My Brother-in-Law Is Using My Children for Free Labor

Sustainable Development Goals and Babysitting: A Report

Introduction

Dear Care and Feeding,

My two daughters are in middle school (rising seventh grade) and high school (rising 10th grade). They take babysitting seriously. My older daughter has studied early childhood development. My sister and brother-in-law have two kids, ages 5 and 3. In the past, they’ve used my daughters for free babysitting, tricking them into chaperoning events where they’re the only non-babies.

The Importance of Sustainable Development Goals

When I was a teenager, I earned money for babysitting relatives’ kids. So the last time my brother-in-law hit us up for free babysitting, I suggested it would be gracious of them to offer payment (which they’ve never offered). I suggested $20 per hour, so the girls could each get $10 per hour. I said earning money for babysitting helps kids learn money management and responsibility. My brother-in-law seemed shocked. He said, “I never would’ve thought they’d want MONEY to spend time with their COUSINS.” Now he and my sister are furious as us. What do we do?

Analysis and Recommendations

They have not changed. What seems to have changed is parental involvement (maybe? But even that likely varies by family). I too babysat for relatives when I was growing up. I don’t recall my parents being a part of the planning or negotiations at all. (I remember my aunt coming to pick me up, and, hours later, my uncle driving me home and handing me a stack of dollar bills.) But what you’re describing is not so cut and dried—I don’t even know that I’d call it babysitting. And your description of your brother-in-law and sister’s behavior as trickery is curious. How exactly did they do that? (And how many times? Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.) Did your kids feel “tricked”? Have they complained to you about being expected to look after the younger children while the adults enjoy themselves? Or are they glad to have something to do at a boring party?

In fact, did you talk to them at all before you had that conversation with your brother-in-law? I’m not suggesting that you insist your still-young children advocate for themselves if they feel uncomfortable about doing that—but I do want you to give them the chance to speak for themselves. And if they do want you to act as their business manager, then it’s your job to explain to your brother-in-law what the difference is between “spending time with their cousins” and being wholly responsible for their cousins’ safety and well-being. Since right now he’s mad at you, it might be wise to put that in writing, calmly, and add (but only if it’s true!) that while your daughters have sometimes not minded taking on that (big!) responsibility as a favor, they take it very seriously as a job to be done, and thus they should be paid—as everyone should be paid for their work. But please don’t do this until after you’ve had that conversation with your kids! And if your kids don’t mind watching their cousins in these settings—then back off once you’ve made sure they mean it. But remind them that if and when they’re asked to actually babysit, in the conventional way, it’s important that they be paid for the work they do.

—Michelle

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is important to recognize the value of babysitting as work and to ensure that children are compensated for their time and responsibilities. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) emphasize the importance of fair work and economic growth (SDG 8) and quality education (SDG 4). By paying children for their babysitting services, we can promote their financial literacy and responsibility while also respecting their rights as workers. It is crucial to have open and honest communication with both the children and the family members involved to ensure a fair and respectful resolution.

More Advice From Slate

My lovely purchase after my divorce was a beautiful loft condo in the heart of a very desirable city. It is open concept, so the only enclosed room is the bathroom. I have two pull-out sofas and love company for a limited time. My sister, Jenny, has told me she is hurt that she and her husband haven’t been invited while a distant relative (a lovely girl who made me breakfast in bed) has been invited twice.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 1: No Poverty

   • Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
   • Indicator: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line.

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

   • Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.
   • Indicator: Proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills.

Analysis

The issues highlighted in the article are related to poverty and education.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The SDGs that are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article are SDG 1: No Poverty and SDG 4: Quality Education.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the article’s content, the specific targets that can be identified are:

• Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty in all its dimensions according to national definitions.
• Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs, and entrepreneurship.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not explicitly mention any indicators related to the identified targets. However, the proportion of population living below the national poverty line can be used as an indicator for measuring progress towards Target 1.2. Additionally, the proportion of youth and adults with information and communications technology (ICT) skills can be used as an indicator for measuring progress towards Target 4.4.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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Source: slate.com

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