Caregiver Tattoos — Okay or Unacceptable?
During one of our unrelated discussions here on the blog, one sitter expressed frustration over not hearing back from parents as much as her roommate. After clicking through to her profile, we noticed that the sitter had great experience, references and qualifications — as well as several visible tattoos. It sparked the start of a tattoo discussion that we wanted to continue in its own thread.
A different sitter, JennyThom13, had this to say:
I clearly state in my profile that I do in fact, have a few (Christian-based) tattoos, but would have no problem covering them up in wanted/needed. I think honestly, the e-mails from parents wanted me have slowed down a ton since I have put that up there- but I just don’t want to waste my time going to an interview if you know you’re not going to hire me. Should I leave the warning on my profile, or should I take it off and hope parents like me enough to overlook them?
She sitter later clarified that she has 2-3 visible tattoos on her wrist, foot and ankle, so they’re only really seen if she takes the children swimming. (She has 10 tattoos overall, but all the others are hidden.)
Mandybluma responded:
I don’t think it’s necessary to state that you have a few tattoos. At least 90% of the people I know have 2-3 tattoos. In my circle of friends I am actually the only one that has none. It’s a sticky subject, but it goes along the lines of parents telling their over 21 year old nanny she can not drink on her own time. Nannies and sitters almost live a double life. One is this very sweet gentle 110% pure person that never raisers her voice and sings lullabies. But then we have the other naturally human side. We go to events, concerts, listen to secular music, and don’t only watch rated G movies. Sometimes parents forget we are humans too.
We agree with Mandybluma that it’s not necessary to call out hidden tattoos in a profile bio (Christian-based or not, that wouldn’t make a difference to most parents). What you could do, if the visible tattoos are small enough, is offer to cover them with band-aids in the event that you do take the children swimming.
Of course, for sitters with large tattoos, many visible tattoos or sleeves, the solution is not quite as simple — nor is there a “one-size-fits-all” resolution that we could even state in the first place. Different parents have different philosophies, and it’s a harsh fact that certain parents would simply never hire a caregiver with visible tattoos.
So, parents, we’d like to hear from you. How do you feel about caregivers and tattoos? Would you choose not to hire a sitter who has visible tattoos? Does it make a difference what the tattoo is? Do you see any problem with hidden tattoos?
Subscribe
January 26th, 2009 at 11:51 am
I have no tattoos, but I find it ridiculous that a person is judged on appearance. Unless the tattoos are visually repulsive or obscene, I think making a judgment regarding a person’s abilities based on tattoos is wrong. Go by their experience with children and how they relate. There is enough bias in this world so please let’s quit adding to it.
January 26th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
I’m really glad to see this topic discussed. I have found that some parents can be very judgmental. On another sitter site there was a discussion about parents discriminating against a sitters weight. The concern was that if a sitter is overweight then they would not be able to keep up with active children, which is absurd! We have all seen Nanny Joe on Supper Nanny. She is a plump woman, and probably been her whole life. But now she is a star of a hit TV show.
I personally see no problem with tattoos. Its your body and you have a choice what you do with it. I have to be honest and when I was younger I was afraid of people with a log of them. But I have learned that people with many tattoos can be very creative and even artsy. As long as your visible tattoo is not offensive; naked ladies, curse words, images representing death, it should be no problem. You should present yourself as you would any job interview, covered up and professional. If you act like its no big deal, then most likely the parents will not even care.
Some parents will still judge as many people do. We are always judged on our appearance weather it be tattoos, weight, or age. But just keep faith, stay true to yourself, and the right family with come into your life.
January 26th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
I agree with rebwell……..leave appearance out of it. I am fine with crazy hair, pierceings, and tattoos. All that matters to me is how the person relates to my kids and what their experience is. I think it’s important for them to see that it isn’t what is on the outside that makes someone who they are and that self expression takes many forms.
January 26th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
As long as they aren’t of naked people, sex, murder, blood, etc… who cares?!
January 26th, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Before I fully express my opinion on this matter, I want to clarify two things…
1. I am not opposed to people having tattoos..Several of my friends (and those who care for my son) have them.
2. Parents may have opinions about whether tattoos are something they want their child to be exposed to on a regular basis or not. It does not make them discriminatory, but makes them parents who care about what their children see at young ages.
