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Dear Genevieve: I was recently called by a VERY nice man in a desperate need to find a sitter for that night. I was available and came over a few hours later. The 3 boys seemed nice but everything changed when the parents left. They fought and got into everything. Their youngest child had several temper tantrums each hour, and would throw and try to break anything he got his hands on. It got so bad that I almost called the parents, and I have never done that before. When they came home I told the father about the crazy night, and he said it was normal! I feel bad because the parents are great, kept in contact with me when they found out they would be home later then thought and even gave me a $25 tip. But how do I explain to them that I can’t babysit their children because they are out of control? ~Anonymous

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Dear Genevieve. How much should I charge for babysitting at events such as weddings and parties? I have been asked to baby-sit at a wedding and the number of children I will be caring for is unknown at this time. I typically charge $15 per hour but this will be much more then the 1-3 children I care for. How do I figure out an hourly fee? ~Mandy
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Dear Genevieve: I have been nannying for a GREAT 3-year-old boy ever since he was 6 months old. His parents both work, so I’m the one he spends the most time with. The problem is that he’s started to call me “Mommy.” I feel really guilty about it! Should I tell the mom or not? ~Kristina R.; Longview, TX
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Dear Genevieve: My child has some behavioral issues that make him a slight challenge for some caregivers. Now that school has started, I need a new nanny, but I’m wondering just how much I should reveal to her in the interview. I don’t want to scare anyone off! What are your thoughts? ~Nancy R.; Carson City, Nevada
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Dear Genevieve: This is my first time really using a sitter (as opposed to a family member) and I’m not sure what the etiquette is when it comes to babysitters and food. Do I make her dinner when she comes over for the evening? What if she wants to order pizza? Any help is appreciated. Thanks! ~Brooke, Washington, DC

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Dear Genevieve: The weather is starting to heat up and I’m so excited to wear my cute summer clothes! However, this year, I have a summer nannying job, and I’m not really sure when I should be wearing. Is a strappy tank top okay? ~Jessica, St. Louis, MO
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Dear Genevieve: My sitter has been with my family for just over a month and comes over on an average of once a week. I think she’s great, but I still don’t know her very well quite yet. She’s graduating this year and I don’t know if I should get her a gift or not. What do you think? ~Caren H.; San Diego, CA
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Dear Genevieve: I’m a nanny to one adorable but stubborn 3-year-old, and I find myself resorting to bribes to get her to do things, like getting her into her PJs without a meltdown. Is that terrible? ~Monica
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Dear Genevieve: Let me start off by saying that I really do like my nanny. She is responsible, kind, honest and loves my son. However, he has started crying for her when he’s with ME, and I’m starting to feel like she’s the new mommy! I don’t want to fire her, but I don’t want her to replace me either. I’m just completely lost. What should I do? ~Christine D.; Cleveland, OH
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Dear Genevieve: My daughter is one month old and won’t go to sleep until midnight or 1am. She’ll sleep until 5am, but then go back to sleep until 10am. How can I change her sleep schedule so she’ll go to bed around 9 or 10 at night?

~Lisa
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Dear Genevieve: My sister and I both use Sittercity babysitters, and we love them. We really want to show our sitters how much we appreciate them this holiday season, but we have no idea what kind of gifts we should give. Help! ~Karen
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Dear Genevieve: My 4-year-old daughter HATES having her hair brushed. It’s a part of our morning routine, and she gives me the biggest cries/screams/whines you can imagine. Her hair is very fine and thin, so I have to put it in a ponytail to prevent it from getting so straggely. And when my husband is around, her dramatics get even worse! I just don’t have time to fight with her anymore and now she’s requesting that her teacher brush her hair at school! Ugh.
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Dear Genevieve: What should I know about poison control and how to quickly respond to issues? ~Hannah, sitter to Callie and Braeden
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Dear Genevieve: Is babysitting natural? Some of my most down-to-earth friends have discouraged me from using a sitter, saying that it’s not “natural” for a non-parent to care for someone else’s kids. ~Bobby
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Dear Genevieve,

What should I do if the parents I am sitting for are always late getting home?

Sincerely,

Sandy
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Dear Genevieve,

I have seen a lot of different reviews on car seats and child safety in a car, but what are the general driving safety rules for kids?

Sincerely,

Samantha
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Dear Genevieve,

What is the best way for me to get kids moving on the job and highlight fitness without making it feel like they are being forced to exercise?

Thanks for the help!

Melissa
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Everyone at Sittercity.com just wanted to pass along Holiday Greetings to everyone! Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and in case you are away from your computer next week, Happy New Year!

And remember - keep an eye out for the Top 10 Evil babysitters, you never know when you might come across one of them!

While the holidays are getting closer and closer don’t forget to acknowledge the people that have helped your child grow over the past year. Below are some recommendations for gifts to get your babysitter, nanny or children you sit for.

Keep an eye on the Sittercity.com blog where we’ll be posting some great deals for gifts in the next couple days!
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Dear Genevieve,

I sit for a family with three great kids, I love them dearly, but sometimes they need so much attention they make me want to scream. Do you have any tips or advice on how I can keep them occupied so I have time to get a glass of water on occasion?

Help!

Angie
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Dear Genevieve,

When I started working for my family, I negotiated a rate I was happy with, but that was well over a year ago. Based on what I have heard some other sitters make in my area, I think I may be underpaid. Do you know the best way to find out if I am making what I should? If I find out I am underpaid, what is the best way is to ask for a raise?

Thanks for your help!

Jodi
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Dear Genevieve,

I have a question about bringing up issues with my sitter. When the kids are napping or playing, she spends a lot of time on the phone. The reason I know this is because I work from home and spend a majority of my time at home when she is watching the kids. While this is not a huge issue (she is a great sitter and the kids love her), I want to talk to her about it, but at the same time, do not want to offend her or risk losing her as our sitter. What would be the best way for me to approach this topic?

Sincerely,

Brenda
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Dear Genevieve,

Is babysitting natural? Some of my most “down to earth” friends have discouraged me from using a sitter.

– Bobby G.

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Dear Genevieve,

What is the best rate to pay a sitter? I have twins and live in central Boston.

–Bewildered in Boston

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