Is it ok to fall asleep when babysitting?

Question

I fell asleep while babysitting these kids...it was like 1 AM, and the kids were asleep too. Is it rude or what? Thanks!

And if you could also leave some tips about babysitting that would be great!

10 points to the person with the best anwser!!!

Answer 1

I don't mind if my babysitter falls asleep, as long as it's after my kids do, and as long as she's not so heavy a sleeper that she doesn't hear me come in or hear them wake up. If anything I'd feel guilty keeping her out so late.

Answer 2

I use to babysit for a family friend. I would fall asleep on the couch by the front door around 11:30 p.m. and when i heard the door opening i would sit up and pretend to be WIDE awake. It's not the safest thing to do b/c if the child falls off his bed or anything, you wont here the bump. It sounds like a movie, but there is also the possibility of a kid burglar coming in through their bedroom window, and you would never know. If you need to sleep though, try making a lounge on the floor where you all can lay together so you can be more safe.

Parents probably know you're going to sleep but would rather not see you sleep when they get back b/c of all the things that could go wrong: something catching fire and you're sleep and unable to call the fire department etc.

Answer 3

Oh I used to babysit for these parents who used to stay out all night. I was about 12 or 13 at the time. How could you NOT fall asleep?

The parents never cared if I fell asleep as long as the kids were all tucked in and the house was locked up.

You should probably ask the parents if they expect you to stay awake until they get home if it's going to be a late night. If they say yes, you better stock up on the mountain dew, snacks, some movies, and a few friend's phone numbers. That can help.

If they say it's OK, then just be safe about it. Keep the lights on, the doors locked, and stay in the room where the kids would expect to find you in case they wake up (like the living room in front of the TV).

This is a great experience for you.

Answer 4

Usually parents won't mind if the babysitter falls asleep that late in the night. By that time, the kids should have been fast asleep and well into the R.E.M. stage of dreaming.
If you are concerned about it, ask the people you work for their opinion on whether they would like you to stay awake all night or not. They probably won't have a problem with you taking a nap that late. And if they do have a problem, it will save you embarassment in case they came home early and caught you napping on the sofa.
I've babysat for years, and the best tips I can tell you are:
1.Know your first aid/CPR skills. Hopefully you'll never need them, but it feels good to be knowledgable AND it looks good in the interview process.
2.Always come prepared with things to do. Bring coloring/activity books, games, little dolls/toys...Anything unfamiliar to the kids will be a treat and they will enjoy you all the more.
3.Don't be afraid of punishing the kids when they misbehave, BUT...make sure you have spoken with the parents beforehand and are familiar with their method of punishment. (Some parents only send the kids to their room while others take away video games or the television). You want to stay consistent with punishments so you are not taken advantage of.
4.It's okay to be friendly with the kids-just make sure they don't take advantage of your friendship. I used to babysit a couple neighbor kids who were just a few years younger than me. We were good friends, but I had to know when it was appropriate to take on the adult role.
5.Some parents don't mind if you bring homework or school work to study, but make sure you ask first. I have worked for people who prefer you devote your whole evening to the kids.
6.Most importantly, try to enjoy yourself. Babysitting is a great opportunity to get a glimpse of what it is like to be a parent. And it always looks good on a resume.
Best wishes!

Answer 5

There is nothing wrong with sleeping while the kids are sleeping. BEFORE YOU go to sleep you want to make sure they are really asleep and that they are comfortably tucked in and are okay.

During all of the times I babysat, the parents would tell me that the kids were sleeping and that I could sleep too or watch television.

Oh yeah babysitting tips. I used to buy cheap little activity books and bring them with me, or I would bring stuff to do little arts and crafts, or even a different movie from home, or I would play different games with the kids. Just do things with them, that is a little different from what they usually do. Kids love to see a different game or whatever, they think it's great. Chances are good, they are going to want you to come back.

Have fun.

Answer 6

I think there is no problem falling asleep while babysitting as long as the children are asleep too. But still I think it is best if you make sure that you can hear them if they need you. Maybe you can use a babyphone or leave the doors open or something...

Answer 7

usually what i do is if i know im babysitting really late and there is a chance i'll fall asleep, i set the alarm on my phone 30 minutes before the parents are supposed to get home. that way they never know you took a nap. but if you feel like you're gonna fall asleep, check on the kids right before you lay down, just in case. or if i really am worried about falling asleep i just call a friend and talk to them or i call my mom and she'll bring me an energy drink. also make sure all the doors and windows are locked and that the oven is off...common sense =]]

Answer 8

If it was that late and the kids were asleep anyway then no that's no wrong. I mean some people babysit over night and they have to sleep right. You should be fine. Don't worry about it. As long as they weren't running around and you were asleep.

Answer 9

its not ok to fall asleep when babysitting cause you never know if the kids are really a sleep not only that you never know if the parent of the kids that you are babysitting are watching you on camera

Answer 10

Well nothing happened, so keep that moment in the past. For the future, check with the parents...some don't mind if you go to sleep after the kids do, and some prefer you keep yourself occupied and awake (just in case something happens).

Two tips that have always worked well for me:

1) Always have a positive, cheerful attitude around the kids. No exceptions. Not even when something breaks, someone cries, or someone disobeys you. Always always always put on a happy face.

2) Don't act superior to the kids; act like one of their friends. You're there to play with them and have fun, and you just so happen to know how to cook dinner, too.

Answer 11

I would go ahead and ask the people you are babysitting. "If you are going to be out after midnight, would you mind if I lay down on the couch and take a nap?" As a mom, I wouldn't have any issue with that!

I dont know what kind of tips your looking for---but the best baby sitters we have had PLAY with the kids. I use my kids as the judge of who returns to babysit them.....if they like you, your back!