Now, I think the one thing lacking in this conversation is the concept of being a nanny or even a regular babysitter (especially if you take the kids places) is a professional career and should be treated as such. When you take the children somewhere (swimming, the zoo, etc…), you are a visible representation of that family. I would never dare to wear something less than appropriate to the swimming pool, because my objective isn’t to get a date or to “pretty”, but to care for the children I am responsible for and to make sure that the family’s reputation at a particular location does not get tarnished.
However, if you are just hanging out at the house with the kids and ordering in pizza, then wearing jeans and nicer shirt (polo or at least nothing tacky or skimpy) would be completely appropriate. If you are planning an outing to the local Hands on Museum or Zoo, then wearing something a little more refined, like a pair of khaki capris or pants and a polo or sweater, is far more appropriate.
My last big nanny position, was with a reasonably prominent member of the community and had to be treated delicately. Almost everywhere we went, people recognized their children. If their children misbehaved and were out of control, then it was always blamed on the nanny and the parents were criticized for having poor taste in character. If the children were well mannered and had a good time, then the parents received positive feedback and their reputation was upheld.
I think this tattoo conversation is a little selfish. When you work for a family, then you represent them everywhere you go, especially with the kids. For this reason, you really cannot fault the parents for choosing or not choosing you to care for their children. They have to look out for more than just their children’s safety, but also for their reputation in the community.
In direct answer to the question, I don’t think you need to mention ones that are not AT ALL visible, but if they are going to be visible in anyway during your position with a family (you know you will be taking the kids to the pool and expected to swim), then you should make sure parents are aware of that. It might behoove you to bring it up in conversation instead of stating it in your profile, though. A parent might overlook you because of it mentioned in the profile and so they stop reading, but if you have already met them and have good rapport with them, then bringing it up in casual conversation might ease the blow a bit…
January 26th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
I do not have tattoos but if I did I do not think that I would notify complete strangers of my “ink”. Tattoos do not disable you from completing your duties as a childcare provider.
I feel that if If a person decides whether or not to hire you based solely on your looks and not based on your character, background, and crudentials, then you are better off not being employed by that family! I think that it is ignorant for people to make judgement by first glance. Since when do tattoos make a person not have a heart or brain?
I don’t think that a family’s “reputation in the community” should have anything to do with your job. That sounds so materialistic! I have worked for families that were very well known and those that were very low key. I always have and always will work equally to the best of my ability (with strong, values, morals, and respect) no matter who’s child(ren) I am caring for. I don’t discriminate and vary my level of care and employers should not discriminate a person based on something that will not interfer with the care that their child(ren) will be recieving.
Tattoos do not make you dangerous, or less qualified. If they are not the family’s style that is fine. I doubt that the sitter/nanny would ask the parents if it was ok if they took Jr. to get inked after his nap.
I would hope that we would someday live in a world that is truely color blind. One that wasn’t so quick to judge, or quick to care about what your neighbors may say about your nanny’s tattoos. There are more important things in this world. Besides didn’t we all learn in kindergarten not to judge a book by it’s cover?? After learning that didn’t we always seem to go for the more colorful covers even after our teachers told us not to?? Boy how times have changed!
January 26th, 2009 at 3:24 pm
Mandyblue: Actually, we discussed the weight topic on this blog as well. Other sites ask for sitters’ weight, which we found odd. Here’s that discussion again: link.
Anonymous1: Thanks for sharing!
Anonymous2: That’s exactly what we’re hoping to find out! So far, the parents who have responded don’t seem to mind, but we’d love to hear from parents who have a different perspective so we can learn more about it…
TiffanyAcuff: Very interesting experience you had, thanks for bringing another side to the discussion. I like your idea of mentioning the tattoos in conversation rather than the profile. You’re right that many parents would simply stop reading after that point.
JAS2912: We can’t control anyone but ourselves, and you’re so right when you say that if a parent decides not to hire you on that basis, then you’re better off anyway. Great outlook!
