Leaving kids with the workman?

[carrust]

Every school holiday I do some decorating work for a family who have 2 kids. The father is out at work all day, but the mother doesn't work. The last time I worked for them the mother kept going out leaving me to look after the kids. They are 12 & 10 years old, & are really well behaved. I've mentioned the situation to my partner & she says I should refuse to look after them, as I'm leaving myself wide open for accusations etc. Your comments please.

[LoftyLottie]

I think your partner is 100% correct.

I also think the mother has a damn cheek expecting you to look after her kids. She should take them with her or not go out herself. You are paid as a decorator not a child minder! You should make it clear from the outset that you are not prepared for the responsibility of having two children left in the house whilst you are working.

[redcrx]

well yes you do have to think of what could happen if the kids accused you of anything but thats unlikely.
What should concern you is that they could get hurt or have a problem whilst mum isnt there and it should not be your responsibility to look after them when you are employed to decorate not babysit.

If the mum needs to go out on her own she should find an alternative.

If she tries it then tell her you need to leave to get some supplies and therefore cant keep an eye on her children.

[bigmamma]

That situation is most unacceptable carrust , you should not be put in that position . As the others say , your partner is right , and as redcrx suggests , tell her you have to go out yourself , or discuss this directly with her. :-)

[carrust]

Thanks for your answers. As I thought, I was putting myself in a stupid position, & at risk of losing a very good customer I'll tell the mother that the situation is unacceptable.

[Lore]

you could put it to her that for health and safety reasons, you're not comfortable being left in charge of the children. If one of them needed medical attention, you're opening yourself up to serious implications of being employed by them and not being a registered childminder.