Case Study

One of your colleagues, Ansa, has become quite friendly with a parent and now regularly babysits for her 3 year old son Billy. Today at nursery Billy had been quite a challenge and exhibiting some very boisterous behaviour that has verged on aggressive. You jokingly say to Ansa that you’re amazed she babysits for him if he’s like this at home.

Ansa replies that it’s not a problem because his mother has given her permission to smack him when he is naughty.

1. What is your initial reaction to Ansa’s comments?
2. Does the fact that Ansa has Billy’s mother’s permission to smack him affect your response?
3. What, if any, action do you think you should take regarding Billy, his mother or Ansa?

It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the response you have chosen to this scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague and ask them to tell you if they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your tutor.