I’m sorry, Anya. I shouldn’t have listened to them so easily.”
I thanked her for believing me, but the damage was done. I couldn’t exactly go around, knocking on doors, and telling everyone the truth.
But I also couldn’t let this go.
So, I turned to the neighborhood Facebook group and wrote a post detailing the trip, attaching a copy of the contract, and explaining how I had honored every part of the agreement.
Part of it read: “I worked seven full days and nights, caring for the kids while the Millers enjoyed their vacation. I had three days off that we agreed on from the beginning, but they weren’t happy when I actually took them. I’ve always taken babysitting seriously, and I just want to clear up any misunderstandings.”
I hoped people would believe me, but I couldn’t have expected the response.
It was overwhelming.
One mom commented, “Thank you for sharing this, Anya. I’ve had encounters with the Millers, and they’re the worst neighbors!”
Another person added, “They sound entitled. You’re better off not working for them again.”
By the end of the day, other babysitters had chimed in with horror stories about the Millers’ unreasonable demands.
One babysitter even wrote that she was still waiting to be paid for a job she did months ago.
The post reached Mrs. Miller, and she wrote a long paragraph, making herself look like the victim. But no one bought it.
Afterward, Mr. Miller came to our house demanding I retract my words online, but my father threatened to call the cops.
Their reputation was destroyed, and soon, every babysitter in town knew not to work with them. I felt bad for their kids, who were incredible despite their parents.
But I had to stand my ground.
The post must have reached everyone even if they didn’t comment because my regular clients called soon after and offered me work again.
Everything returned to normal in my life, except I promised myself never to take extended babysitting gigs. The money isn’t worth it.