January 26th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
i don’t think you should have to put a warning up that you have tatoos, if the parents are thinking of hiring you and then they dont just because of their tatoos then THEY should realize their own bias’s and insecurities, and i know i would be embarrased for THEM if i was the sitter in question. If you are a parent you NEED to be accepting, it comes with the territory. If someones tattoos are offensive that i can see. I personally would not hire anyone with drug related, violent or satanic tatoos or something like that. And somne one brought up other things, like crazy hair or peicings. well in my experience i have learned that people who show their individuality in their looks usually have something special about them, like they could be really good at art, music, or literature, etc. and could really have something to teach your kids. thats my opinion anyways
January 27th, 2009 at 3:19 am
I am a sitter and I have 9 tattoos. I have worked at daycares and with many families who don’t care about them. Most of them are for my partners eyes only so why would i show them to others. I can see where everyone is coming from and everyone is entitled to their opinion. But just as people have problems with tattoos they also have problems with smoking and drinking. I am a professional person and do what is necessary for the position. If my tats are a problem i can cover every one of them with my clothes. If smoking is a problem i simply won’t smoke until i’m at home. And i don’t think any parent in their right mind would hire a drunk. lol…… my advice about tattoos for anyone who has them or wants any is to …. be smart about it. make sure you can cover them… that’s what i did. when i go out on the town i wear clothes to show them off and when i’m working i cover them up. what’s the point in getting them if you can’t show them off ever. again just be smart about it.
if i was a parent i wouldn’t care whether there were tats or not… all i care is if my child was in good hands. and if for some reason a parent doesn’t choose you.. oh well, life goes on… there are plenty of other people in the world. just becasue someone doesn’t like something about you…doesn’t mean you shouldn’t live your life how you want. you just have to be respectful.
hope my comments helped
xoxo lauren
January 27th, 2009 at 3:23 am
oh and another thing… i don’t think you’re entitled to post or tell anyone about your tats if u can hide them… you don’t go asking people how many time they are intimate with their spouse on an interview… it’s their personal info… just like your body is your personal info… don’t ask don’t tell
January 27th, 2009 at 9:56 am
I believe it depends on what the tatoo is of if it is acceptable or not to be around children. It is a case by case basis and of course it is always up to the parents what they want their children to see and be exposed to as they are the ones hiring the person.
January 27th, 2009 at 11:07 am
There is a quote; “You only get one chance to make a first impression”. If you have chosen to earn a living by caring for other’s children, then you certainly must expect the parents to judge and critique you in many ways, one being, your choice to tatoo your body. You must be able to take responsibility for the choices you make and what others, will judge you by. That is just the way the world works. This is exactly why it is so very important for our youth today to really take a hard look at the positive and negative aspects of tatooing. Just a thought.
January 27th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
As a parent of 2 children myself I always believe diversity and self expression are a wonderful thing. I would happily hire a sitter with the right qualifications whether or not she had visable tatoos or piercings. I think that any parent who wouldn’t see it as an oppotunity to teach their children about diversity would be missing the big picture. I don’t feel that appearance is what should make or break an interview. It is one thing to show up in scantly clad clothing, or reaking of alcohol and cigarettes, or swearing like a sailor, or even with bad hygene, then no you wouldn’t get within 10 feet of my kids. However tatooing in my opinion is just a form of art and one that I am completely for.
January 27th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
I completely understand the fact that I have kind of put myslef in this situation, and it’s a situation I am fine with, and will live with. But yes, I have chosen to be a full-time nanny for my career, and yes, I have chosen to get tatoos on my body. Yes, ALL of them are children-appriopiate, bu I also understand I will be judged differently because of them- which is by the way, incredibly sad, but I guess I feel the way someone above stated. That, if the parents don’t want me because they have judged me by my looks right away, then I’m pretty sure the family-caregivier chemistry would not work out as well. I am not like that at all.
I love my job, and I love being with kids. I’ve been told many, many times that I’m great with them. And if you miss out on that, to hire someone else, not really my loss. I’m paying off my mortage well enough.
