To watch the boxing whilst looking after my sisters

[Guyonhere1]

So I had to look after my younger two sisters - 5 and 8, for my mother, as there’s a considerable age gap between myself and them. Whilst I let them play some games and made them some lunch, I was watching the boxing in the background.

However, when my mum came back and saw that the boxing was on tv, she got mad and shouted at me, saying that violence shouldn’t be on the tv whilst I’m looking after the children, even though I was looking after my sisters anyway. AIBU?

Anyone ?

I agree with your mum - I wouldn’t want children of that age watching the boxing. However, unless she has made that clear to you in the past, it wasn’t fair of her to get cross with you this time.

No I wouldn't. It's a bit violent. I cant even watch it now and I'm all grown up

They were playing games / running around and not actively watching it though.

I wouldn't be happy about this no. Its violent and potentially upsetting for young children.

Still, I wouldn’t be happy with it being on when they could see it.

But isn’t watching fights during soaps / sitcoms just as bad?

If you're looking after them as a favour to your Mum, I don't think she has any right to get mad and shout.

Politely ask you not to watch it when they're there, yes. But shout at you over it? No.

It’s not something I would fret about but as pp’s some do. Still, but much to have a go about it.

Sorry but that is irrelevant.
Even if they "just" glance over at it or are "just " hearing it they are better exposed to violence and being taught that it is acceptable, especially since You are watching it

as pp’s show*, some do

Boxing is a bonafide sport!

Ffs being not better

But what about when they see the violence in soaps and sitcoms my mum watches

Lots of children are boxers, it is a sport for all ages.

I would expect you to turn it off if they were distressed but otherwise I don't think it is a problem.

Guy that’s pretend. You get that right. No one is hurt.
Boxing is not pretend.

I think boxing is much more graphic than soaps, and than some tv drama fights too, @Guyonhere1. Plus the fact that is is real, not simulated/dramatised makes it worse, in my opinion.

I’m sorry but common sense should have told you that this was not something to watch with small children present, even if they weren’t watching it all of the time.

They weren’t distressed, so AIBU to think that she’s overreacting

Yes, you are being unreasonable. The children’s parent does not want them to watch boxing, so you shouldn’t be watching it while looking after them.

Her kids, her rules (shrug).

Well I only knew that afterwards, so I will refrain from doing so in the future. I don’t understand why she felt the need to shout and was so angry @SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius

I think boxing is really unsuitable to have on when you are looking after young children, but your mum should have politely asked you to switch it off rather than shouting at you.

I also think she’s being hypocritical (forgot to say this before) - she happily let’s them watch WWE smh

@SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius then should the children's parent consider alternative childcare arrangements where paying for a service means you can dictate what you expect? Assuming @Guyonhere1 is doing it as a favour to his Mum, which may not be correct.

If I was looking after someone's children, even my own siblings, I wouldn't mind being asked not to watch something, and I'd agree if I was asked reasonably because I'm not a dick. But I wouldn't expect to be shouted at, and would let the parent know they could find someone else to cover their childcare if they felt it ok to get mad at me.

@0nwardsAndUpwards Exactly.

Considering boxing will be back in the summer, I might not do her a favour next time and watch the boxing live rather than helping her by looking after my sisters