We have a sitter we have used a couple times who is just finished ninth grade. She lives in our neighborhood and we know her parents though not super well, see them at neighborhood get togetherns and whatnot. She has sat for us a handful of times, is pretty available which is nice and the kids seem to like her a Lot. Our next door neighbor ( a middle schooler) told us she saw her in our front yard last time she sat for us, talking on the phone and then some friends of hers showed up and she was in the front yard talking to them and at some point Ds ran out to the yard in his pajamas so it was after she got them ready to go to bed but they were still awake...
I can stop using her and tell her why, I can tell her why and tell her we are willing to use her again on the condition that's he does not have friends come over again or leave the kids in the house like that... We are torn bc we like her and the kids seem to,a nd part of me wonders if most teenagers do stuff like this (and much worse I am sure). If guess I am leaning toward telling her we will use her againont he condition that it doesn't happen again bc we haven't had any other issues with her and feel like she should have the chance to redeem herself but curious about other opinions.
Re: Thoughts on this babysitter situation?
I would still use her under the condition that she doesn't do that again. Tell her that someone told you they saw her out in the yard with friends - but I would not tell her who told you that.
I'd DEFINITELY ask your son about it. If he says that yes, it happened, definitely talk to her. I agree- she may not quite realize what's acceptable and what isn't (although, I too babysat at a young age and would NEVER have thought to do this!). Help her learn.
Gauge how she responds and then determine if you want to use her again or not.