When the Babysitter’s Laptop Gets Broken By a Kid, the Mother’s Torn Between Replacing the Screen or Losing the Sitter.

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In a twist of fate, a single mother of two, known here as OP, finds herself entangled in a dispute over a broken laptop with her 17-year-old babysitter and her determined father. As the argument over who should bear the repair costs intensifies, accusations fly, leading to a community-wide conflict and potential legal threats. In a dramatic turn of events, security footage, and an expert technician’s assessment come into play, but will these be enough to bring the tension to a peaceful resolution?

A New Journey

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OP, a single mother of two, takes on a new job that requires her to hire a babysitter. The babysitter, a 17-year-old high school girl, brings her laptop along with her while babysitting. This arrangement was accepted by OP as long as the babysitter managed to keep an eye on the children.

Unexpected Damage

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One day, OP returns home to find the babysitter’s laptop broken by her youngest child. The babysitter explains that she left her laptop unattended in the living room while making lunch, which was then mishandled by the child. The event leads to a discussion about responsibility.

Disputed Responsibilities

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OP blames the babysitter for the mishap, saying it was her fault to leave her laptop within reach of the kids. She believes that since the laptop was in their house, her kids might have thought it belonged to them. The babysitter disputes this, arguing that the kids should know not to touch other people’s belongings.

A Monetary Issue

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The babysitter requests OP to pay for the damages as she doesn’t have enough money for the repair and has upcoming exams. OP refuses, insisting that it’s the babysitter’s problem, not hers. The situation escalates into an argument, and OP eventually asks the babysitter to leave.

The Father’s Intervention

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OP receives a call from the babysitter’s father, who blames her for the broken laptop and demands that she pays for its repair. OP maintains her position and refuses to bear the cost. The conflict deepens, involving more parties and straining relationships further.

An Ultimatum

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The babysitter refuses to return to OP’s house unless the laptop is paid for, despite having been paid in advance for her services. This development creates a predicament for OP, who now faces the risk of losing her babysitter.

Seeking New Solutions

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Realizing the gravity of the situation, OP starts searching for a new babysitter. The process proves difficult given the sudden circumstances and the fact that she already paid the previous babysitter in advance. The job hunt brings additional stress to an already strained situation.

Unexpected Revelations

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As OP searches for a new babysitter, she discovers that the former babysitter has been sharing her side of the story on their community Facebook page, which portrays OP negatively. The babysitter’s actions stir up community sentiment against OP, deepening the conflict.

A Community Divided

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Word spreads within the community, causing a divide between those who support OP and those siding with the babysitter, turning a private matter into a public dispute. The situation grows increasingly complicated as it involves the broader community.

Legal Threats

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The babysitter’s father threatens to take the matter to small claims court if OP doesn’t agree to pay for the laptop. The threat intensifies the conflict, introducing the prospect of a legal battle. OP is forced to consider legal advice.

Evidence Uncovered

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While preparing for potential legal proceedings, OP uncovers security footage showing the babysitter neglecting her duties while engrossed in her laptop. This footage strongly defends OP, indicating the babysitter’s irresponsibility. The discovery changes the dynamics of the conflict, offering a potential turning point.

Damage Assessment

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A professional technician estimates the repair cost of the laptop to be significantly lower than the babysitter’s father claimed. The revelation that the father may have exaggerated the cost increases OP’s determination to stand her ground.

Legal Consultation

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OP consults with a lawyer, who advises her that the babysitter’s neglect might exempt her from paying for the laptop. This advice reassures OP and gives her newfound confidence in her stance.

The Resolution

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Armed with her lawyer’s advice and the security footage, OP confronts the babysitter and her father with a counterclaim. The babysitter’s father withdraws his threat of court action, signaling the potential end of the dispute.

Was The Woman’s Behavior Appropriate?

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OP posts her story online for feedback. The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses:

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “It’s super concerning to me that you think, as a parent of two children, that this shouldn’t have been taught to your kids years ago.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote, “Accidents happen, but at the end of the day, the liability for damages caused by your children is your responsibility.”

A Third View on The Story

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A different person stated, “Your kids are old enough to understand that if she brings something with her, it’s hers. You should reimburse the babysitter for the damage your kids caused.”