January 28th, 2009 at 12:59 am
TiffanyAcuff, I completely agree with what you are saying. Caregivers, you must remember two very important things: working closely with children, we are held to a higher standard than most and as much as one can try to not acknowledge it, IMAGE does in fact matter!! For example: in corporate America, a company will most of the time will NOT hire someone with visible tattoos/piercings or outlandish hairstyles because they want to preserve the IMAGE of their company and have all of their employees represent their company in a conservative way. It’s not that one with tattoos or piercings cannot do a good job, but it in fact comes down to IMAGE!! Customers feel more comfortable when they are comfortable with the IMAGE of a company. They will continue to spend money and keep the company in business!
Face it caregivers, most parents feel comfortable with a sitter that is not tatted up visibly! Now there are some parents who are not bothered by it, but most are. Now with that all said, if they aren’t visible tattoos, WHO CARES?? Keep it your little secret
It’s not about being judgemental or “judging a book by it’s cover” or whatever, it’s about presenting yourself as a professional image so that parents will feel comfortable with you and you can get hired! Be professional!!!!
January 28th, 2009 at 3:17 am
DONT put pics of your tatoos on your page nor mention it in your profile. If it comes up it comes up, leave it come up.
rebwell: U said it perfectly! I agree.
TiffAcuff: You’re WRONG. That IS discrimination. Of course the tats r gonna be covered-ust as they would in an office job– so it is no big thing. How are the kids gonna be exposed 2 it on a reg basis? JennyTHom13 isnt waking around in a bra/underwear so the kids wont see em.
& of course JennyThomg isnt gonna wear a thong when she is w the kids @ the pool. If/when the kids see the tats she just needs 2 explain them & keep the convo moving.
HOW is this topic selfish? JenThom13 has a valid question! She was being 100% honest/upfront on her SC profile & it has negatively effected her, so she is here asking 4 help. What is selfish about being honest & then asking the SC community 4 advice?
As far as your clothing ideas, again I disagree. Y go dresses in stiff clothes to the zoo? The zoo is alot of walking, pushing strollers, holding kids belongings, & sweating…be dressed comfy!
January 29th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Haha! Thanks Ihia. So glad you were thinking I was going in a thong either! Like I said, they’re CHRISTIAN tattoos, I know many have these tattoos, but don’t care about the reason for them, but I take my faith seriously. I am ALWAYS wearing appriopiate clothing. I do even wear a two-piece! I wear a one-piece with a skirt usually. Yes, I look like a grandma, but someone said above…. I’m, not there to get a date or impress anyone (but God!). I didn’t mean for this to bring up angry messages, and I didn’t intend it for people to think I’m selfish. I love kids. Tatted up or not. The End. I just now think I am even more lucky then I though because my families are so great. The are so understanding and understand that I make the kids, and them happy- no matter what I look like! The mom I worked for today is getting a tattoo now soon, and asked where I got mine! Haha.
January 29th, 2009 at 11:33 am
I also agree with looking professional, as in, I wear no “band” t-shirts or shirts with inapprioapaite pictures, etc…. but I dress comfy nonetheless! I think parents understand that I am going to have snot rubbed on me, and running after kids, and sweating, and painting, and playing in the sandbnox! No way am I going to need to wear a nice polo and crapris! Honestly, I dress nice to the interview, but also tell them what I wear on a normal day. Jogging pants and a plain t-shirt, sneakers, with my hair in a pontail!
January 29th, 2009 at 4:06 pm
I always dress just a little nicer to the interview but still keep it very casual. I actually have a separate space in my closet just for babysitting. Most of my tops are bright colors with a cute graphic or fun buttons. I buy a lot of my tops from the juniors section at Sears, Kohls, and Papya. On bottom I always wear jeans and yoga pants. Shoes are always sneakers, but if it’s a late night sitting I’ll wear flip flows since I will be inside the whole time. I have worn PJ bottoms a few times, but it was because the sitting was from 8pm -2am and the children were already in bed when I got there. I agree with Jenny Thom13. I would also never wear a polo and crapris or khakis! One they are uncomfortable, and two I’m not a waiter.
January 29th, 2009 at 4:15 pm
I think tatoos are an “expressio” of how a person feels on their body, no different than choosing a certain pair of shoes to buy and wear. I do think that tatoos and nose rings do not belong in the professional world/white collar jobs, but in babysitting I don’t think I really mind it.
