"My sister-in-law "Jane" is the divorced mom of a 7-year-old son, "Derek," and a 5-year-old daughter, "Talia." Child care is insanely expensive in our area, and reliable sitters are rare. Because I work from home, I offered to watch Jane's kids after they get out of school while she's at work. It seemed like the perfect solution at first. Dear Used, Within the past few months, however, my SIL has been increasingly late in picking up Derek and Talia."
"I feel thoroughly taken advantage of and furious. My husband says we should "just give Jane a break" since her ex has been so terrible to deal with. But my husband is not the one having to provide most of the care for our niece and nephew, and our 2-year-old son to boot. I am beyond exhausted! Please tell me I can unilaterally tell my lying SIL she'll have to take her kids elsewhere. -Used"
A caregiver who works from home agreed to watch two school-age children after school because childcare is expensive and sitters are scarce. The parent repeatedly arrives late, escalating from 30–45 minutes to pickups near 9 p.m., while social media timestamps suggest she is not at work during those times. The caregiver feels taken advantage of and exhausted while also caring for their own toddler. The proper response is to have a candid conversation, establish precise pickup deadlines and consequences (including payment or termination of care), document incidents, and secure alternative childcare if the parent does not comply.
Read at Slate Magazine
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