Here's Why Standing Firm With Kids Is So Important

There’s no doubt in the minds of anyone who has been responsible for disciplining kids that it’s a tough gig. No one wants to be “mean” and hated, even if it’s only for a few hours, but if you’re considering what’s in the best interest of a kid, those scenarios can be tough to avoid.

This OP is babysitting his two nieces (8 and 11) and set some firm ground rules, specifically around their swimming pool as the girls aren’t super strong swimmers.

I’m babysitting my nieces for the next two days. They love getting in the pool but they are not strong swimmers as they just learned how last summer . Before they got in I went over the rules , no running , no fighting and only ask for help if you really need it.

I should note they are 8 and 11 so they are capable of understanding.

Right away, the younger child broke a rule and scared OP half to death. They told her she had to get out of the pool and she couldn’t get back in until the following day.

About 30 minutes to by and the 8 year old starts screaming for help, it appears she is drowning, I freak out and jump in to get her. Once I get to her she starts laughing! She was faking !

I got upset and told her she can get out the pool and she is not allowed back in for the rest of the day since she can’t seem to follow rules . Her laughter quickly turns to tears.

OP acknowledges that 8yo is a good kid but sensitive and that they’re worried they should relent since she hasn’t stopped crying.

My niece is extremely sensitive and hates getting in trouble but it doesn’t happen often . She hasnt stopped crying and it’s been about 30 minutes .

She keeps asking to get back in and saying it isn’t fair I explained I gave you rules and you didn’t but follow them .

So AITA ?

Parents of Reddit are about to weigh in!

The top comment says that pool safety is no joke, and that’s a lesson she definitely needs to learn, even if it’s hard.