You’re babysitting 2-year-old Meghan, who just happens to live a few houses down from one of your good friends from school, Chris. An hour after Meghan’s parents leave for the movie theater, Chris knocks on the door, asking to come in so you can study together for an upcoming test. In your discussions with Meghan’s parents, they never said anything about letting you have guests over while you’re in their home. Then again, they never actually said you can’t have guests, either. Do you:

	Politely but firmly tell Chris that this isn’t your house, so you’re not allowed to have guests. Arrange a time when you can get together and study at your house or Chris’s house.
	Go ahead and let Chris in. What can it hurt if you study and hang out together, as long as you keep an eye on Meghan at the same time?
	Call Meghan’s parents on their cell phone and ask permission to let Chris into the house. Explain that you’re capable of studying and watching their daughter at the same time.
This is not the best answer, because Meghan’s parents gave you their cell phone number for emergencies and important child care questions. “Can my friend come in and study?” does not qualify! Plus, if you interrupt the parents’ night out to ask a question like this, you’ll be disturbing them and they might think you’re not up to the task of taking care of their child. The best answer is A. “No guests” is a fundamental rule of babysitting, and you should never let anyone in the home, or even open the door, unless the parents tell you it’s okay ahead of time. Looking after Meghan should take all of your effort and attention, and you can’t let yourself be distracted by your friend.

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