysitter have any prior work experience, if so she probably knows better. If not, you may just need to go over your expectations with her. But, trust your gut... If you think she isn't a good fit, she probably isn't right for your family. Good luck!

MMDM- I agree with all the great advice you have already recieved. It is definetely not to much to ask for a babysitter to devote all of her time to Ben while she is there, especially since she is only watching him for 2 hours.

I remembered this article from Parents and thought I would share it.
http://www.parents.com/toddlers/childcare/toddler-child...ter-behavior/?page=5

The babysitter's constantly on her cell phone.
What to do: Discuss the problem right away and give her a warning. Your sitter's eyes and ears should be on your child, not her text messages. Don't feel bad about asking her to hold all calls until after your kids are asleep. Since excessive phone use is something you're most likely to hear about from your child, be diplomatic when you correct your sitter's phone habits: "Janie loves doing art projects with you, and she told me you stopped in the middle of one last week to take a phone call. Next time, can you please tell your friends you'll call back after you're done?"

Great link, Livis Mom. Thanks!

You are welcome I am not much for confrontation so I liked how they gave some suggestions on "gentle" ways of expressing your desires.

MMDM- I was a Nanny for 5 years prior to getting married and having a LO of my own. I practically raised these children, when I got them one was 3 weeks and the other was 2. I kept them until they moved which was 2.5 years later. Anyway, back to the cell phone. I was never on the cell phone/texting while "my" kids were awake. However, I am not sure how old your son is but thats beside the point. He should be getting her undivided attention not only because you are paying her to do so but because she accepted a job and now she should be doing it. I am 21 years old myself, so you can see I was only 16 when I started working for this family. I don't like confrontation either but I think you should let her know how you feel, after all it is your child and your money. I hope it works out! Good luck!