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Hi all,


I babysit for a few families in Dulwich and have always just walked home afterwards, even if very late at night. Lately, however, I just haven't felt safe doing this - particularly after reading so many accounts of people being mugged near East Dulwich Station etc. I babysit mainly around the station area and I live on Friern road (at the top, towards the library), which is quite a long walk. The parents usually come back well after midnight. I feel so awkward asking them to provide a taxi, especially when I've always just walked home. Also, I don't want to let fear stop me from walking around after dark but, at the same time, I don't feel safe. What's the general rule - do most babysitters expect taxis home late at night?

Could you ask them for a lift home? (Most people will be yawning and choose to give you some money for the taxi I imagine!)


Otherwise, I don't think it's at all unreasonable to ask direct for the money either tbh.

You have to put your safety first over all other considerations. I know the extra money from bbsitting is a temptation and it is nice to be able to go on nights out with friends etc - I was young once and looking for jobs too! - but, please, you must be safe. Ask them for 10 quid more.

I think you need to clear this early on. In all the years of having babysitters we have always checked how they are getting home- one of us has driven them home if necessary. I would not feel happy if you are young or an aupair and were walking home by yourself that late at night. My son now babysits and has a bike.

I used to do loads of babysitting round here 10-15 years ago and until i got my driving license was ALWAYS called a cab by the parents when they returned home....it would have been more awkward if they didn't call one. if the distance isn't that far then it shouldn't cost more than a fiver to get one home.


If you feel awkward raising the issue you could always increase your hourly rate by 50p and explain it's to cover your taxi home as you don't feel safe anymore...

When we had babysitters, if we had a car I would run them home. When we did not have a car, hubby would walk with our

young babysitter to her home in Dunstans Road from our place in Barry Road. When our daughter did babysitting, she was told to ask the parents to escort her home or drive her from Heber Road to Barry. One night both parents wer too drunk to see her home, so she rang me and then informed the parents she would not sit for them again as they were not interested in her safety.

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