How to Turn Down a Babysitting Job

So you’ve decided that it is best to turn down a babysitting job; now how do you do it? I know it’s hard. Adults can be really intimidating, and you really don’t want to disappoint an employer. But if you know you need to turn down a babysitting job, then you also need to know how to do it.

I’m here to help! There are a couple of approaches you can take. First, you can be direct and tell the employer exactly why you are refusing the job. For example, if the job is too long, say something like, “I’m sorry I can’t accept the job because I don’t feel comfortable babysitting for such a long time.” If you’re not comfortable giving the reason, simply say, “I’m sorry, but I’m not available.”

If you’ve watched my video on when to turn down a babysitting job, you know how to decide if a job just isn’t for you. But turning down that job is harder than it sounds. Okay, so my girls and I are having a girls night out so you’ll be watching my two kids plus Tina’s two. Jenny’s gonna be dropping off her triplets at like 9:00. So listen, I know they can be a handful, but we’ll be home by midnight. Two at the absolute latest. Sound good?

Wait! Hold on. She’s gone. Okay. That’s two, four, seven kids! You don’t have to put up with that.

There are a lot of ways to say no.

I’m sorry, I can’t babysit that late. I’m sorry, that’s too many kids. I’m sorry, I’m not available. You crazy? I’m not doing that!

Okay, maybe that last one was a little rude, but the rest of them are all perfectly appropriate responses. Let’s see them again and feel free to write them down word for word.

I’m sorry, I can’t babysit that late. I’m sorry, that’s too many kids. I’m sorry, I’m not available.

Some parents are pretty persistent. You would be too if you had triplets and hadn’t been out with your friends since before you were pregnant. But don’t let that mom of triplets guilt you into taking a job that’s more than you can handle. You are a Babysitter Boss!

You have no idea what it’s like! I’ve literally been in sweatpants for three months straight. Please! I’m sorry, that’s too many kids. I can only babysit two at a time.

I know it’s hard. All our lives we’ve been told to obey adults, but this is one situation in which you have to act like the boss that you are and say no. Now let me hear you say no. That was good but say it with more force this time. Just kidding! I’m not Dora the Explorer. I can’t hear you!

So, now you know.

Decide if a job is safe, and if you can handle it, and check with your parents to make sure you’re available and have their permission. If any of those answers is not a resounding yes, just say no. Because you’re the Boss.