‘Demanding’ mum’s babysitter job advert goes viral

A mum’s ‘over-the-top’ job advert for a babysitter has been criticised as being full of ‘warning signs’. Childcare costs can make some people desperate, but this demanding mum seems to have crossed the line.

Every parent wants to find the best possible childcare option for their children. With nursery waiting lists growing longer and costs becoming increasingly steep for many, it can feel like an uphill battle.

However, one mother’s extremely demanding babysitter job advert quickly went viral, leaving people online stunned that she thought she could ask for so much while offering to pay so little.

The unnamed woman posted the ad on Facebook back in 2020, listing a number of shocking requirements. The post was then shared on Reddit as people were so shocked by its content.

According to the ad, the mother of two was seeking someone to help with her daughters, aged six and two. She needed someone to come to her house for about 12 hours each day, from 6:30 am to 6 pm.

The babysitter might also have to work weekends without notice. If that wasn’t enough to deter potential applicants, the babysitter was also told they would be responsible for providing all the children’s food – which must be vegan and organic.

Only women could apply for this job, and they had to pay for their own criminal check. The person who got the job would earn £77.39 a week for all their work.

The ad said: “After six months if we are still conducting business, wages will go up to $150 (£119) a week. No, you cannot sleep at my condo. No, you cannot have friends over. No, you cannot study/watch YouTube on your phone while on duty.”

Over 300 people talked about the ad on Reddit. It was titled: “I’m sure that $100 (£77) per week will go far to provide the vegan organic food she’s demanding the babysitter supply.”

One person said the tough job and small pay was like “slavery”. They wrote: “Someone needs to tell her that slavery is unconstitutional.”

Another said: “I will never understand how people could leave their children in the care of someone who is willing to accept $1.66 (£1.32) an hour.”

Another person said: “Lady feed your own damn kids. How can anyone expect a babysitter to provide for the kids she’s watching? So many red flags here. Nope, not ever.”