Taxis for late night babysitters?

[petswinprizes]

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?

[dulwichgirl2]

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.

[pebbles]

We always provide a taxi home if we have had too much to drink and therefore can't drive.

Even 20 years ago when I was babysitting if they couldn't drive they got me a taxi

Please please ask and stop walking - its a long way at that time of night

[womanofdulwich]

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.

[Lochie]

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...

[CBRoad]

I find it quite shocking that they allow you to walk home alone without insisting they call and pay for a taxi. I?m sure that if you ask them they will be happy to provide the fare home.

[petswinprizes]

Thanks so much for all your replies - I didn't know whether I was just being silly worrying about walking home, but I will definitely ask for a lift / taxi from now on.

[alieh]

We also always pay for a taxi home, even if we're not that late (9 or 10 pm). We don't drive so don't have this option. But either way, I think that is part of the cost of having an evening babysitter and very reasonable that you should expect it!

[tiddles]

no do not walk home!! we have always make sure we have somehow got our babysitters home - either driving or a cab - it has always been our responsibility. Not unreasonable.

[VanessaPMR]

We always book a cab home for our babysitter, and a very long time ago when I babysat, I'd always be accompanied home too.

V

[lucyA1308]

I always make sure my babysitters get home safe. It is not fair to expect a young girl to find her way back so late. We usually offer a lift. i think you should ask for a cab fare home.

[petswinprizes]

I love this forum - thanks so much for all your replies, so helpful x

[sophiesofa]

I'm so shocked that the parents aren't checking how you get home! You could always ask if one of them could walk you home if they don't have a car or have been drinking.

[Pugwash]

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.

[maritap]

My daughter babysits and I will always pick her up as its usually after midnight and I am deffo not letting her walk home at that time.

[ratty]

Taxi, without a shadow of doubt!

[nylonmeals]

Agree with everyone on here about safety being a priority - another option though, as it seems like the distance is really not that far, is a bike. I am always amazed how everywhere in ED is pretty much a 5 min cycle away.