Age Discrimination in Babysitting
While browsing through some babysitting jobs the other day, we came across a post that specifically stated a preference for “a younger sitter.”
As you’re well aware, Sittercity only features sitters who are 18 and older, so it’s not like this parent was looking for a preteen, but he definitely wanted someone who had just completed high school.
Which begs the question… why? And is this a common thing?
Parents, Babysitters & Age
Most parents seem to want college-age babysitters and nannies — those under the age of 25. This leaves the “older” caregivers in a position of having to defend their age and carefully word their sitting applications/profiles.
In fact, we know of some 30-something caregivers who don’t even like to tout all of their years of experience at because they feel like it ages them. Instead of saying they have 20 years of experience, they’ll cut it down to 12 or 15 so they sound younger.
This seems to be one of the lesser-discussed taboos of the babysitting world.
Perhaps parents prefer “younger” sitters because they are stereotypically more energetic, more affordable, more playful and more willing to adapt their sitting style based on parental feedback.
What’s interesting though is that on one of our past blogs where we debated the merit of having a college degree as a caregiver, the general consensus was that experience mattered much more than having a degree. If experience correlates with age, wouldn’t you assume that parents would prefer the “older” sitters?
Lots of interesting implications in this controversial topic.
Sound Off
Parents, do you have an age preference for your sitter? If so, why?
Sitters, do you feel like you’ve ever been discriminated against based on your age? (Either too young or too old?)
[image credit: daz'd&confuz'd]
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October 15th, 2009 at 9:36 am
I am a 38 year old stay at home mom and I have applied for over 200 jobs on SitterCity, have a full background check ran and have only babysat for two different families. The only reason I can see why I am not getting any job opportunities is because of my age.
I have a 1 year old son, so I know what it is like and the energy needed. I love playing board games, playing hide and go seek, so, yes, I do feel that there is definite age discrimination going on.
October 16th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Fascinating! So your idea of an older sitter/nanny is “30″? Then you obviously are not aware of the real world around — there are a lot of succesful, talented, energetic — not to mention “experienced” alive and healthy older adults who need additional/desire income. (We’re the boomers!) I consider myself more than qualified to handle infants to teens — I raised 6 and have 10 grandchildren. (I’m an artist, business woman and a person who loves to be around children.)
I deal well with children from infants to teens. I consider working with children extremely satisfying –also very willing to follow the young parent’s wishes as to how they want their child cared for. Kids are a lot easier than adults to deal with!!!
Mature sitters like myself can offer so much to the younger crowd — both the child and the parents as well.
I found Sittercity purely by chance — on Facebook. I researched the company — from a biz-perspective I liked the concept. They definitely fill a need that wasn’t available to me in the “old days”.
I consider the program a very positve and succesful experience — I noticed that most of the applicants were young. But I (personally) didn’t see that as an issue. Although I think I’ve been turned down for some jobs based on my age, I don’t worry about it. I know there’s plenty of “moms-n-kids” who need a good sitter!
Thank you for the chance to “rattle” on!
Cheers!
Sue