Seemed to be going great- kids liked me (excited when I came over, wanted me to stay longer...) I babysat a few times over 2 weeks. Mother emailed me to let me know that I wasn't flexible enough and that I don't change diapers. She found someone else. Ok fine. I wrote her a short email wishing her well. Nothing rude, just acknowledging her message.
So she emailed me back that her kid had a dirty diaper and I didn't do anything about it (ETA: she said that she was going to come down and change him, I told her the diaper was dirty). And that even though I wasn't available this past Wednesday (I was available Mon,Tues,Thurs, Fri instead), I had made a commitment to her (she hadn't said anything about needing me every Wednesday before) and at 23 I should become more responsible.
I thought that the initial email was rude and that her response to my email was appalling. We are both adults, call me on the phone. Speak to me about your issues and if I can I'll change things. Show me where the diapers are. Better yet, show me the kids rooms. Tell me what they can/can't eat so I don't have to guess. Tell me that you need me on a certain day. Don't make me guess what days I should keep open just in case you need me.
Well, I see this as an issue with BOTH the op and the mother.
The sentences bolded above tell both sides....
However, NO MATTER WHAT THE SITUATION, THAT FOLLOW UP EMAIL FROM THE MOTHER IS SIMPLY INAPPROPRIATE AND INEXCUSABLE!!! The situation should have been over when she sent the first email letting the op know that her services were no longer needed. That email shows me the kind of person that this mother is. I definitely feel that the mother's major issues were with the fact that she had completely unrealistic expectations that the OP would be available, any day, as needed, at her beck and call... Sorry, couldn't pay me enough for that. I do have a life, thank you.
This mother was NOT responsible with hiring somebody online, and with not insuring that this young person had all the information and guidelines that she needed to care for three very young children!!!! ( with three young children, I would want to hire thru a reputable agency )
OP, perhaps you are still young and not super mature for your age... But, if I were left in a home to care for three young children, I would take the initiative, and feel comfortable, going into their rooms with them.. familiarizing myself with where necesary items are kept, etc.... To say, 'show me their rooms, show me where the diapers are...
I have to say that this does sound a bit immature, or a bit like an excuse. I am not trying to mean or judgmental here at all... but, I do think that I see, perhaps, a bit of immaturity in your posts.
I agree with the other poster who says that there was a big gap in communication and expectations... The mother expected more initiative, and the OP expected more direction.
About that diaper... this is what everybody is jumping on!!! Seriously, we need more information to make a judgement call here. If the mother was at home, upstairs (probably where the kids room and diapers are), then why would she not call "I'll come on down"... Was the mother on her way out the door, and needed the OP to step in and take the duties of a babysitter?? Or was the OP the one on her way at the door at the end of her babysitting time???