January 29th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
I am a mom of 3 teens & I babysit in my home 5 days a week. I also happen to have 26 tattoos. When I had my interview with the parents of 6week old twins I did cover my tattoos. I also did mention to them that I had them. They were ok with it and dad even asked to see a couple. I got the job & we have grown very close to the family. The twins recently celebrated their first birthday and my family was right there with their family and friends. Having tattoos does not change your ability to care for children… or do any other job! Now, whenever I talk to perspective parents about caring for their child/children I make sure before we even meet in person that I do inform them that I have tattoos. If they are not comfortable with it then we go no further. There is no point in taking the time to meet and get to know one another more if you know at that point it wont work out. I do not get offended by this. I just go on with my life and wait for another family to come along.
I know when situations call for covering them, and I do. I am in a relationship where we see his grandparents about twice a month and in 2 years, they have NEVER seen ANY of my tattoos! Even in the summer when we cookout, I wear a light weight long sleeved shirt to cover them. Its respect for elders. At almost 90 years old I understand that they have their own way of thinking and I do not want to disrespect them. I love them dearly.
If a parent wants me to provide full-time or on-going care for their child they must accept me for who I am, tattoos and all. If someone needs just a one time sitter or occasional sitter I would be willing to cover most, if not all of my tattoos depending on the situation.
People really need to be more open minded. At the same time, people must respect that not everyone has the same feelings on things like tattoos, hair color, peircings, religion, race…. so many things can be discriminated against. It doesn’t make it right but, good luck getting everyone on the same page.
January 29th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
I actually have really big tats as well as some small;all hidden of course. I have worked with various of families and after a family has shown interest in me i have told them “i do have tattoos but i keep them covered at all times.” Some are grateful of that and others are like that’s not a problem at all. I’ve even had families tell me that they want their children to experience different kinds of people and think its great; some want to check them out. People are going to react differently to them but what you need to look for is some one who is open minded and for the most part they will recognize as they should that your appearance does not affect your ability to take care of there child/children. Just remember that you need to respect the families and dress appropriately when at work cause lets face it tattoos in my option are one of the least offensive things when it come to how some nannies dress.
January 30th, 2009 at 1:07 am
Tattoos are VERY controversial. I feel they should be covered up and exposed. Tattoos express your personality but, they can sometimes offend someone. Example: if I were to get a tattoo of a cross, someone might think “Oh she’s a hypocrit Christian”. People judge you for your LOOKS. It’s unfortunate, but it happens.
January 30th, 2009 at 1:24 pm
I have several visible tattoos but none of them have gotten in the way of any of my care giving jobs. I never tell parents I have them, I just go to an interview and if they notice them they never really have anything negative to say. The family I work for regularly during the week said that they don’t mind because having tattoos doesn’t make me a bad person.
January 30th, 2009 at 7:38 pm
I have three tattoos. Most everyone I’ve been a nanny for knows I have them. However, the people I babysit for occasionally most likely don’t know that I have them. And I plan to keep it that way. The way my skin looks does not affect how well I take care of children. The people I work for realize that. They don’t really care what I look like, as long as their children are getting the best possible care. But when you are looking for a job, don’t volunteer information, especially information that may be controversial. If parents are truly bothered by it, they will ask you first before hiring you.
January 31st, 2009 at 9:58 am
Just as a “professional” interview in the community would request that tatoos be covered up during work hours, this should be expected from childcare employers. That said, it is not the potential employees responsibility to disclose that they have tatoos, nor do I think that it should reflect an accurate judgement of a person’s ability to give good care to the little ones they sit for. To those who have disclosed on their profile that they have tatoos, I would remove it as this is not a characteristic that you should be judged on. And, if you are, then consider asking the potential employer if they have tatoos…they may understand better how it feels to be judged with such rediculous questions.
January 31st, 2009 at 3:38 pm
IN REGARDS TO THE ATTIRE DEBATE:
I too always dress nicer for the initial interview; I guess it’s part of the “first impression”. However, I am a hands on and active sitter and I spend a lot of my day on the floor playing with children.
I obviously don’t wear revealing things but I do wear yoga pants and comfortable clothing. I also have seperate “work”/childcare” clothing which consists of all washer/dryer/stain friendly material. I don’t think it’s very practical to wear uncomfortable clothing that can easily get ruined when you are around children all day.
