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Must be you've never ventured into a community that doesn't have it all. It isnt' just the wealthy that read newpapers.
I think the guy is on to something.
Except it was a community paper in a wealthy suburb. If the dad had meant for it to be charity, he'd have found a more appropriate newspaper or church or shelter. He meant it to be punishment. I don't disagree with punishment for breaking curfew but lets call it what it is. I also agree with Hopes here. I would not want a "reluctant" babysitter watching my kids.
Must be you've never ventured into a community that doesn't have it all. It isnt' just the wealthy that read newpapers.
I think the guy is on to something.
You've never heard of community newspapers? They are newspapers that are distributed only to residents of a specific community, in this case a wealthy community.
The dad took out an ad in the local paper of a wealthy community. I doubt it's really "charity". While I think the sentiment has some merit. I think 30 hours of babysitting for strangers is over the top for a curfew violation.
I wasn't talking about the babysitting. I was talking about the soup kitchens, etc.
Actually, the children of the wealthy may be introduced to charity work a lot sooner than other kids. I know in this community (another Dallas-area-super-wealthy part of town), kids are into fund raisers and other types of things as early as elementary school, and a lot of the mothers who 'stay at home,' involve themselves deeply in community volunteering.
And this was also reported in the Dallas Morning News, so the entire metroplex was informed about this babysitting opportunity.
I wasn't talking about the babysitting. I was talking about the soup kitchens, etc.
Actually, the children of the wealthy may be introduced to charity work a lot sooner than other kids. I know in this community (another Dallas-area-super-wealthy part of town), kids are into fund raisers and other types of things as early as elementary school, and a lot of the mothers who 'stay at home,' involve themselves deeply in community volunteering.
And this was also reported in the Dallas Morning News, so the entire metroplex was informed about this babysitting opportunity.
I wasn't the one who said children (or any child regardless of the economic status of the parents) weren't participating in charity. I don't believe that's true at all. Most high schools that I know, require some kind of community service in order to graduate. Many, many high school kids do a good amount of volunteer work and are very aware (much more so than when I was in HS) of those who are less fortunate than themselves. My responses were in response to the article and posters calling that particular babysitting charity. While the story may have been "reported" all over Dallas, that was because it became news not because the father intended to have his daughter volunteer babysitting all over the metro area. I personally wouldn't have my daughter babysitting in someone's home I did not know (regardless of the neighborhood) nor would I have an unknown girl babysit my kids just because it was free.
Since this area is not too far from me, let me add in some more info.
First the dad and stepmom tried to get her 'hours' fulfilled through charities, volunteer organizations and places with need and none of them helped.
So after that failed they put in the ad.
This particular community is rather small and not just wealthy, but one of the most wealthiest parts of our county.
Someone who read it there alerted the mainstream media and dad has been quoted as saying he had no intention of it getting out there like that.
They have said she has done over half the hours now although they have had to very carefully screen all requests.
It seems to me like it's been far more work than they bargained for once it went viral. I imagine the girl is now a celebrity of sorts over it all and I bet they won't think this was the best choice after all once it's all said and done.
I would not accept a reluctant babysitter. Who knows what she might do? As a parent, I want a sitter who wants to be there, who enjoys kids and who understands the responsibility. I would NOT help this dad punish his kid by allowing her to sit for my kids.
Dorothy
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Have you considered using the multi-quote feature? 
I'd prefer a babysitter who WANTED to babysit my children!
