Stormin Mormon wrote:
I think the sitter's parents should reimburse half the cost
of the sneakers. After all, it's not the sitter's fault.
Would be kind of the parents, but not totally necessary of
course. Help sofen the blow, you could say.


I disagree....I've always allowed my kids to make mistakes and correct
the situation themselves, when appropriate, but this situation hints at
some really bad traits in the employer that I wouldn't want the daughter
to experience. Little "mistakes" are great learning experiences and an
exercise in avoiding big mistakes. First lesson: $75 for a pair of
shoes is a lot of money, esp. for a teen. Second lesson: working for
one's own support does not bring unlimited resources. Third lesson: be
aware of surroundings at all times. Fourth lesson: some people are
crass and selfish, no matter their status in the community. Carry on
with dignity and don't give in to their crass and selfish behavior
(i.e., don't go back for more, just for the money).

That said, it really, really bugs me when parents try to control every
situation for their children - all of a sudden, they are 18 or 21, out
of the house and don't know what to do when mommy and daddy aren't there
to "fix" things. BTDT.