How To Stop Babysitting For This Family?

Question

I hate being rude. This mom seems like she seriously needs it. Last near, I babysat for them every Friday night, from 7 to about 12 or 1.
Her kids are just soo....ugh
So much violence. 6 yr old brother cant control his temper and will drag 3 yr old sister by her hair or hit her over the head with pans and laundry baskets until she's climbing my side and hiding under my clothes, screaming for her life trying to get away from him.
When she isn't being afraid, she's hitting with toys, throwing things at me, throwing food, hitting, biting, kicking.
Brother swears. "Don't turn off the lights! I'm afraid of the f***ing dark!"
"Zoya (sister), Im gonna f***ing kill you!" He's threatened to run away when I wouldn't make him nuggets for dinner because mom said noodles. He hit me with my shoes and kicked my legs to try to get outside then threw things and went to hit room to cry.
There's more but I don't get into details.
Their mom is strict and scares me but I'm afraid to quit. Ive said I had plans when she's wanted me to sit but I feel bad. She wants me Saturday from 7 probably till 12 and its not worth it! I can never get them to bed bcuz they don't listen and I never get to catch my breath...When school starts again, I cant do it anymore. But the thing is how should I quit? If she wants me every Friday, how do I quit that, politely? How to get out of Saturday? I don't want to see them again and make them think I want to come back cuz I cant take it D: I wanna be polite..help guys!

Suzy Q · Accepted Answer

There is nothing to be scared of. Just say "I won't be available to sit any more." If you want to be really polite, you can throw in an "I'm sorry." If feel like you need an excuse (you don't) mention school starting.

You're not this woman's slave. She was lucky to have you any time you were available. And now your availability has ended. Let her know that ASAP so that she has a chance to make other arrangements.

Edit: it is because it is not a regular consistent job that you don't need to give two weeks notice.

Just think about it. If she wants to 'fire' you, she can stop asking you any time she likes, right? Just like that, you would never work for her again. Well, these kinds of job arrangements are symmetrical. If she can stop asking you at any time without advance warning, you can stop being available at any time without advance warning. It is still polite to give as much warning as you can (don't flake out an hour after you're expected to be there) but you don't need to feel guilty about no longer being available effective immediately.

Stop making this about them needing a time out. You're not doing a favour. You're not doing charity. And they certainly aren't doing you any favours. It's a job. Payment for services. A business arrangement. You don't owe these people anything. Their need to have a time out is not your problem. It's theirs.

Don't lie to them about having another job. It is none of their business what you do with your time. It doesn't matter if you have another job, or want to focus on school, or just feel like lying on the couch all day. You are not accountable to them about what you do in the time you don't work for them.

Anonymous · Answer

Tell them that tier kids need to behave or you will stop babysitting that way you can keep your job or ask for a raise

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How To Stop Babysitting For This Family?

2 Answers