i babysit a lot
as i have no kids, my family firmly believe that i have nothing better to do with my life than to look after their ill-begotten hellspawn. i have to put up with the tears, the tantrums, the mess and the disruption, usually with strict orders that i am NOT allowed to discipline them and have to tell their parents they've been naughty when they get back.

i'd never tell my brother or sisters this but, looking at those heart-meltingly sweet little faces when they're fast asleep, almost makes it all worthwhile.
( Smash Monkey lowering the tone of the whole internet, Tue 22 Apr 2008, 1:44, 2 replies)

You're expected to look after them but not discipline them?!
That's crazy.
In my opinion children need to be told off when they're doing whatever it is they shouldn't be doing, take the punishment and then everyone can move on. None of this, "Wait until your parents get home" business.
( chickenlady b3ta's very own Elizabeth Taylor, Tue 22 Apr 2008, 10:05, closed)

exactly!
there's no point punishing a child for something they did hours ago, but do my siblings listen to me? do they buggery!
actually, i don't have to punish them very often. they know how far they can push me before i go krakatoa on them, so they're generally very careful not to overstep. it's easy if you explain things to them, such as WHY they can't have sweets. give them a reason and they won't annoy me!
( Smash Monkey lowering the tone of the whole internet, Tue 22 Apr 2008, 15:39, closed)