What should I do about this mother of the kids that I babysit?

Question

Back in September this lady called about me babysitting her 2 boys. I was to keep her 6month old and almost 3 year old M-F from 6am - 6pm for a week b/c her husband was going to be out of town for that week. One week turned to two, two turned into four weeks. So then she decided she needs me every week only on Thursdays and Fridays 6am-6pm so I told her I'd email her the contract. This was at the beginning of November. Exactly 2 weeks ago on a Wed night she calls and says "don't get up early tomorrow b/c one of my kids is sick and husband will take care of them this week. And on the 26th of January one kid has a doc appt so I won't bring them either." Last Wed evening I called and left a voicemail that I had to be somewhere at 6pm the next day on Thursday so plz try to pick your kids up at 5:30pm that day. She never called back. So LAST Thursday I roll out of bed at 5:45am assuming she would be coming that Thursday and Friday (did I mention I'm 33 weeks pregnant??...

And the other toddler I keep M-F arrives at 6:45am??) ...she didn't show up..didn't call... Didn't come on that Friday..she didn't call either. So I left her another voicemail yesterday (Tuesday) asking her to give me a call. I have no idea what is wrong with her. It's 9pm on Wednesday night and I have no idea if she is dropping off her kids tomorrow. Oh, and she STILL hasn't given her signed contract back to me even though I've reminded her at least 5 or 6 times since November. Should I let it go and ignore her at the door at 6am in the morning IF she does happen to show up? Or give her one more chance if she does show up and keep her kids tomorrow ONLY if she promises to bring the signed contract back with her when she picks them up in the evening? I won't be able to keep her kids anyway after I have my baby b/c I have 2 small kids of my own and I will be keeping at least 1 other toddler part time after the delivery. I'm fed up w/ her lack of and last minute communication.

Answer 1

she is taking advantage of you, and will keep doing so until you speak up. i say, tell her to look for childcare elsewhere.

Answer 2

I would take them tomorrow and tell her that if she does not come back with the signed contract when she picks them up in the evening that you will not be able to accept her children any longer. Tell her that you don't want to do this, but her behavior is forcing you to make the tough choices.

Hang in there! I ran a daycare for many years and it's tough with parents like that. You are better off to cut them loose now rather than letting it slide because you are attached to the children. It will just blow up in your face... Good luck!

Answer 3

If she's not returning your calls, send a certified letter to her that explains she is not allowed to bring her children by your house for babysitting any longer and that any prior agreements are now null and void. If she owes you any money for sitting the kids, take her to small claims court, have proof of the letter you sent and the certified receipt, as well as any receipts of payment or other documentation that proves you were caring for her children. Then forget about her and go on with your life.

Answer 4

I would ignore her at the door if she shows up. At a job if you don't call or show for 3 days you are considered to have quit. I would quit. I hate how some people think that because you are a stay at home mom they don't need to call. I would quit now and save yourself the headache. Good luck

Answer 5

WOW. you don't need this kind of drama. Tell her to find a new sitter. She probably needs you more then you need her. Sounds like a total lack of respect.

Answer 6

If it was me, I would stop babysitting. Unless your getting paid and need the money. Otherwise you dont need to deal with the stress.

Answer 7

ignore her. ur life doesnt revolve around taking care of her kids.