UPDATE: A young mother from Salem, Indiana, is making headlines after receiving an astonishing babysitting contract that has sparked widespread disbelief online. The 22-year-old mom, who wishes to remain anonymous, reached out to a local daycare provider only to be met with a lengthy, two-page document detailing stringent rules and fees.
The contract, which quickly gained viral attention, outlined charges of $25 per child per day, additional fees for siblings, and penalties for late pickups. Most controversially, it mandated that families pay during the provider’s two weeks of paid vacation, along with 10 personal days and several federal holidays.
“This contract is poorly written and unprofessional,” the mother stated in an interview with Newsweek. “While some rules are standard, like keeping sick children at home, the demands here are over the top.”
One shocking clause included a disciplinary policy that allowed for physical discipline methods, such as “tapping hands” or “popping them on the butt.” The mother expressed her disbelief, stating, “I can’t believe some people do that, let alone daycare providers.” Current regulations in Indiana prohibit corporal punishment in licensed childcare settings, highlighting the alarming nature of the contract.
Finding reliable childcare is already a daunting task for families. According to the Bipartisan Policy Center, nearly 23 million children under the age of 5 live in the U.S., with 71% residing in households where all parents work. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that in 2024, 78% of mothers with children aged 6 to 17 were in the workforce.
After reviewing the contract, the mother decided against signing it and ceased all communication with the provider. “I haven’t replied to her,” she told reporters. “She sent me this ‘contract’ that I’m not signing, so there’s no reason for further communication.”
The contract was posted on Reddit in the “Am I Overreacting?” forum, where it drew significant attention before being deleted. Users expressed a mix of shock and humor, with one commenter saying, “This is the worst and most poorly written ‘contract’ I’ve ever seen.” Another remarked, “An independent babysitter demanding that you pay her vacation time off is insane.”
While many criticized the demands, some users defended the provider, stating, “Most of this is common for an actual daycare center.” However, the overall consensus leaned towards disbelief regarding the contract’s stipulations.
The mother shared the contract online, hoping for a lighthearted discussion, and stated, “I thought Reddit would have fun with it.” She noted that reactions were predominantly in line with her own views, despite some trolls making unfounded assumptions.
As this story continues to unfold, the incident has highlighted the challenges parents face in securing trustworthy childcare, coupled with the significant emotional weight of such decisions.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as authorities and childcare experts weigh in on the implications of such contracts in the childcare industry.
