If you disagreed with the parenting style of a family you worked with, how would you deal with this?
So, I’ve been a babysitter for a number of years now. I started when I was a teenager, as a lot of people do, watching young kids in my area. I’m an adult now but wanted to give the context. I’ve worked for a lot of families over the years and never had a problem with their parenting style until now. I really don’t know what to do here. It feels wrong to work for a family that is making parenting decisions that really go against what I’m okay with, but on the other hand, it’s their kid and I’m not a parent. I’ve never been in a situation like this and I really need help.
1 solution
This can be a tough one but when all is said and done,they are your employer and the kid is not yours. While you might care and love the children as if it were your own, it might be prudent to take the parent's lead when it come to parenting style. However, you might try to have a talk with the parents and find out why they adopt that parenting style and calmly, respectfully tell them about other parenting styles you have gathered in your experience. Who knows they might not have heard about other parenting styles and may decide to adopt new styles or blend them with their own. As long as the children are safe, happy with their needs met, I'm sure they will turn out fine. Worst case scenario, you can share your misgivings with their parenting style and part ways.
