I'm concerned about a rather harsh and blatantly damaging review posted on an online nanny-babysitter site. I babysat for the family once during late summer-early fall, and thought things went well. It was a last minute job with rather long hours, as I worked all day then arrived at the family home. Family seemed nice, the kids were cute and the night began. The kids were given a choice between playing or watching the movie that DB put on before they (DB and MB) left. They chose the movie. The kids wanted snacks, and the three of us went into the kitchen, where they each chose a snack and drink, even showing me where everything was. They went potty, we went back to the movie. It was about an hour before bedtime, and I explained to them that I was setting my phone and when my phone went off, we were going to clean up and start settling down. At this point they wanted to play while the movie was on, and I was fine with that. About five minutes before the alarm went off, one of the kids tried getting more toys from their room. I explained that the alarm would sound soon and we would need to clean up. The alarm rings and we had a blankie-lovey-stuffed animal party on the couch. Bedtime. We went potty again, brushed teeth, read books and lights out. I had the rest of the night to Netflix, and no matter how much caffeine I had, I kept dozing off. I knew D and MB wouldn't be back for awhile, so I set the alarm on my phone and took a nap. DB came home before MB, paid me and I went home. A few days later, I sent a thank you note, thanking them for the opportunity to babysit.
Four months later, I am notified by the site that this family left a review. Excited that I got feedback, my mood soured as I read the review, which was posted at the end of January, four months after I babysat for them. The review started with the fact that they thought I was fine. They then described me as someone who "severely traumatized their kids", stating that I didn't or allow the kids to leave the couch for anything, and that I yelled at the kids. They also claimed they "can't get another sitter without the looks of terror on the kids faces". I read, reread and reread the review again, and responded to them in a polite, respectful manner. I showed family and friends the review, who agree that this family is wrong about me and downright rude.
The funny part? I knew something was off about the review. Something told me to check online court records for our county and state. I did that and found out something interesting: DB filed for divorce from MB, dated 6 weeks after I babysat. That tells me there was family issues going on, and that the review, posted by DB, was posted under stress. The divorce proceedings were occurring when the review was written.
I have two glowing reviews and this sham on my profile: out of all the jobs I have applied for, only one family hired me, and they really like me. The other families have blown me off, and I think it's the review. Do I offer to explain my side of the review without being asked or wait until prospective families ask? The thing that gets me is that my reputation is on the line, as I opened a nanny agency, and I don't need this review out there. In all honesty, I feel like contacting DB and letting him know I apologize for the divorce, and that there is no reason to talk bad about someone no matter what is going on their personal lives.
