Hellobee Boards

I really don't expect babysitters to clean up after themselves unless there is a huge craft mess or something. If you want it to be done, you'll need to spell it out for them. So in this case, yes, I would have her back but I would be sure to let her know my expectations.

I think unless you asked her to clean up I would have her back and ask her to clean up next time. Technically she's a "babysitter" and not housekeeper?

I wouldn't expect a babysitter to clean up unless I asked and showed them around the kitchen.

Did she feed the kids dinner or did you (since you said you made it)? If you guys fed the kids dinner I wouldn't expect her to clean up a mess that you left behind. If she fed the kids I would expect dishes to be put the sink and the leftovers in the fridge at least.

I don't expect toys to be picked up... but then again, our playroom is always a bit of a disaster.

Sorry, short answer,

I would try her back again but spell it out. Before the kids go to bed, they need to put toys away in the baskets or lined up neatly. Please put leftovers from dinner covered in the fridge (maybe leave out a tupperware?) and please wipe down any mess.

I always cleaned the houses where I sat, and would generally expect the same to be done as long as there was time to do it. I would expect all "kid" messes to be cleaned, and I also always made the house nicer than when I arrived (but I don't think that's necessarily in the job description.) If everything else went well, I'd have her back but ask her to clean up the messes they make.

I'd have her back, but ask her to clean up and show her where Tupperware/cleaning supplies are. When I babysat I would usually try to clean up as much as I could but if I didn't know how the family usually cleans something or where things go I wouldn't worry about it.

I wouldn't expect her to clean up... I mean it would be an added bonus but it wouldn't cause any issues with me. I'd have her back.

Yes I'd have her back. Even I don't pick up all the toys every night. If the kids are safe and happy that's all that matters.

I think that if you want her to clean up you need to tell her. If she still doesn't after that then that's one thing. I would give her another chance.

At 19 years old I would think that she would at least clean up the mess from dinner if it was obvious what needed to be done and definitely wipe down the highchair. If the kids were still awake and occupying her time, that's one thing, but she could be doing a little cleanup before turning on the TV.

Our sitter just puts the dishes in the sink. And he's a college student. But I've learned with sitters that if I want them to do something in addition to watching/playing with the kids - I need to be explicit with my instructions.

It might irk me a bit, BUT she is a babysitter and if I didn't specify it, I'd let it roll off my back and invite her back.
I'm not sure I'd ask her to clean up next time though, I'd probably just adjust my expectations. Maybe I'd ask her to put the food away since it can go bad. But if she didn't clean up the first time that means she doesn't think it's in her job description. So I wouldn't want to cause issues by asking her to do it, especially if the kids are happy and safe and asleep at end of the night, which is her main responsibility.

When I babysat, I always cleaned up the kitchen and toys after the kids went to bed. I often left houses cleaner than I found them! I can't imagine just leaving that stuff out!

That said, if everything else was fine, it wouldn't be a deal breaker. But I would tell her those expectations next time before you leave (and I don't think they are unreasonable expectations at all!)