AITAH for calling police on parents?

In the world of babysitting, clear communication and reliability are more than just niceties—they’re a necessity. Recently, one babysitter found herself in a distressing situation when the parents she was watching for a date night went missing for hours. With two very young children in her care—a baby and a toddler—she faced a long, anxious night filled with unanswered calls and growing concern. This incident highlights the critical importance of responsible parenting and reliable communication, especially when entrusting someone with the care of your children.

The babysitter, who has previous experience with the family, did everything by the book. Yet, when the parents’ phones died and they failed to return at the agreed time, she was forced into a difficult position. With the children already awake at 1 a.m. and no word from the parents, she made the tough call to contact the police, setting off a series of events that left her questioning whether she’d crossed a line.

‘AITAH for calling police on parents?’

When it comes to childcare, maintaining communication is absolutely critical. In situations like these, experts emphasize that a babysitter’s primary duty is the safety and well-being of the children. Dr. Harvey Karp, a well-known child care expert, once stated, “In any scenario where a child’s safety might be compromised, the adult in charge must take immediate, decisive action” . This principle guided the babysitter’s decision to call the police after hours of unanswered calls and mounting anxiety.

A closer examination of the situation reveals a breakdown in parental responsibility. In today’s digital age, it is expected that parents have a backup plan for communication issues—be it a portable charger, an extra phone, or even a plan to contact someone at the event. The fact that both parents’ phones died and they vanished for nearly six hours without any backup is not only negligent but dangerous. Childcare professionals assert that leaving children in such a vulnerable state without a reliable way to reach the guardians can lead to serious safety risks.

Moreover, it is important to consider that the babysitter had already extended her care beyond the agreed time. The original arrangement was for the babysitter to watch the children until 11 p.m., and only an additional hour was requested. With this slight extension, the responsibility was still clear: the children’s well-being was paramount. When those responsible for the kids were unreachable, the babysitter’s growing anxiety was entirely justified. In childcare, proactive measures—even involving emergency services—are seen as essential steps rather than overreactions.

Furthermore, child safety guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics stress that babysitters should never be forced to choose between the immediate safety of children and the inconvenience of an extended shift. The babysitter, in this case, not only stayed until she could ensure the children were secure but also took responsible action when the parents remained unresponsive. Her decision to call the police, though difficult, was a measure taken in the best interest of the children’s safety.

Ultimately, while some might argue that contacting emergency services was extreme, experts agree that in the absence of any alternative, such measures are warranted. The babysitter’s actions underscore a broader lesson: when children’s safety is in question, decisive action is not only acceptable—it’s essential.

Here’s how people reacted to the post:

The Reddit community overwhelmingly supported the babysitter’s decision, with many applauding her commitment to the children’s safety. Commenters highlighted that in 2024, parents are expected to have reliable methods of communication. They criticized the parents’ negligence and lauded the babysitter for acting in a way that ensured the children were not left in harm’s way.

This incident raises important questions about parental responsibility and the protocols babysitters should follow when communication breaks down. Should there be stricter guidelines for emergency contact protocols in childcare arrangements? How can both parents and babysitters better prepare for unforeseen circumstances to ensure children’s safety? Share your thoughts and experiences below—your insights might help improve childcare practices and prevent similar situations in the future.