My younger sister, (just turned 18) babysits for a family with 3 kids aged 3, 6 and 9. She's been doing this for 2 years. Middle boy has epilepsy, can have fits during the night, but it is rare.
AShe charges £5 an hour, pretty reasonable! It's all unofficial, no contract/agencies involved.
They're a bit tight about money,although being pretty well off, but are generally quite a nice family who relied on and trusted my sister a lot.
Anyway, she sat for them last night. Expected them to be back at about midnight but was left till 4.30am. Rung them 3 times, each time they said they were on their way.
She fell asleep on the sofa at about 3.30 she reckons. She's never done this before and was cross at herself for it, but bloody hell anyone would struggle to stay awake at that time. They arrived home and found her asleep.
The Dad had had a few and shouted at her calling her 'negligent, useless etc,' and refused to pay her for the whole night, (nearly 10 hours - so should have been £50)
She's mortified, it's completely knocked her confidence. I'm furious at them.
I understand, especially with having an epileptic child, you want the sitter to be alert and responsible. BUT parents were 4 and a 1/2 hours late. They know she wasn't asleep for long as she had rung them at 1.30, 2.30 and 3 am. They sleep through the night when they're at home.
So are there any reasons that I shouldn't go round and demand her money back? £50 is a lot for an 18 year old.