A young woman has told of a bizarre experience while babysitting when the parents of the children being minded said her outfit was ‘inappropriate.’
Anyone who has babysat over the years will know that the comfier you are the easier it is to keep up with energetic kids.
But for one family, wearing activewear is a major no-no as one mum explained. She was interviewing candidates to look after her five-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter and thought she had found the perfect person for the job - until they asked about the dress code.
READ MORE: Plane passenger applauded for refusing to move seats with angry lady after mix-up
The woman had arrived at the interview in leggings and a jumper and was told not to wear activewear while on the job. The woman went on to insist the clothes she had on were "comfortable" and allowed her to be active with the kids.
However, the mum told her that it was wrong for her to wear "tight clothing" while her husband and son were around, which led to the babysitter quitting on the spot - before she even had a chance to start.
In a post on Reddit, the mum said: "I am currently searching for a nanny for my children. My son is five and my daughter is 11.
"We found one young lady yesterday that seemed like a great fit. We interviewed her in our home and explained everything to her. She seemed happy with everything and was kind to us - no issues there.
"The problem came when I spoke to her about the dress code I expected. I noticed she had on leggings with a sweater today which I guess was okay since she wasn't working, but I would've expected a little more for an interview.
“However, I told her I expect that she will not be wearing athletic wear while she tends to the children (no leggings, yoga pants, sweats, etc).
"She kind of laughed and said 'so what do you want me to wear?' and my husband laughed but I was serious. I told her that type of clothing is inappropriate since she's not working out, she's working.
“She seemed put off and said that's what she normally wears, and if she's going to be active with the kids she needs to be dressed comfortably.
"I told her what the expectations were and she said she understands and left. Later on, she told me she doesn't think this will work out.
“Was I wrong for setting expectations? I don't think it’s okay to walk around in tight clothing with my son and husband present, plus she should be dressed like she's working - she's a professional, and a teacher would not dress that way. My husband said I was overreacting."
People on the platform began responding and were firmly on the babysitter's side, with many of them insisting it was "unrealistic" to expect a babysitter to wear business attire when dealing with children.
Others said that if she wanted the babysitter to wear specific clothes as a uniform, then she should pay for them.
One person said: "I don't see you paying for a wardrobe of acceptable nanny clothing."
READ NEXT :
Irish pubs opening hours overhaul means pints can soon be served until 6am
Social welfare Ireland: Who is eligible for four bonus payments due during same week in November
Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch trial hears of AK47 bullet blitz during Regency Hotel attack
Ireland to be hit with gale force winds as Met Eireann issue yellow weather warning for coasts
Gardai launch investigation after discovery of woman's body near Dublin Luas track
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter
