I have a neighbor across the street who calls on me at all hours to take care of her 4 year old. Both of my children are grown and I'm at home most days. She knows that and takes advantage of it.
I suppose if she conpensated me for my time and pay me something I wouldn't be quite so resentful. There's a lot of things myself that I'm not able to get done because I'm babysitting.
I love the little boy. He's special needs and is a very loving child but he can be a real handful too.
My question is how should I handle this. I think it would really hurt the friendship if I told her I wouldn't be able to watch her child unless she paid me for babysitting services. Thanks for any advice you could offer.
2007-05-24 02:00:40 · 4 answers · asked by seashell 6 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
I had a neighbor who did the same thing. What I did is out of 3 times she asked I said no 2 times. Then I went out and did my errands on the time that she had asked me to watch her children. Eventually what happened was that she found another source to help out and she asked me infrequently and I knew that when she asked it was because she was in a tight spot. Then I felt like I was helping as opposed to being taken advantage of.
Good luck!
2007-05-24 02:15:29 · answer #1 · answered by Laura H 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is nothing wrong with saying you are not available once in a while. You don't have to give a reason, but you can still say it nicely in a way that lets her know you can help out some other time.
2007-05-24 09:12:06 · answer #2 · answered by Twoeyes 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Since I am older, I dont usually ask people for money when I am watching their children... However, if it was something consistant like every Mon/Wed/Fri.. I would consider it as a job and not as a favor. You could approach it like that.... OR you could consider yourself first and just say no when you dont want to. She might get the hint and stop asking you so much.
2007-05-24 09:05:33 · answer #3 · answered by jms62394 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tell her that you don't mind helping on occasion, but you have your own responsibilities to attend to.
If it continues with the same frequency you should make it clear to your neighbor that you will have to recieve some form of compensation.
2007-05-24 09:12:19 · answer #4 · answered by dohcraw 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