I'm really annoyed...

[Anonymous]

A few weeks ago my regular family asked me if I could babysit one night this week.All they said about it was the time and that's it.Yesterday I texted just to confirm the time,and mom mentions that I am babysitting while she is having a party at the house and I'm pretty annoyed right now and don't want to do it at all. First of all their house is TINY and it will just be really awkward for me. What can I do?

[Anonymous]

You act like an adult and follow through on your commitment.

[Anonymous]

I had one family that would have me babysit during their parties and almost always had me helping them with serving and say 'the kids are entertaining themselves can you help me with this.' This would happen all the time till I quit 8 months later. I don't mind helping as long as I'm told what to expect and compensated well enough. You should definitely clarify what your responsibilities are on that day since you were not expecting them to entertain.
Maybe you can hang out in the biggest bedroom, playroom, basement with the kids while they entertain. It will always be awkward with parties especially if some guests act snobbish towards you but you can choose to ignore it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I had one family that would have me babysit during their parties and almost always had me helping them with serving and say 'the kids are entertaining themselves can you help me with this.' This would happen all the time till I quit 8 months later. I don't mind helping as long as I'm told what to expect and compensated well enough. You should definitely clarify what your responsibilities are on that day since you were not expecting them to entertain.
Maybe you can hang out in the biggest bedroom, playroom, basement with the kids while they entertain. It will always be awkward with parties especially if some guests act snobbish towards you but you can choose to ignore it.

I'm just annoyed that she didn't mention it at first.I would have known nothing about the party until I showed up if I wouldn't have texted her today. And that's the thing, their house is literally a kitchen and living room,and two bedrooms that come off of those rooms.That's it!It's a tiny house.

[Anonymous]

How old are the kid/s? If possible you could volunteer to watch them at your place. Less awkward for you and sounds like mom would appreciate the kids out anyway. If that's not an option maybe you can take the kids out some kind of activity or dinner, or just a walk to help break up the time. Ugh, I don't envy you. Older kids will likely hear their parents and the commotion and will want to join in,.so you're in a tough spot trying to keep them away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How old are the kid/s? If possible you could volunteer to watch them at your place. Less awkward for you and sounds like mom would appreciate the kids out anyway. If that's not an option maybe you can take the kids out some kind of activity or dinner, or just a walk to help break up the time. Ugh, I don't envy you. Older kids will likely hear their parents and the commotion and will want to join in,.so you're in a tough spot trying to keep them away.

One 5 year old. I can't bring them to my place because it's too far but I was thinking about dinner. Ugh,I just wish I would have known when she asked me.I definitely would have had plans that night instead.

[Anonymous]

I did on call work with a family who liked to throw parties a lot. Granted their horde was a lot bigger than your families, but I never had any issues. It was assumed the kid would mingle. I made due hr got good, turned on a movie, put him to bed. It was never a problem. I think some times we went out for dinner for part of the time. Just tell Mb you're thinking it might be easier to take jr it for dinner and us she ok with that and then be blunt and ask what her expectations are. I'm sure it will all be fine.

[Anonymous]

If I were in your shoes, I would just suck it up and fulfill your obligation.

Sure, it isn't exactly what you had in mind...Just keep it in mind so next time they ask you to babysit for them, you can ask them for details.