I live near Chicago so if I am actually able to be outside with the children it means that it is usually Spring and Summer when it’s finally warm enough to be outdoors. If I’m going to take the children to walk around the zoo or other outdoor activity you bet I will be in comfortable (appropriate) clothing! I would never be caught on a hot summer day wearing polo shirt!
In the summer months I take children to the local town pool. I am not wearing a string bikini but in most cases I am not wearing a one piece either. Before relocating to Chicago (about 2 years ago) I lived on the East Coast. Being born and raised on the ocean my summer wardrobe = bathing suit, flip flops, and sun dresses. My clothing choices differ slightly if I am going to be climbing around at the park that day but for the most part they don’t. It’s who I am (a casual and practical person) and my employers hired me because they like the person that I am.
I have gone on vacations with (higher profile) families that I worked for and I have always brought a few nicer outfits for when we went out to dinner. I did this simply because it was a personal preference. During the day I was in the pool or ocean with the children so there was no need to “dress nice” when you are covered in sand and chlorine all day!
Personally I dress for the task at hand. I want to make myself as comfortable and presentable as possible. The last thing I would ever want to worry about would be a wardrobe malfunction (yikes!) or being too uncomfortable with what I was wearing to the point of being distracted from my work.
If you feel the need to dress up for your childcare job then by all means go ahead. But let’s face it taking care of children is not the most glamourous job in the world. I usually come home with baby food, finger paint, and who knows what else on me and in my hair after a day of work.
January 31st, 2009 at 3:40 pm
* Also it’s a VERY good idea to have an extra outfit or two in your car for yourself as well as the children!!
January 31st, 2009 at 7:42 pm
People seem to be forgetting that many parents have tattoos as well. I saw a survey several weeks ago which said that over 45% of people between the ages of 18 and 30 have tattoos, and almost 25% of the general adult population. That means that almost half of the people who interview for a position are going to have at least one tattoo, and at least a quarter of the parents doing the interviewing will have one as well.
That being said, it is totally up to the parent if they would prefer any tattoos be covered, or to not higher the person.
And just to address the point which has come up about how you dress at work, I think it depends a lot on where you work, and who you work for. Yes, if you are working for a prominent socialite in NYC, you dress nice for work. If you work anywhere where the general population is more casual, you will be too. I happen to work for a yoga instructor, and it is more important to her that I am down on the floor interacting, or taking walks, or doing something fun with her 1 year old, then me wearing “nice” clothes. Jeans and a t-shirt are thought to be just fine where I live.
February 9th, 2009 at 8:46 am
As a mom, I have no interest in having my children tattoo their perfect skin & I have told them that. Ultimately, I think the quantity of and the subject-matter of the tattoos would influence whether or not I re-hire a sitter. I am really not crazy about them, nor do I like multiple piercings or odd piercings.
I think if a person has noticeable or multiple tattoos that should be disclosed. I don’t know many people with tattoos, just like I don’t know many people that smoke: my kids don’t understand why people smoke/what purpose it serves (just like they don’t see the point of dying one’s skin permanently).
My care-givers need to have similar standards to mine: they are caring for MY children, not theirs. I want my children to be kept safe & happy when I cannot be with them: I don’t want someone influencing them a different way from how I would be. I don’t want anyone showing or telling my children that tattoos, piercings, over-eating, smoking, dressing inappropriately or even speaking incorrectly is okay.
And for the record, just because a tattoo is religious doesn’t make it okay either. I bring my children to church to learn about religion- I would not hire a babysitter to give that instruction, especially not via body art pictorial.
February 9th, 2009 at 7:17 pm
genit87
I agree with you
the point is are you dressed to work with children
the high point of the day could be mud, jumping in a puddle of water, painting, running through a park, or just playing in a backyard while getting very dirty.
What parent wants a sitter to show up “Le’ Chic”?
I can tell you about 82% of the parents I know have “tatts” and this is not a big deal with them, now if you had “tatts” that are scary or somehow expressing your need to feed on humans or kill their children…I think they would have reason to say “No Thanks” to your services but all in all “tatts” are harmless and most often unseen….
