How do I tell a couple I don't want to babysit anymore, even though I agreed that I would?

Question

I am a mom of two (one's a teen, the other's two). I agreed to help a couple who were in a babysitting bind, to watch their 9-month old son for four weeks. After the first day, I told them I could only do it for two. Reason? The original hours were from 6am-2:20pm. I know I'm getting ripped off, because they said they would pay me $125 a week. But nonetheless, I thought I was doing a major favor for them. However, the first two days, the father dropped him off at 5am-- and failed to include those two extra hours in the check last Friday (albeit $6 but still!). I didn't watch him today, because of the holiday, but I am literally having a panic attack; filled with dread because of tomorrow morning. The parents have pacified their 22-pound 9month old with bottles. They send clothes and diapers that are 2 sizes too small, and it makes it incredibly difficult to tape a diaper around chubby little legs that have red rings from the diaper cutting in. I've mentioned this to them before, and they said that the next size up is always too big for their son. I don't know what to do. I don't even want to watch him through this Friday. It's not the child-- it's the parents who feel they can take advantage of my kindness. Should I continue through this Friday? I know if I ask them about the pay, they'll just say something like, "I'm sorry this hasn't been working out for you. But at least you're going to watch him until this Friday". Or, should I just make something up, like I'm sick and can't take care of him? I'm stuck!

Answer 1

Be honest with them. you are an adult, they are adults. it's hard but just confront them, if you are too scared, write it in a letter. alternatively, start billing them and writing a weekly itemised invoice, buy the larger sized nappies and put it on their bill. buy some cheap correctly sized clothes and put it in their bill. if they do not pay, or if you just don't wanna look after their kidregardlesss say 'sorry, i am no longer able to care for your child, i tried to be kind to you buy working for you for next to nothing but you have not kept up with your end of the bargain and have not listened to my requests, so goodbye'

or whatever. something like that.

Answer 2

Stick it out through Friday.  It will be tough, but you gave your word.  Now about the ripping you off . . . give them a bill.  On it, buy a small package of diapers, two sleepers (in the right size) and what they owed you.  Let them know that you care about the little boy being comfortable, and in your care, you just can't handle him being uncomfortable.

There are some parents who try and get away with keeping a child in the smaller diapers, since they are cheaper (more per package).

And as for the next time this type of thing comes up, put things in writing as to what is expected, (hours, food, late fees, etc.) so you aren't burned again.

I have been in daycare for over 10 years, and have learned the hard way that sometimes people will try and take advantage.  I hate those anxiety times, and have them too when I terminate a family.

Best of luck and it is only four more days.  

Answer 3

everytime i've lied about being sick to get out of something i get sick lol so i wouldnt do it...You said that you would do it. You kew it was mostly as a favor to the parnts to begin with...6 bucks...R U Serious??? ur complaing about 6 bucks

if the diapers are to small go get soem diapers that fit and tell them you bought them and they'll probably reimburse. I doubt you were doin this for the amazing pay everyone gets out of babysitting anyway. Botom line you said you were gonna do it...they are counting on you and they will really not appreciate being put in a bind over 6 bucks and their parenting techniques...

Answer 4

My opinion is that you should talk to them and tell them the problems once more and tell them that if they cannot comply with your requests then you can no longer watch their child for them. Let them know that you are not blaming the child for anything and that you are trying to do it to help them but if they want to keep making things hard on you then they will just have to find someone else. I really hope things work out for the best for you.

Answer 5

I think out of courtesy that you have to watch the child until Friday. But if it is something that you honestly don't think that you can handle then just fake sick.  

Answer 6

tell them your 2 year old has strep throat or chicken pox or your teen has mononucleoisis then if they show up in the morning anyway tye as mask around your face as if your sheilding the germs and say sorry you cant baby sit shut the door and leave it at that lol

Answer 7

I'm afraid you'll have to be aggressive on this one. Just tell them flat out that their lack of appreciation and respect for you, as well as their idiocy with the clothes and diapers has pushed you too far. This type of couple you're describing is the type that you shouldn't do business with. However, if you're actually good friends with this couple, then you could just make up an excuse that something came up. But then again, if I had friends like the couple I wouldn't even be friends with them or promise them anything.  

Answer 8

I understand your frustration but you really can't leave them hanging at the last minute. They both have jobs and need a caretaker for their baby otherwise they will have to miss work. Tell them this will be the last week, let them make other arrangements and then you will be able to collect your pay for carrying out the week. You can either tell them the truth as to your change of mind or make up a white lie about scheduling conflict or something of the sort. You made them a promise and although it's more than you bargained for, waiting out the week be the most fair for everyone involved.

Answer 9

If those parents aren't so great, asa you are making it sound, maybe he is in the best place he should be. It's only 4 more days plus you'll be getting some money. If the father shows up earlier than he was supposed to then refresh him of  your agreement and let him know how it affects you. If he wants to change the hours, talk about it and ask for more money if you are OK with it. Contine to let them know of your opinion. I remember one time I was watching a little girl ( I used to be a preschool teacher) who I felt was being negleted by her parents. I had another teacher just casually walk over as she was getting picked up. She was like wow I can't believe how big she has gotten! She's probably driving you crazy having to buy her bigger stuff all the time. She's probably ready for a size 3! I miss my kids being that little.     And not too long after she was in a bigger size diaper.

Maybe they just need help with their kid, like they don't really know how to be parents. Perhaps you are being looked up to and neither side really knows it.

Answer 10

Have them pay you in advance. Tell them not a minute earlier drop off and if they pick up late it will be at $10/hour or CPS will be called for abandonment. HEY!! ITS WHAT THE DAYCARE DOES!!!! WHY NOT YOU TOO!!??

Answer 11

tell those people that you have no interest in taking care of theyre child. and shut the door! dont let anyone take advantage of you like that. and 5am? wow! you are really nice. or if you dont want to be mean, tell them that you cant because you are simply too busy. it is none of theyre business what you do with you time.

Answer 12

If you're panicking over this call them up right away and tell them Sorry but it's not gonna work out, watching little (name).  

Tell them it's just too much for you, you have you're hands full already with your own two year old and the two of them together is too much to handle.  

They are not your bosses, you don't have to watch their little boy at all, and stick to your guns, keep telling them No, and don't let them keep you on the phone, as they could try to wear you down.

If you want to go into it with them then tell them all the reasons, be completely honest and have all the reasons ready -they brought him a whole hour early and didn't pay you for that -believe me that was taking advantage!  You don't have to throw in free hours, remember you're doing THEM a favour, not the other way round!  

Also the 2 sizes too small thing is really weird, is there something wrong with these people?

Take a deep breath, make that call and stick to your guns, they can't make you do anything unless you let them.