Coworker Leaves Toddlers With Me at Work, I Complain To HR

A male coworker lost his wife during the pandemic and is struggling financially with two toddlers. When our company reopened, he requested to bring his kids to work and none of us objected. However, he constantly leaves them with me for hours without permission, making it hard for me to do my job. When I complained to HR, he was told he could no longer bring his children to work. Now, everyone is angry with me for complaining about someone who is struggling. Was I wrong to go to HR? I had requested he not leave his kids with me unannounced, but never warned him I would go to HR. Read on for more details and to give your opinion.

Complaining about coworker’s toddlers after wife’s death – empathy needed

Coworker brings toddlers to work, disrupting office environment during pandemic

Coworker leaves kids with me without permission, disrupting work environment

Coworker leaves toddlers at work, complains made to HR

Coworker retaliates after I reported him for bringing kids to work

Struggling with work-life balance while caring for toddlers

Navigating work and personal life boundaries, did I cross it?

Setting boundaries with a coworker’s toddlers

Coworker brings toddlers to work only for important meetings.

Avoiding team lunches gets you labeled a “poor team player”

Coworker leaves kids with me at work, I complain to HR

Returning to work after the pandemic has been tough for everyone, but for one coworker, it has been especially challenging. With two toddlers and the recent loss of his wife, he has been struggling to keep up with work and care for his children. When he asked to bring his kids to work, no one objected, but things quickly became overwhelming for one female coworker who found herself doing more babysitting than actual work. After confronting her coworker and getting no change in behavior, she went to HR, leading to a confrontation and a decision from HR that left everyone divided. Is she the a**hole for complaining about a grieving widower, or is it a necessary boundary to set in the workplace? Read on for comments and reactions.

Female coworker forced to babysit male coworker’s children, NTA

Employee complains about coworker leaving toddlers at work, takes action

NTA for going to HR after coworker repeatedly used you as free babysitter, despite being told to stop. Commenters express support and suggest seeking legal advice.

Coworker bringing toddlers to work unannounced is a liability

NTA for complaining to HR about coworker dumping toddlers on you.

Don’t let anyone take advantage of your kindness! ‍♀️

Coworker leaves toddlers with female coworker, and she reports him

Stand up to sexism and entitlement in the workplace.

Coworker leaves toddler with OP at work, HR complaint justified

Set boundaries and stand up for yourself. ‍♀️

Breaking gender roles at work, NTA put coworker in place

No A-hole here! Others should help with the kids

Don’t let a coworker take advantage of you

Compassion doesn’t justify burdening coworkers with childcare ️

Struggling father dumps toddlers at work, OP complains, NTA.

NTA. HR was your only option. Don’t let anyone guilt-trip you.

NTA coworker pawns his kids off on you, you complain to HR ‍♀️

Suggest offering to watch his kids during meetings. NTA

Female coworker becomes default childcare option for male coworker’s toddlers

Coworker’s personal struggles do not justify dumping his kids on you.

Don’t let your coworker take advantage of you!

Coworker uses me as free daycare, I complain to HR ‍♀️

Sexism at work? NTA for complaining about coworker’s selfish behavior

Don’t let others take advantage of your kindness

Don’t let coworkers dump their kids on you!

NTA: Office ≠ daycare. Bound to happen. Condolences, but not acceptable.

Don’t be a pushover. Demand respect and don’t babysit.

Commenter accuses coworker of stealing company money for babysitting.

Setting boundaries with coworkers who bring kids to work

Being a single parent is tough. NTA.

Coworker leaves toddlers at work, company’s compassionate solution. NTA.

Empower yourself! Shut down the haters and focus on you!

Don’t let lazy coworkers dump their kids on you

Gender bias in child care responsibilities acknowledged by commenter

Sending toddlers to work? Definitely NTA for going to HR

Dumping kids at work without prior agreement is unprofessional

Suggest a rotation for babysitting duties to avoid unsustainable arrangements

Don’t let coworkers take advantage of you

Bringing toddlers to work is absurd. NTA

Coworker dumps toddlers on female colleague, NTA for complaining to HR ‍♀️

Single dad coworker dumps toddlers on female coworker. NTA for complaining.

Coworker dumps toddlers on me at work, I complain to HR

Don’t get paid to babysit ‍♀️

Don’t let entitled coworkers take advantage of you

Don’t let your coworker’s personal problems become your problem

Don’t mix work with babysitting NTA for complaining.

NTA: Coworker should not bring his kids to work.

Commenter questions if OP is getting paid for extra work.

NTA. Lack of planning on his part does not mean he gets to put pressure on other people to assist him.

Commenter frustrated with people avoiding responsibility

Don’t let others take advantage of you at work!

Your coworker needs to find a proper babysitter ‍ ‍ , not dump them on you at work.

Don’t let sexist coworkers take advantage of you

NTA, a workplace is not a daycare. ‍♀️

Gender bias in parenting responsibilities at workplace exposed ‍

Insensitive coworker leaves toddlers at work; commenter bets on his remarriage

Coworker gets what he deserves. You’re NTA, thumbs up

Don’t let anyone take advantage of you at work

Children don’t belong in a professional setting. NTA

Gender bias in childcare responsibilities at workplace