Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead (1991)
Release Date:
1991
Movie Rating:
PG-13
Runtime:
1h 42m

Synopsis:
In Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead, the Crandell kids are left in the care of a strict babysitter when their mom goes on vacation. However, things take an unexpected turn when the babysitter suddenly passes away. The eldest sibling, Sue Ellen, steps up to manage the household and decides to take on a job at a fashion company to support her siblings. As she navigates the adult world, Sue Ellen juggles work challenges, sibling antics, and keeping the truth about the babysitter a secret. Meanwhile, her younger siblings find creative ways to handle their own responsibilities. The movie follows their adventures and misadventures as they try to keep everything under control until their mom returns.






Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead is a comedy film released in 1991, aimed at a teen audience with a PG-13 rating. The movie blends humor with a coming-of-age story, as it follows a group of siblings navigating life without adult supervision. While many parents appreciate its comedic elements and the portrayal of teenage independence, some express concerns about its mature themes and behaviors.
Why Teens Should Watch Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead
The movie offers a humorous take on responsibility and independence.
- Highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions.
- Features a strong character arc where the protagonist learns to manage household duties.
- Offers visual humor and situational comedy that teens find entertaining.
- Encourages problem-solving and teamwork among siblings.
Why Teens Shouldn’t Watch Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead
Some parents are concerned about the mature themes and behaviors depicted.
- Explores themes of deception and lying to authority figures.
- Includes scenes where teens engage in risky behaviors without clear consequences.
- Contains moments of visual intensity that may be confusing for younger viewers.
- Portrays some outdated gender roles and stereotypes.
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Parents are split, and it largely depends on your teen’s maturity level due to the depiction of risky behaviors and mature themes.
What Parents Should Know About Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie explore topics that require emotional maturity or guidance? | The film explores themes of independence and responsibility, often through comedic situations that may require guidance. |
Does this movie portray risky behaviors that go unchecked or without consequences? | There are scenes where teens lie and engage in risky behaviors without facing significant consequences. |
Does the main character show growth or learning across the story? | The protagonist evolves from being carefree to taking on significant responsibilities, learning valuable life lessons. |
Are gender roles, relationships, or family dynamics portrayed in thoughtful or outdated ways? | Some interactions reflect outdated gender roles, particularly in workplace settings. |
Will this movie prompt important conversations with my teen? | The film can spark discussions about responsibility, honesty, and the consequences of one's actions. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead is praised for its humor and the way it handles themes of responsibility and independence. However, the portrayal of risky behaviors and some outdated stereotypes may require parental guidance. Engaging in discussions about the film's themes can enhance the viewing experience. For those seeking alternatives, consider movies that focus on similar themes with a more modern approach.
Official Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead Trailer
Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead is a comedy film released in 1991, aimed at a teen audience with a PG-13 rating. The movie blends humor with a coming-of-age story, as it follows a group of siblings navigating life without adult supervision. While many parents appreciate its comedic elements and the portrayal of teenage independence, some express concerns about its mature themes and behaviors.
Why Teens Should Watch Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead
The movie offers a humorous take on responsibility and independence.
- Highlights the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions.
- Features a strong character arc where the protagonist learns to manage household duties.
- Offers visual humor and situational comedy that teens find entertaining.
- Encourages problem-solving and teamwork among siblings.
Why Teens Shouldn’t Watch Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead
Some parents are concerned about the mature themes and behaviors depicted.
- Explores themes of deception and lying to authority figures.
- Includes scenes where teens engage in risky behaviors without clear consequences.
- Contains moments of visual intensity that may be confusing for younger viewers.
- Portrays some outdated gender roles and stereotypes.
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Parents are split, and it largely depends on your teen’s maturity level due to the depiction of risky behaviors and mature themes.
