Redditors Help 15 Y.O. Babysitter Seeking Ways To Demand Higher Rates From Exploiting Mom

Some people don’t recognize a favor, they recognize a loophole. This Reddit story starts with a 15-year-old babysitter trying to figure out how to ask for higher pay after being pulled into extra work for an exploited mom who, in the OP’s words, already makes things complicated.

The OP explains that she’s expected to do an extra day, but nobody seems to want to say what that extra day is worth. To make it messier, the mom is deaf, so the OP is a CODA and ends up helping with ASL practice, teaching vocabulary, and doing more than “just babysitting.” And then comes the question, is she being rude for wanting to get paid more?

Here’s the full story.

The OP Kicks Off Her Story

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The OP Is Expected to Do an Extra Day and She Does Not Know How Much She Will Be Paid

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OP Has Offered the Following Explanation for Why They Think They Might Be the AH:

The judged action is, am I being rude for wanting to get paid more

And the Comments from Other Redditors Roll In...

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A Higher Pay Will Be Much Needed

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That extra day request is where the OP realizes she might be working more hours, without a matching number attached to her paycheck.

Research shows that adolescents frequently undervalue their services, which contributes to a cycle of exploitation.

This undervaluation can stem from a lack of negotiation experience and the internalization of societal messages that prioritize labor over self-advocacy.

The OP Will Babysit with Higher Pay

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Experienced Sitters Would Be Asking for More

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The comments zero in on the fact that the mom’s deafness changes the workload, because the OP is helping teach and practice ASL, not just watching kids.

Behavioral economists highlight how anchoring effects can impact pricing discussions, leading individuals to accept lower rates without fully understanding their worth.

Studies indicate that when children and teens are not taught to advocate for fair compensation, they may carry these beliefs into adulthood, perpetuating a cycle of underpayment.

Encouraging open discussions about rates among peers can help shift these norms and empower young workers.

This also echoes the roommate debate about whether to make her boyfriend chip in for rent after an extended stay.

This Redditor Reveals What an Advanced Negotiation Technique Is

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And the Comments Continue...

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The OP Revealed More Interesting Details in the Comments Section

It’s because my mom is deaf, which makes me a CODA. I do know fluent ASL, and it's not exactly like a class, but she wants me to teach words and help them practice.I am a CODA and consider myself to be fluent. Obviously, I’m not professionally teaching them, but the mom wants me to help them learn and practice. I know that because I’m hearing, it's not as “good” as a deaf person, like my mom, to teach others.

The OP Isn't Obligated to Work

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The OP Deserves to Be Paid More

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The OP also drops the CODA detail, including how she’s fluent in ASL but worries the mom expects her support to count as more than babysitting.

Negotiation Skills for Adolescents

Workshops or role-playing scenarios can provide practical experience in asserting one's worth, which is essential in various life situations.

Additionally, practicing these skills in safe environments can boost confidence and reduce anxiety associated with asking for higher rates.

This Is an Important Lesson

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Never Been Seen in Years

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Then the thread turns into a rates-and-boundaries showdown, with people pushing back on the idea that teens should just accept lower pay because it’s “easier” to get it from them.

Moreover, understanding the psychology of assertiveness can empower young individuals to communicate their needs effectively.

Maintaining a confident yet respectful tone in conversations can significantly influence the negotiation process.

Ultimately, this story highlights the importance of young workers recognizing their own value and mastering negotiation techniques.

Redditors believe that this is not a conflict because it's a commercial deal. The OP can walk away or try to negotiate if she thinks the pay is too little.

OP has the right to demand what she believes her time is worth, and they have the right to demand what they believe is fair compensation. That is a negotiation tactic, and both of them owe each other nothing.

OP was declared not the AH, and that's a wrap.

Social psychologists emphasize the role of peer support in fostering confidence among adolescents.

Establishing a network where young individuals can share their experiences and challenges can create a sense of solidarity and empowerment.

This network can also provide practical advice and encouragement, reinforcing the importance of fair compensation for their work.

Nobody wants to be treated like the extra ASL help is free, especially when the extra day still needs to be paid.

For another payment fight, see what happened when a friend refused to repay an emergency loan after splurging.