How To Get Out Of Babysitting???

[OceanAnnie]

I guess that my problem....I don't know.




This is why I left the door of opportunity open by not saying yes and having 2 potential things I may have to do that would prevent me from babysitting. I just don't want to have to lie to her.......I just don't know how else to say no and not make her mad.

I'm honestly thinking of using work as my excuse. Which is not 100% untrue. I really do have to study some that day....and the exam I have to take is for work. W/ her kids here there is no way I'll be able to study at all. I just know if I tell it's because of "studying from home" she'll see that as an invalid reason. So, I'm thinking of saying I have to work for 3-4 hours that morning and leaving it at that. Not 100% true as I'm not going in, but not 100% a lie because of the studying which I do intend to do for about 3 hours that day. Ugghh....I feel like I'm justifying a half truth.

I think it sounds like a legitimate reason. It's for work. You couldn't study with the kids there. If she threw it back at you that you still could, ask her if she has tried to concentrate when kids need you. It can't be done well, and it is for work.

Good luck with it.

 

[punkin]

I feel sorry for your sister having to deal with entitled BIL, but that is not your problem. You didn't marry him and you are not obligated to babysit his kids.

I would say no, but if it was my sister, I would tell her exactly why. Then again, I generally don't mind offending people.

 

[Uuaww]

This topic is useless, we all know what the OP is gonna do.

 

[aprilgail2]

On one hand as a working parent myself I would do what I could to help another working parent in a bind as many working and non working have helped me over the years (I am on vacation this week but my neighbor needs someone to watch her baby on Wednesday while she works and I am glad to help out by watching him-we are looking forward to it!) BUT...once the husband in the original post is thrown in there who has time to take off but wants to get a payout that would turn the whole thing around for me---sorry...but let the father take off and watch the kids...they are his kids and if he has time to take let him take the ONE day and watch them--so he loses ONE days pay- big deal!!!

 

[Disney Doll]

OK so you have a sister who hasn't really made child-care arrangements for HER children who has a husband who has 4 weeks of vacation time that he could take one day of to parent his children, they have the nerve to try and impose their poor plannning and family management on YOU and you are worried that she is going to be mad??????

Girlfriend...grow a backbone.

The proper response is "Sorry, I have too many things to do that day to add a couple of extra kids into the mix. Your husband will need to take a day off". And regardless of what she says, keep repeating that statement.

 

[agnes!]

Rinse, lather, repeat to many of the suggestions up-thread.

agnes!

 

[Rora]

OP- many people have given you good suggestions of how to say no nicely! I hope you don't babysit!

 

[wdwfan16]

I would just tell her no.

 

[claudia]

Her Dh is the kids dad and he could take off if he wanted. The first thing I asked was well who did you have set up--- she told me her SIL, but she forgot she has to work. Then I asked her "can't "BIL" take off?". Her response was-- "well you know how he likes to save all his time for a big payout at the end of the year...and w/ the new baby coming...." (She's 5 months pregnant too).

My husband told me flat out to tell her no. I guess I'm just afraid she'll be so mad it will ruin Thanksgiving.

Your DH is right. You don't owe her an excuse, your day, your choice.
Too bad if her DH wants to save his time for a big payout...not your problem. His family, his responsibility.

Remember too, she can only ruin Thanksgiving if you let her.

 

[sbell111]

If my sister asked me to babysit and my schedule allowed it, I would say 'yes'. She would certainly do the same for me.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Just say "I'm sorry, but I can't."

Just tell her, "I'm sorry, I'm going to be busy that day."

The proper response is "Sorry, I have too many things to do that day to add a couple of extra kids into the mix. Your husband will need to take a day off".

Respectfully, I would suggest not even using the words "I'm sorry", or apologizing, or using any terminology that implies the OP feels responsible or guilty for saying no.

My offer still stands. I'll be happy to call the OP's sister and decline on her behalf.

 

[sbell111]

Respectfully, I would suggest not even using the words "I'm sorry", or apologizing, or using any terminology that implies the OP feels responsible or guilty for saying no.

My offer still stands. I'll be happy to call the OP's sister and decline on her behalf.

I would think that turning down this type of request from your sister would result in a little guilt. Further, "I'm sorry" would not only be appropriate, but it would be good manners.

 

[My2Cinderellas]

If my sister asked me to babysit and my schedule allowed it, I would say 'yes'. She would certainly do the same for me.

but the OP's schedule does NOT allow for it. She has a much needed mental health day planned to keep her sane during the rest of the busy crazy week.

If it were a medical emergency or the father was out of the picture or not available that day, then yes, I would consider it. That is not the case here. The children's father is being an a$$ to save a $$ or two. He needs to either take the time off to be with his children, or spend some of the precious savings to PAY a quality sitter. Somehow I don't think slipping $100 to the OP was in the plans.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

As a Mom I think you should just say no. It is not like she is in a bind. Her husband can take a day off. She just wants to reap the benefits (the big payout) while everyone else sacrifices. If she is mad then so be it. You are not her personal assistant.

 

[DisneyFan32WI]

That is an extremely long day for someone to ask you to give up.......

You are absolutely NOT being selfish. Sometimes, we ALL need to have days JUST to ourselves.

You owe it to yourself to have a little R & R.

 

[Darsa]

Please do let us know how it works out. I can definitely sympathize with you!

I have just last week finished watching my nephew every Wednesday so that my sister can attend her last class at night for her BS (her DH works evenings), and on top of my own DD's dance classes on MOnday and Thursday, and Heritage Tour meetings on Fridays, I was happy that it was over! And then... on the last night I was to babysit, her DH called me and told me that he was home with nephew because he had had his vaccinations that day, and wondered if I was still coming over to watch him! I bowed out and got some MUCH needed work done. I love the kid to pieces but having an evening off to do stuff I needed to do was like heaven!

I hope this works out for you!

 

[marthachick]

OP - if you watch the kids on Wednesday, next year on the day before Thanksgiving, you will be watching 3 kids. You know DSis's H will NOT take off to "babysit" a 7 month old! And I really hate it when someone says they are "babysitting" their own child! Um, no, you are not "babysitting" you are raising YOUR child. Just Say NO!

 

[Pumbaa_]

11 hours! That is a LOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNGGGGGGG Day

Kilee you say it like it is assumed you will babysit. You do not have to and you do not have to have an excuse. You DESERVE the day to yourself.

Let Ronda call, if she is busy I can call

Hello sister? I have plans for Wednesday. See you on Thanksgiving! Buhbye

 

[sbell111]

but the OP's schedule does NOT allow for it. She has a much needed mental health day planned to keep her sane during the rest of the busy crazy week. ...

 

[Missy1961]

just. Say. No. no other explanation is needed, just a big, fat, no. You can do it!!

mte.