AITA for not returning to my childcare job because the mother fired me over a mistake?

In a sun-dappled backyard, a 19-year-old childcare worker brushes a shedding dog, hoping to ease its scratching and spruce up the house. The kids he cares for nap inside, and the single mom he works for is at her job. Thinking it’s a small act of care, he snaps a playful text about the pile of fur he’s collected. But hours later, his phone erupts with her furious voice, berating him for “harming” the dog and firing him on the spot.

Devastated after three months of bonding with her autistic kids, he quickly lands a new job. When the mom calls back, tearfully begging him to return, he stands firm, unwilling to face her wrath again. Now, with her texting his dad to intervene, guilt creeps in. Was he wrong to walk away? This Reddit tale unravels a clash of workplace respect and personal boundaries.

‘AITA for not returning to my childcare job because the mother fired me over a mistake?’

The mother’s explosive reaction to a well-intentioned act was disproportionate and unprofessional. Workplace psychologist Dr. Tessa West notes, “Verbal abuse from employers erodes trust and signals an unstable work environment” . The teen’s decision to prioritize his dignity over returning to a volatile job reflects healthy boundary-setting, especially at 19.

This highlights a broader issue: power dynamics in caregiving roles. A 2022 study in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found 47% of childcare workers face verbal aggression from parents . The mom’s attempt to leverage his dad’s influence further shows her disregard for his autonomy. Dr. West advises clear communication to resolve workplace conflicts. The teen might calmly reiterate his reasons for leaving to his dad, reinforcing his stance.

For solutions, the teen could block the mom’s texts to protect his peace. His dad might redirect her to other sitters . Standing firm was right—respect is non-negotiable in any job.

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

Reddit rallied behind the teen, blasting the mom’s overreaction and cheering his resolve. From debunking her dog care myths to slamming her bullying, here’s what they said:

These Reddit takes champion the teen’s stand, but do they miss the mom’s stress as a single parent?

This story of a fired sitter and a mom’s regret shows how quickly tempers can unravel trust. The teen’s refusal to return was a stand for self-respect, not spite. The mom’s outburst and pressure tactics cost her a reliable worker. How would you handle a boss who crossed the line? Drop your thoughts below!