Should the kids i babysit get in trouble?

41% Normal
17 Comments

I've been babysitting for this family for a few years now, 3 boys ages 13, 9 and 6. They can certainly be a handful. Anyway about a month ago they were going to get a bad report for their parents, but before bedtime, Zach the oldest came and begged me (and crying) not to tell on him because he would get a spanking from his parents.

I really felt bad for him I mean seriously he's really immature for a 13 year old, but who spanks a kid at that age. From what he told me, all 3 of them are punsished the same way.

Since then I always give them a 4 star behavior report and have been doing so ever since. They gave me a ton of trouble last night. Am I doing the right thing?

Voting Results
41% Normal
Based on 75 votes (31 yes)
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Comments ( 17 )
  • aussiewolf
    13 years ago | pl

    you need to tell the parents what they are doing wrong. even if they get spankings, they need to learn what is right and wrong. if i was the parents, i would fire you for lying. they trust you with their childrens lives so i think you should do the right thing and tell the parents the truth. if the kids dont want to be punished, then they should stop being little turds, simple.

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    • pooty85
      13 years ago

      agree

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    • theonewiththehair
      13 years ago

      I agree, even if the parents are little harsh (although its possible the kids are lying), they shouldn't get a 'get out of jail free card'. They need to learn their actions have consequences.

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  • Heh?
    13 years ago

    If Zach is "really immature for a 13 year old" he deserves to get spanked.

    I agree with aussiewolf that you should be honest with the parents.

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    • Ellenna
      9 years ago

      Maybe he's immature because he has shitty parents who use violence against children who can't hit back? Yet ........

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      • Thorolf
        7 years ago

        Probably, but even then immaturity is annoying and the babysitter shouldn't have to deal with it.

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        • Ellenna
          7 years ago

          She's a babysitter, isn't she? For children? Immature humans?

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          • Thorolf
            7 years ago

            Touche. But even then, they CAN be taught better. Probably not with spankings though.

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  • mluker
    13 years ago

    That's a tough one. Good luck. Find out if they spank them. Or actually beat them. Spanking is ok. Beating not

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  • Ellenna
    9 years ago

    I am absolutely disgusted that not one reply sees anything wrong with adults using violence against children.

    If OP is an experienced baby sitter, s/he should be able to come up with consequences AT THE TIME for bad behaviour, consequences which don't involve physical abuse. If s/he doesn't do this and doesn't report bad behaviour, s/he's giving them carte blanche to do what they like when their parents aren't around.

    S/he is right to be on the side of the children, because they have the least power in this situation, but she's doing them no favours in letting them get away with bad behaviour, which by the way I'd like a description of .... are they bashing each other up, burning the house down, smashing plates or what?

    Memo OP and everyone else - carrots work better than sticks every time: it's not rocket science to reward good behaviour and punish bad with fair non-violent consequences - what's so hard about that?

    And I'll bet you wonder why the US is such a violent society! Those kids are being taught by their parents that it's ok for bigger people to abuse smaller ones

    And now I'm wondering how many replies will say "I was hit/slapped/spanked as a child and it didn't harm me" so I'll reply in advance: "Oh yes it did, because you're now condoning or recommending violence against defenceless children."

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  • BryinRI
    12 years ago

    I would approach the parents, and ask them about discipline, and if you should report to them, or handle it at the time.

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  • Uzzie101
    13 years ago

    He's 13, not 3.
    He's tricking you!

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  • daytonohiomark
    6 years ago

    the 13 yo needs a spanking

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  • Thorolf
    7 years ago

    I'd say give them another chance, but warn them that next time they misbehave they're getting told on.

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  • Avant-Garde
    11 years ago

    I don't agree with spanking but you are their "employee" and should therefore be honest with them. If you don't tell them the kids will continue to walk all over you and never learn from their "mistakes".

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  • [Old Memory]
    11 years ago

    Be honest with the parents. How they parent isn't your business so long as the kid doesn't have a black eye or anything like that.

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  • eliz4
    13 years ago

    As a mom... Do those parents a favor and don't tell them. They aren't paying a sitter to come home to problems. If it's something serious, they need to know but just normal bad behavior! Please. I'd stop hiring my sitter if she had a problem every time.

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