Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead

Swell, a high school graduate, is excited about her summer plans with friends in Europe. However, she learns she can't join them as her mother leaves for Australia with her boyfriend, altering her expectations for a carefree summer.

With their mother away, the Crandell kids meet their new babysitter, Mrs. Sturak, who initially appears kind and capable. Soon, however, her tyrannical nature becomes evident, leading to conflicts with the siblings.

Chaos ensues when Mrs. Sturak suffers a heart attack after discovering inappropriate decorations in Kenny's room. Swell finds her lifeless body, sparking panic about how to handle the situation without involving the authorities.

In a desperate attempt to avoid trouble, the Crandell kids devise a plan to hide Mrs. Sturak's body in a trunk. They even send it to a local mortuary with a humorous note, but they inadvertently lose their mother's cash in the process.

With cash in short supply after the mishap, Swell begins working at the fast-food restaurant Clown Dog. She quickly catches the attention of a colleague named Bryan, but her job ends in frustration due to their rude manager.

Swell fabricates a résumé to land a receptionist job at General Apparel West (GAW), impressing executive Rose Lindsey from her very first day. This new role allows her to navigate responsibilities while feeling the pressures of adulthood.

As Swell adjusts to her job, her relationship with Bryan faces challenges when she discovers he is the brother of Carolyn, her coworker who feels threatened by her presence. Their budding romance is tested by jealousy and misunderstandings.

Carolyn, feeling insecure, conspires with Bruce to undermine Swell at work. Meanwhile, Swell struggles with unwanted advances from Gus, a charming executive who complicates her job situation further.

When GAW faces bankruptcy, Swell takes the initiative to propose a new clothing line. With Rose's encouragement, she organizes a fashion show to showcase the creations, involving her siblings as part of the event.

The fashion show begins, and tensions rise when Rose discovers Gus's disloyalty. Carolyn tries to sabotage Swell but fails; Rose dismisses Carolyn's actions as mere jealousy during the event.

As the fashion show picks up momentum, Bryan arrives to mend things with Swell, only to find Carolyn's interference complicating matters. Just then, their mother unexpectedly returns home, prompting Swell to confess her entire deception.

Rose understands Swell's situation and offers her a role as a personal assistant, but Swell decides to focus on her education instead. The two share a heartfelt moment as Swell reconciles with Bryan, rekindling their romance.

In a comedic twist during the credits, two mortuary workers discuss a potential trip to Las Vegas with the cash discovered with Mrs. Sturak's body. The gravestone humorously reads, 'Nice Old Lady Inside, Died of Natural Causes'.