Puhlease! The old saying, “When the cats are away, the mice play” is NOT applicable to babysitters left in the homes of their employers. We’ve seen a lot of scary stuff in movies and elsewhere chronicling horror stories about babysitters. The reason why they are there is because it is their JOB to watch over their charges and not to yak on the phone or make-out with their boyfriends while letting the young ‘uns run amok.

So to any babysitter who is reading this article, pay attention so you’ll know what exactly you are allowed to do while minding the kids.

Most employers will tell you to help yourself to snacks, and if you’re lucky, maybe even a full dinner. Limit yourselves to a few snacks and make sure that the folks will still have enough to munch for breakfast. If you’re the type who has a major appetite, bring your own snack. If there is a need to choose between potato chips and expensive caviar pate, I’m sure you know which to pick.

As for watching the TV or listening to the radio, ask the parents before they leave the house. Of course, you may start when the kids are already in bed sleeping, but keep the volume down so you can listen to Junior if he wails out loud.

Phone calls are supposedly a no-no, except when you really have to make one. If you do, keep the call short. Long distance and overseas are, of course, not allowed.

Asking friends over should be discussed first with the employers. Usually inviting a friend is considered okay, especially if the reason is for academic work. Otherwise, please do not turn it into a party. Boyfriends or girlfriends are another taboo. Parents hired you to work and not to socialize.

The key here is to ask and discuss these details with the parents beforehand so you’ll know what to expect when you babysit.