Im babysitting 2 kids on my annivrsry wknd while my best friend parties in mexico with his wife?

Question

It is my anniversary and they left me their kids to take care of and I am flat broke to boot and the kids are used to getting what they want when they want it. I love my best friend but ever since my weekend started, I and my wife have been pulling our hair out trying to cope with this awful situation. If they could have even left a small amount of money it would have been a little less painful but I went to the extent of borrowing cash against my credit card to entertain them this weekend. I have nothing to do about the situation right now but some advise on how to handle the situation when they get home would be much appreciated. I gave up my Labor Day weekend which is also my wedding anniversary weekend. I gave up reservations at a fancy restaurant downtown and gave up going on a motorcycle ride with my wife as well. What should I say to my friend when he gets here to pick up his kids? Do I let it slide or address it? Any advise will be listened to..

Answer 1

Your fault, why would you do that? Your friend should have been considerate of your anniversary and your situation

Answer 2

If this is really a best friend, he shouldn't have acted so careless and negligent, try calling him, he should get the call in Mexico, if you call his cell phone. If you gave all that up, it is because you made that choice, the wrong choice, so there is no point complaining about it now, you should've been very upfront with him before taking such responsibility, kids always are. You should leave him a message and say that the children really need things, or want things, such as shopping whatever it is that you've spent money on, your friend should know you don't have as much money, why pretend? You just need to say things such as, funds are low, or it's my anniversary, if you are having such a tough time it's because you chose to, you could've said NO, sorry I can't this time it's our wedding anniversary, I'd love to but won't be able to, but next time I'll be glad to, he could've made other arrangements, you should've created a check list. when you snooze you know what happens. Just put all the receipts of what you bought on the counter and keep staring at them and mention what you did with them, then open up your wallet and he should be able to read between the lines. If this doesn't work then you'll have to be direct about the amount of money you took out.

The only thing you can do now is learn from this experience and next time decline it if it's going to be such a hasle, or let him know one of the things he'll need to provide is money and be more prepared, but if you feel you are really going to regret it why do it at all. (If he's done you many favors, then evaluate the situation, you don't want to be rude either, only you know, has he gone out of his way for you? Only you can evaluate that)

Answer 3

I think that the best way to have handled this situation would have been before you got into it. When your friend asked, you should simply have told him that it was your anniversary and you had other plans, instead of agreeing to take care of his children. Even if your plans were just in town, or much smaller than his, he should have been understanding of the situation.

However, I don't think you can hold a grudge against him for something you agreed to do in poor judgement. I wouldn't say anything regarding the situation, except if you have children, perhaps you could ask that he return the favor for you while you have a nice evening with your wife.

Answer 4

I feel sorry for you. If it's possible, you should talk to your friend about it when he/she returns.
I know it's unfortunate to have to mention what seems like the most normal thing, for people to be considerate to each other. Try not to let people take advantage of you, although I know that's not easy. Nice people are just nice and people take advantage, and ultimately when all is said and done they prefer being nice rather than confronting rudeness.
I think the thing to start with is to be honest with the kids; engage them in a two way relationship. Kids actually like to be given responsibility and usually rise to the occasion. Tell them you don't have much money. Kids of all ages understand that now. And tell them that maybe you could do some activity that didn't cost anything, and ask them for suggestions. Also tell them that it's your anniversary and you are hoping that they will help you celebrate by making life as pleasant as possible for everyone.

Answer 5

Why did you do that in the first place? I wouldn't have, considering it's your anniversary and a legal holiday to boot. If it was absolutely necessary then you should have made arrangements with them BEFORE they dropped off the kids.

That being said, [I personally, would] address it by explaining the error made and the situation surrounding it including financial status (I know that is a painful thing to do but in this case it helps you BUILD your case to them). Show them receipts of what you spent on the kids. Ask if they can help you with at least part of your expenses, thereby recouping some of what you spent. Why should/would you baby sit for FREE anyway?!?

Answer 6

In the first place you SHOULDN'T HAVE accepted the responsibility of taking care of the kids. You should have told them you will be celebrating your anniversary and won't have time to babysit. The problem with you is that you don't know how and when to say "NO".

When they get back, give them a list of expenses made on their children and request that they reimburse you. If they refuse to reimburse you, then it's time to say goodbye to such inconsiderate friends.

Answer 7

You should have told him no to start with and you both should have planned better. If you had plans then it should have been easy to tell him sorry. Since you were willing to give up your plans to watch his children its not his fault but your own. If you agree to watch someones children then you make sure you have the guidelines layed out in advance. Were you going to watch them for free or are they paying you for it? If they are going away you should have had some money in case of emergency anyway. You got yourself into it by agreeing to take the children. So when they get back speak to them about how you don't mind doing a favor for them watching the children but next time they need to make sure they leave you with enough money to care for the children in the way they are used to. If I were you I would make sure that your friend knows what you expect and you know what he expects. Don't let people walk all over you.

Answer 8

Say "I attain no greater pleasure in anything than the pleasure I attain in being humble as I serve my fellow man." Then take a vacation and put it on the credit card. Using the credit card is ok because sometimes you have to smooth things out, and also you need to invest in yourself; sitting at home watching tv is not investing in yourself, do things that make you feel refreshed, with a lasting refreshness. I was once in a bad spot, I had little, so I did the unexpected, I went to Egypt; it charged me, I still feel good thinking about it, and I am going back there.

Answer 9

Have a list of all expenses and give it to them when they return, if they were real friends they would have given you money before they left to care for THEIR children. Did you not tell your "friends" it was your anniversary wk-end, I find this situation very selfish of your friends, be more cautious with them in the future. They absolutely took advantage of your kindness.

Answer 10

licensed daycares fee $one hundred fifty.00 yet it really is often for a 5 days a week 6:00am to 5:30pm day. 3 days and 7 hours an afternoon for 2 youthful little ones ...i should be prepared to pay someone between $ninety-$one hundred.00 a week.