Comments on: A Provider Offers to Babysit…What Do You Do?

By: Tracy Hoang

Tracy Hoang — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 17:33:51 +0000

Although it is a difficult situation, I would follow up with Alexis after the appointment because the family should have the time to reflect on babysitting and decide whether or not it would be a good fit for the child’s development. Correcting a colleague in front of the family may seem very conflicting and they might lose trust in the healthcare team, especially since it surrounds a financial issue. With the close connection that Alexis has with the family, there might be conflict and it would be inappropriate to argue in front of the family. I would address her privately to say that she has overstepped her bounds as a provider and to let her know that she should tell the family she cannot babysit. I would encourage her to explain her actions to ensure that the family fully understands that it is not within her scope of practice to babysit.

By: Karla Garza

Karla Garza — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 05:10:07 +0000

As a babysitter myself, I know the importance of not crossing the line. If this was something I had to deal with I would find the person to talk to. But, how do you know someone is the right person to talk about a situation? Is there a cheat sheet to see who to talk about a specific situation?

By: Ana Rodriguez

Ana Rodriguez — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 16:41:34 +0000

If I were the service provider, I would choose to have a conversation with Alexis after our interaction with the family. It doesn’t seem appropriate to correct her in front of the family because it could make things awkward for both parties. I would casually bring it up to Alexis afterwards and explain how it crosses a boundary and how it could make things difficult in the future if something were to go wrong. I would not be judgmental or condescending, just a gentle reminder of how it may be inappropriate. I would encourage her to reach out to the family to politely decline and if they push back, just tell her to explain how it could make things uncomfortable and is just crossing a professional boundary that our team has set in place.

By: Hannah Ramsey

Hannah Ramsey — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 17:52:19 +0000

For the benefit of both Alexis and the family I would speak to her first and then the family before the visit. If Alexis babysits even the first time this sets a different standard in the relationship between her and the family. The family needs to see her as a caregiver, but not in that light. Alexis is a working professional and her coworkers should hold her to this standard. She likely does not understand the consequences of her decisions further down the line.

By: steph dls

steph dls — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 04:05:26 +0000

If I were Alexis, I would definitely have to take a step back, even if it were challenging to do so. As humans, we are bound to connect with others, especially emotionally. However, in situations like these, where there needs to be a professional boundary, it can be hard to make decisions if that boundary is crossed. I would definitely step in, and ask to have a conversation before anything can occur, because ultimately, as a provider you do not want to do any harm to your client. This is definitely a preventable situation, and at the end of the day, a somewhat uncomfortable or random conversation could potentially save a relationship! 🙂

By: Ariel Head

Ariel Head — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 03:26:44 +0000

I would have an Alexis alone first immediately following the appointment. I do not believe it would be professional to correct a colleague in front of a family, and any disagreements that might arise between Alexis and I should be done in private, not in the presence of the family where they could be uncomfortable or feelings could get hurt (by any member of the interaction). I would try and keep a casual attitude when talking to Alexis so it does not feel like an attack on her character or judgement, but would be clear that babysitting for Enzi’s family really would not be professionally appropriate. After talking to Alexis, I would let her know that she should inform the family ASAP that she cannot babysit for them, because I do not think it is my position to let the family know that Alexis’ offer was inappropriate. This could give off the impression that the ECI team is not a united team working together, and could create tension between myself, Alexis, and the family for seemingly undermining Alexis. I would also encourage Alexis to explain to the family that babysitting Enzi could lead to her not being as objective in her work with him so they have a better understanding of why she can’t cross that boundary.

By: Ethan Rodriguez

Ethan Rodriguez — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 03:12:27 +0000

Since the child is ultimately the main priority in regards to this sensitive situation, I would immediately speak with Alexis so that there can be a line drawn as to what can be deemed as okay vs. wrong. Which in this situation, it can be agreed that it would be out of line in a way to leave Alexis alone with the child since it is common practice for many agency’s to disallow for the specialist to stay alone with the child since everyone’s safety is upmost important

By: Yesica Pineda

Yesica Pineda — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 02:46:02 +0000

I think that networking and making connections is great, but there are certain limits and restrictions. First, your job and role is on the line. You may loose your job if you are too involved with just one family, it is time consuming and a lot of trust and responsibility. As stated before one thing leads to the other and you will find yourself stuck in a position you might not want to be in. Ask yourself this question: If I go to one birthday party, will I assist every other party or all of them? Or do I prevent this from happening by not going? Would it be fair to all the other children who I work for? Would I be able to babysit for all other children too? Then you will realize what best choice is there for your convince. Next, Just as too many things can lead to the other it is best that you as the service coordinator keep distance and remember the code of ethics for which you agreed upon.

By: Emily Phillips

Emily Phillips — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 00:41:10 +0000

If I were the service coordinator, I would speak with Alexis privately about the matter first. It is her professional career that could potentially be jeopardized and it’s her job to establish her boundaries with the family and she may just need a check-in to remind her. If necessary, I would speak with the family about the boundaries that need to remain and even offer them resources to well-established and professional babysitters as alternative options.

By: Alejandra Rosales

Alejandra Rosales — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 21:07:45 +0000

If I were to be in this situation as a colleague, I would intervene in the conversation between the parent and Alexis and suggest other options that may allow Alexis to process their mistake or allow the parent to quickly reconsider their initial request. I would quickly offer my services in recommending babysitting websites where specific needs or preferences can be requested or offer for them to instead create an IFSP outcome through the process of them taking the child to the event and seeing how the change in environment may influence them. This could be conducted with Alexis present as a service provider or without Alexis present and simply having the parents reflect on such interaction.