Babysitter Orders Food While On The Job, Mom Freaks Out That They Didn’t Ask Her Permission

Parents usually have a set of rules they expect babysitters to follow, and in many cases, they’re perfectly reasonable.

But this Redditor was caught off guard when the mom they were working for suddenly lashed out over something completely routine: ordering DoorDash because they were hungry. She called it “unsafe” and claimed it put her children at risk. Soon after, she ended the arrangement altogether.

Now, the babysitter is left wondering: was that a fair response, or a complete overreaction?

Hungry during their shift, the babysitter ordered DoorDash

Young woman sitting on a couch eating DoorDash takeout while babysitting, showing order Doordash while babysitting overreaction.

Image credits: dasha11 / Envato (not the actual photo)

To their surprise, the mom didn’t take it well—she called it unsafe and insisted it had put her kids in danger

Text about ordering DoorDash while babysitting due to hunger and headache after a late food delivery delay.

Text on screen describing a babysitting experience with food delivery during an order Doordash while babysitting overreaction.

Text about babysitting overreaction after someone ordered DoorDash while watching kids, leading to loss of trust and being fired.

Text about someone hired to babysit, questioning the overreaction to ordering DoorDash food delivery while babysitting.

Image credits: South-Eagle-300

Bicycle delivery person in red shirt checking Doordash bag while crouching outside a building entrance.

Image credits: nunezimage / Envato (not the actual photo)

Text message conversation about train times, illustrating an order doordash while babysitting overreaction scenario.

Text message conversation showing someone explaining they ordered DoorDash while babysitting, referencing delivery notification.

Text message expressing concern about ordering DoorDash while babysitting and ensuring door security after delivery.

Text message explaining ordering DoorDash while babysitting, apologizing for any overreaction and detailing precautions taken.

Text message exchange discussing safety concerns after ordering DoorDash while babysitting, highlighting an overreaction about trust and delivery.

Image credits: South-Eagle-300

Things babysitters wish parents would stop doing

Image credits: Andrej Lišakov / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

Handing your child over to a babysitter can be nerve-wracking. You’re trusting someone else with their safety and well-being, it’s a big deal.

So it makes sense that many parents try to be as thorough as possible: carefully vetting sitters, setting clear rules, and doing everything they can to stay involved.

But while parents often expect babysitters to be responsible, flexible, and all-around amazing, that expectation goes both ways. Babysitters have a job to do, and parents have a role to play in making sure they can do it well. Unfortunately, not all parents hold up their end of the deal.

Fatherly spoke with several babysitters to find out what they really wish parents would stop doing. Here’s what they had to say—and if you want to keep your sitter happy, it might be worth paying attention.

Delaying payment

“I hate hearing, ‘Do you mind if we pay you next week?”‘ said Jessi, 20.

Babysitting isn’t just a casual favor. For many, it’s their main source of income. That means they rely on timely payment to cover basic expenses like rent, groceries, or even transportation to your home. If you agreed on a rate and schedule, follow through. Pay your sitter on time, just like you’d expect from your own employer.

Changing hours without warning

Life happens. Emergencies come up. But when it’s not an emergency and you’re suddenly asking your babysitter to stay late or leave early, it puts them in a tough spot.

Imagine if your own boss changed your shift last minute without asking. And when parents cut hours short, it can feel like you’re casually docking their pay. A little notice and clear communication go a long way.

Not letting the babysitter enforce any rules

Claire, 24, remembers when she asked a parent about discipline techniques and the parent responded, “Don’t worry about that. They’re a good kid.”

Even the best kids will test boundaries, especially when their parents aren’t home. If a babysitter has no clear authority or guidelines to follow, they’re left guessing how to respond when a child misbehaves. Most sitters aren’t looking to punish your kid, they just want to reinforce the rules you’ve already set. Give them the support they need to do that.

Skipping the bedtime conversation

Image credits: Wulf Franzen / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

“If they’re obviously tired and getting cranky and you attempt to put them to bed, they’ll give you the old ‘my parents said I don’t have a bedtime!’ spiel,” said Grace, 26.

When kids don’t have a set bedtime or when it’s not communicated, it sets the sitter up for a struggle. It’s hard to enforce a routine that doesn’t exist. Even a basic guideline helps babysitters manage crankiness and keep the evening from turning into a power struggle.

