While most toddlers are perfectly designed machines of chaos, older children can also do their fair share of damage. Shout out to the kids I used to babysit who spilled Hawaiian Punch all over the couch and then smashed crackers into the juice river while I was attempting to clean it up. Miss you, guys!
Most parents understand that accidents happen and that their kids are capable of leaving a trail of terror wherever they go, but after a certain age there's an expectation that a middle schooler can sit quietly and watch television without being watched by a lurking guardian. So, when a conflicted lawyer decided to consult the moral compass of the internet otherwise known as Reddit's "Am I the As*hole?" about an unruly child she babysat, people were there to help her deem a verdict.
A few days ago, my neighbors (Early 40s M and F) approached me and asked if I would be willing to watch their daughter (11-12) - Rhea- while they went to get vaccinated. I agreed. I made it clear to my neighbors that they would have to pick up Rhea before 1:30 p.m as I had a court hearing I couldn't miss the hearing under any circumstance (I am a lawyer). They promised they would be back in time.