Is it acceptable for my charges to walk in the door at or a couple minutes past my end time?

[Anonymous]

I think it depends on the give and take. At my last position, the employees were not giving, and it frustrated me daily! With my current position I am paid well and respected. The MB works from home and helps out with things throughout the day. I usually stay 15 mins late (I work 3 tens with this family) to make sure the kitchen is cleaned from our dinner mess. I think it is a matter of respect, and clearly they don't think you have anything else going on and don't respect your time. A way to start may be to say to them in the morning that you have obligations after work and need to leave by 6. Do this a few times and see if there are any changes. If not, tell them that you need a consistent departure time for other obligations and ask if they would like to discuss extending your work day.