Venting about your partner

Jordan, 22, notes that this is always uncomfortable, but especially when ”it’s in front of their kid.”

Your babysitter is there to care for your child, not to listen to your relationship issues. Sharing frustrations about your spouse, especially in front of your children, puts the sitter in an awkward position. It blurs boundaries and adds emotional tension to a situation that should be professional.

Not giving any strategy for tough moments

“One of the things that bugs me the most is when parents don’t answer my questions about how to deal with difficult behavior, and instead go on a diatribe about how their kid is sad or tired…” said Bronwyn, 27.

Every child has off days, and babysitters understand that. But instead of vague explanations or emotional backstories, what they really need are practical tools. Babysitters don’t know your child the way you do, and they rely on your guidance to help handle challenging moments. Clear advice on how to de-escalate, redirect, or comfort your child is far more useful than an overview of their mood.

Later, the babysitter clarified that at the very least, they were properly paid for their time

Conversation screenshot discussing babysitting job payment dispute and a mention of order Doordash while babysitting overreaction.

Reddit conversation showing users reacting to an order doordash while babysitting overreaction with surprise and disbelief.

Many readers sided with the babysitter, saying the mom clearly blew things out of proportion

Babysitting story about order Doordash while babysitting overreaction and unfair firing after going downstairs.

Reddit comment discussing overreaction to order Doordash while babysitting and responsibility for providing food.

Alt text: Thoughtful overreaction about risks while babysitting and ordering DoorDash illustrating order Doordash while babysitting overreaction

Comment about professionalism and industry standards on order Doordash while babysitting overreaction situation.

Text comment discussing the overreaction to ordering DoorDash while babysitting and kitchen etiquette boundaries.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing order DoorDash while babysitting overreaction and strict house rules.

Comment discussing overreaction while babysitting and mentioning ordering DoorDash in a babysitting situation.

Comment discussing experiences with DoorDash delivery while babysitting and addressing overreaction concerns.

Comment discussing the overreaction of not being allowed to order Doordash while babysitting, feeling unfairly judged.

Commenter discusses the overreaction while babysitting and advises on how to order DoorDash to avoid issues.

Text post discussing ordering DoorDash food while babysitting, emphasizing trust and avoiding overreaction.

Screenshot of a discussion about order DoorDash while babysitting and concerns over timing and sitter treatment.

Screenshot of a comment discussing the safety of order Doordash while babysitting and concerns about leaving food unattended.

Text post from rawfishenjoyer expressing sympathy for babysitters needing to order doordash while babysitting overreaction.

Comment discussing the overreaction to ordering DoorDash while babysitting, questioning if fetching a parcel would cause the same issue.

Screenshot of a discussion about the overreaction to ordering DoorDash while babysitting in an online forum.

Reddit user explains order Doordash while babysitting overreaction, highlighting miscommunication and unreasonable expectations.

Comment about being annoyed by two-hour delay while babysitting and ordering DoorDash during overreaction discussion.

Comment discussing order DoorDash food delivery while babysitting and no-contact drop-off concerns.

Comment about Doordash service being rude and unprofessional, over 3 hours late causing frustration while babysitting.

Others, however, felt the babysitter should’ve checked in first to see if ordering food was okay

Professional nanny explaining the importance of asking about DoorDash food delivery while babysitting to avoid issues.

Comment discussing parent concerns about sharing address for DoorDash food delivery while babysitting, seen as overreaction.

Comment discussing overreaction to ordering DoorDash while babysitting, mentioning house sitting and delivery etiquette.

Comment discussing the overreaction to ordering DoorDash food while babysitting at someone else’s house.

Comment about checking with parents before ordering food, relating to order Doordash while babysitting overreaction.

Reddit comment discussing the overreaction of parents when ordering DoorDash while babysitting kids.

Screenshot of an online comment discussing mild criticism and apology, related to order Doordash while babysitting overreaction.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment emphasizing standard manners related to ordering DoorDash while babysitting overreaction.

Comment on a forum post discussing the overreaction to ordering DoorDash while babysitting, emphasizing boundaries and respect.

Poll Question

Total votes ·

Thanks! Check out the results:

Total votes ·

Newsletter

Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls

Subscribe

By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.

Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!