Babysitting in Poland - unwritten rules

Would it be considered normal and perfectly acceptable to Poles for a couple to ask you to babysit their kids, not say anything specific about the time of their return, and then not come back until after 2.30am?

It is not only the Poles who treat a babysitter as a 'slave'. Before you babysit, you should make sure how much you are going to get paid and what hours you will watch the kids. In fact, get the money beforehand.

Cross-cultural misunderstandings are bound to crop up in any such situation if you act precipitously and, as Terri said, don't research well beforehand, just what your duties are:-)

If the other party remains unwilling to abide by written legal contracts, for instance, to hell with 'em!! Don't take a chance....or in certain instance with which I'm familiar, it could be your last. No fooling!

Short answer: No. It's also weird that they wouldn't say where they're going (or leave their phone numbers) etc.

Was this babysitting for money? More context would be needed to say anything more definitive...

Well, it was done in good will, as a favour - didn't want any money. I was just a bit taken aback that their late return wasn't even particularly acknowledged - just a regular "thanks for helping out".

I am guessing it's a Christmas party - when Poles get dressed up then they often make it a big night out. Since they trust you I would not make a big deal of it, just make sure they return the favor to you when you have an event on. Still it's a bit rude that they didn't sms you to check you were ok with them coming back later.

It's strange how only through different circumstances you find out how people really are. In this case I would call them 'inconsiderate and selfish' - a lesson for the future.