This does not mean parents or sitters are some how unfit for mankind…
smooches
February 9th, 2009 at 7:23 pm
I think you are very closed minded. You are portraying a person with tattoos as someone who is bad. This is not the case. You are only teaching your children to be prejudice. Tattoos are not for everyone, okay….but I have tatoos and I am a very nice person. My few tattoos have stories behind them….but you would not care to understand this….and that is sad. And I do not have to disclose this to you. THAT IS DISCRIMINATION! If you do not want a person smoking around your children….okay. And persons who smoke sometimes smell of smoke….so you will know this. But if you do not know this and the person is not going to be smoking on the job, why are you concerned? And then why is drinking not in your list of things a person shouldn’t be doing? Do you drink? Most people do, but they would not do this when working with the children we assume. Anyway…..you have a rigth to your opinion but I think you are being a little narrow minded and are going to not have an easy time finding a sitter to meet ALL of your qualifications. Yes, you can try to protect your children, but with yoiur current views you are only going to make your children want to do all of these things when they get a chance b/c you make these things be SO wrong which only makes them more enticing to the kids. Yes, I have my own child….I want him to be safe, too. But I am responsible for giving him all of the information out there, skills to make decisions…..what he decides will be his choice, whether I like or not. He will have to face the consequences…good or bad. If your children do not get tattoos, what happens when they bring home friends who have them, a date who has them or they get their own? Are you still going to love them? Really, there are worse things out there….like drinking, drugging and driving doing the same. Good luck!
February 10th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
I am a nearly 50 year old caregiver, and I do have quite a few tattoos which I DO see the need to cover up when on an interview with a new family…because I DO realize that some people are narrow minded and instantly relate tattoos with someone who is a motorcycle mama, bar brawler and simply, someone who you would NOT want caring for your child. Rest assured, I am none of the above, and in fact, am a devout Christian and have been a stay at home mom for all of my children’s (now adults!) life. Once I am hired, and the family gets to know me and be very happy with the care I provide them, then I might be a little more free in showing them, and NO ONE has ‘fired’ me as a result once they found out, but on the average, I STILL try to dress professionally and conservatively whenever I care for a child because, as stated, image, for so people, is everything. Fair or not, thats simply the way the word is.
February 27th, 2009 at 8:13 pm
I agree that in the perfect world, nobody would be judgemental. However, in reality, some people are and always will be. I think that parents that are bothered tatoos are more bothered by the sterotype represented by the tatoos than the tatoos themselves. If a person is looking for a new job in another area, the same type of judgments sometimes occur. My advice to caregivers with visble tatoos….you wouldn’t want to work for a judgemental type of person anyway.
RONA111
March 19th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
I would look at it both ways:
One is that since we are dishing out a lot of money to sitters, we can afford to judge. I certainly wouldn’t consider hiring someone who looks dirty and has lice either.
On the other hand if the person is capable of doing the job, I probably wouldn’t really care what she does on her own time, how many tattoos she has or whatever.
Also, some people are picky to what their kids are exposed to as well.
If you were to apply to a high management position that would pay roughly $100K annually, do you think you would really want them to know how many tattoos you have or do you think you would cover them up?
November 28th, 2009 at 6:50 pm
Hi:
I think that having a tatoo doesn’t mean someone is a bad person, but most Parents may consider tatoos to be a bit “off-putting” or radical.
I believe, the majority of parents, want conservative, professional looking and acting sitters. Unfortunately, tatoos don’t look very professional, unless you’re working in a field that doesn’t care about that. I know many companies that have a “cover-up” policy regarding tatoos as well. (The Airlines are one example).
I suggest using a opaque, waterproof, non-smudge make-up- (specially formulated to cover tatoos, scars and Port Wine Stains) to cover the tatoos.
Try the following brands:
Make-Up Forever - available at Sephora (in most malls) or
Dermablend - available online: http://www.dermablend.com/allproducts
Then, take a new professional-looking photo of yourself, and delete the “tatoo warning” from your profile. That wording is really not necessary. My feeling is that it only bears negativity & wards off potential sitting jobs.
I’m sure you’ll be much happier with the new responses you’ll get from your profile after you “cover-up”.
Remember…First impressions realy do count.
Good Luck to you.
Good Luck.