What Parents Should Know About Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Does this movie explore topics that require emotional maturity or guidance? | The film explores themes of independence and responsibility, often through comedic situations that may require guidance. |
Does this movie portray risky behaviors that go unchecked or without consequences? | There are scenes where teens lie and engage in risky behaviors without facing significant consequences. |
Does the main character show growth or learning across the story? | The protagonist evolves from being carefree to taking on significant responsibilities, learning valuable life lessons. |
Are gender roles, relationships, or family dynamics portrayed in thoughtful or outdated ways? | Some interactions reflect outdated gender roles, particularly in workplace settings. |
Will this movie prompt important conversations with my teen? | The film can spark discussions about responsibility, honesty, and the consequences of one's actions. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead is praised for its humor and the way it handles themes of responsibility and independence. However, the portrayal of risky behaviors and some outdated stereotypes may require parental guidance. Engaging in discussions about the film's themes can enhance the viewing experience. For those seeking alternatives, consider movies that focus on similar themes with a more modern approach.
Official Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead
Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead's most common core values include responsibility, Independence, and Family love. When the babysitter suddenly passes away, the Crandell siblings are on their own. Sue Ellen, the oldest, takes on the role of an adult to help support her family. This teaches teens about responsibility as Sue Ellen must balance taking care of her siblings with working at a fashion company. As the story unfolds, the siblings learn to manage the household on their own, showing their growing independence. Throughout these challenges, the Love they have for one another is evident as they find ways to stick together and help each other.
One scene that highlights these values is when Sue Ellen lands a job at a fashion company despite having no experience. This moment showcases her independence as she steps out of her comfort zone to take charge. Her sense of responsibility is further emphasized when she uses her earnings to support her siblings. The children's family love is visible as they cooperate and keep the secret about the babysitter, proving that they can rely on each other. It's a powerful example of how taking responsibility and supporting one another are crucial to handling unexpected situations.
Other Core Values Explored: Problem-solving | Perseverance | Leadership | Teamwork | Self-discovery | Taking responsibility. | Making good choices | Building confidence.
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead
Being True to Yourself: In her job at the fashion company, Sue Ellen learns to embrace who she truly is. Instead of pretending to be someone she's not, she uses her authentic self to thrive and make a difference in her role.
Breaking Gender Stereotypes: Sue Ellen breaks the mold by stepping into a job traditionally perceived as beyond her years, proving that gender and age don’t dictate capability. She shows that skills and determination are more important factors in achieving success.
Choosing Your Path: Sue Ellen steps up and discovers a new career path, navigating the adult world and deciding on her own future. Her journey demonstrates the importance of making choices that align with one's goals and values.
Earning Success through Hard Work: Sue Ellen's dedication and effort at her job highlight the rewards of hard work. Despite obstacles, she pushes through challenges and earns respect and success through her perseverance.
Solving Problems Creatively: The siblings creatively handle the chaos that ensues after the babysitter's untimely death. Whether dealing with household chores or managing new responsibilities, they find innovative solutions to keep everything running smoothly.
Other Lessons Learned: Embracing Differences | Finding Courage | Learning from Mistakes | Letting Talents Shine | Making a Difference | Overcoming Failure | Supporting Your Friends | Taking Healthy Risks | Trusting Intuition | Working as a Team
Why Kids Love Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead
In "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead," teens love the blend of wacky adventures and clever schemes as the Crandell siblings navigate life without adult supervision. Sue Ellen, the smart older sister, dives headfirst into the glamorous but chaotic world of fashion, showing teens how to tackle challenges with creativity and flair. The workplace becomes her stage for inventive ideas and outlandish plans that keep audiences hooked. Meanwhile, her siblings add to the fun with their comical exploits at home. Together, they outsmart nosy neighbors, face mix-ups, and turn mishaps into hilarious moments — making the chaos of their daily lives relatable and entertaining.
The excitement doesn't stop there, as the kids' colorful personalities and wild ideas make for nonstop laughs and surprises. Whether they're constructing makeshift solutions or bending the rules to solve problems, their antics capture the imagination. Teens get a kick out of watching Sue Ellen's siblings find their own unique ways to navigate the unexpected twists thrown their way. Each crazy scenario showcases their knack for thinking outside the box, providing a rollercoaster of fun that appeals to anyone who loves quick thinking and bold moves. With its blend of comedy, unexpected turns, and vibrant characters, the movie is a lively ride that teens can't get enough of.