Late last night a friend of my 4 year old son asked if her child could play today for about 1 1/2 - 2 hours while she and her husband (the daddy) shopped for the childs birthday - which is Thursday. I am moving to a different state this Saturday so she knows I am packing, etc. (with two children of my own).
Instead of two hours, max, she was gone for four. Although apologetic, I am not sure I want either of my children in her care at a birthday party and spending the night. what do guys think. I, obviously, got no packing done - having to watch three children and we are due to move in 4 days -
2007-03-13 15:23:00 · 5 answers · asked by twotaters 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
She probably was taking advantage of you a bit, using you for free babysitting. 4 hours is an awfully long time to be gone shopping for a child's birthday present, no matter how old they are!
If I was in your shoes, I'd be a little torn about the party. On one hand you can almost see it as repayment for the 4 hours you watched her child for free and you could get a lot of packing done (but that packing would be at night, when you'd get packing done anyway because the kids would be asleep) BUT you don't know if she's the type that would take caring for your children as a priority and not pawn it off on some other parent for the night without your consent. I guess you really just need to weigh the pros and cons, but ultimately go with your gut. If you don't trust the woman, there's probably a reason why, trust it.
2007-03-13 17:14:50 · answer #1 · answered by Rebecca C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Let them go to the birthday party and get your packing done! When they tell you the pick up time, be 2 hours late! Then move and never think of it again.
2007-03-13 15:35:11 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Wouldn't let them spend the night definitely and yes she took advantage. I would send a gift and thank her for inviting them but tell her with keeping her child, you got behind in your packing. She'll then figure out she was in the wrong for being gone so long, heck for even asking you to watch her child. I'm mom to 3.
2007-03-13 16:43:20 · answer #3 · answered by Melanie A 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't let your child spend the night but still let them go to the party. It seems like she wasn't thinking of how she was treating you. She may have been so worried about getting the shopping done that she wasn't paying attention. I feel strongly that you should speak up for yourself in a situation like that.
Good Luck
2007-03-13 15:29:44 · answer #4 · answered by Becky R 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If you dont feel comfortable with her taking care of them over night you could atleast take the children to the party and stay with them. There is no need for punishing them and not allowing them to go because of what the mother did.
2007-03-13 15:36:11 · answer #5 · answered by nunya 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