Changing the rules while babysitting?

Question

Is it okay to change the rules while babysitting if I don't agree with the household rules? The boy I babysit is 7 years old and in second grade. When he comes home from school, the first thing he does is play the Wii. I ask him to do his homework first but his parents don't make him. When he does do his homework, his parents tell me to write down a sentence so he can copy it to his paper. As a result to this, he's not too good at reading or writing.

When it comes to bedtime, I think he should go to bed at around 8:00. His parents tell me to send him to bed at 9:30 and let him watch television until 10:30.

Is it okay for me to change these rules? It's not like I'm getting payed a whole lot either. $10 for like 12 hours. And would a parent appreciate me changing them?

Answer 1

Yeah, I definitely agree. Just follow their rules, its there house. I think they're raising him very wrong but if thats how they want it then just go by it.    

Answer 2

don't change it.  just follow what they say.  you are right though.  but at work we don't always get to make our own rules.

Answer 3

No it is not ok for you to change the rules, you aren't the parent.

What you think doesn't matter you are hired to do what the parents tell you to, you voiced your opinion and they said no. End of story.

I'd fire my babysitter if they changed the rules.

Answer 4

Don't change the rules.  People like that think they're doing good by their kid and won't listen to you.  You sound like you have strong ideals and would make a great babysitter for a family who can appreciate all you have to offer.  

I'd tell them to find a sitter who can stand by and watch them raise their child that way.  Then go find a babysitting job with a family who wants their child to have real help with homework...and who will probably pay you more.  

My sister would give her left leg to find a sitter to work in her home who would be willing to work with her daughter the way you want to work with this little boy.  There's another family out there needing your services, believe me.