petswinprizes Posted April 12, 2012 Share Posted April 12, 2012 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? Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/22952-taxis-for-late-night-babysitters/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
dulwichgirl2 Posted April 12, 2012 Share Posted April 12, 2012 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. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/22952-taxis-for-late-night-babysitters/#findComment-537402 Share on other sites More sharing options...
pebbles Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 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 Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/22952-taxis-for-late-night-babysitters/#findComment-537414 Share on other sites More sharing options...
womanofdulwich Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 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. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/22952-taxis-for-late-night-babysitters/#findComment-537435 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lochie Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 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... Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/22952-taxis-for-late-night-babysitters/#findComment-537437 Share on other sites More sharing options...
CBRoad Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 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. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/22952-taxis-for-late-night-babysitters/#findComment-537448 Share on other sites More sharing options...
petswinprizes Posted April 13, 2012 Author Share Posted April 13, 2012 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. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/22952-taxis-for-late-night-babysitters/#findComment-537455 Share on other sites More sharing options...
alieh Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 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! Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/22952-taxis-for-late-night-babysitters/#findComment-537489 Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiddles Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 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. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/22952-taxis-for-late-night-babysitters/#findComment-537504 Share on other sites More sharing options...
VanessaPMR Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 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 Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/22952-taxis-for-late-night-babysitters/#findComment-537520 Share on other sites More sharing options...
lucyA1308 Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 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. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/22952-taxis-for-late-night-babysitters/#findComment-537589 Share on other sites More sharing options...
petswinprizes Posted April 13, 2012 Author Share Posted April 13, 2012 I love this forum - thanks so much for all your replies, so helpful x Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/22952-taxis-for-late-night-babysitters/#findComment-537599 Share on other sites More sharing options...
sophiesofa Posted April 13, 2012 Share Posted April 13, 2012 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. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/22952-taxis-for-late-night-babysitters/#findComment-537621 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pugwash Posted April 14, 2012 Share Posted April 14, 2012 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 ouryoung 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. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/22952-taxis-for-late-night-babysitters/#findComment-537642 Share on other sites More sharing options...
maritap Posted April 14, 2012 Share Posted April 14, 2012 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. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/22952-taxis-for-late-night-babysitters/#findComment-537651 Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratty Posted April 14, 2012 Share Posted April 14, 2012 Taxi, without a shadow of doubt! Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/22952-taxis-for-late-night-babysitters/#findComment-537655 Share on other sites More sharing options...
nylonmeals Posted April 15, 2012 Share Posted April 15, 2012 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. Link to comment https://www.eastdulwichforum.co.uk/topic/22952-taxis-for-late-night-babysitters/#findComment-537864 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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