My turn...wwyd?

[Erin1700]

This weekend, we are joining my parents at the condo they share with friends. They all have season tickets for a football team and many of my parents friends kids and grandkids will be coming too. Some of them come every game, others not as much, and we come to just one game.

I dont go to the game, as we have a 2 yr old DS who would never sit through it. My DD8 might go until half time. Well, as soon as the others hear I am coming and know we dont go to the game, they ask me to keep the other little kids too. This happens every year. I told them I was not sure what I was doing during the game and that I would probably take my DS somewhere for a little while before he naps. I do not want to watch the other kids.
My main reason is....I watch toddlers for a living!!!! I am going away for a nice little get a way and don't want to be responsible for other peoples kids. Is that selfish of me??? Is it horrible that once my son goes down for a nap, I want to relax and read a book and maybe fall asleep myself???

I feel badly that someone might miss THIS game even though they all go to almost all the games because I am saying no, but I just need a break!!
The time frame is about 4 to 5 hours.
I really am not a mean person, but they make me out to be.

***need to add that I usually have one part time kid today on top of my own, but grandma is visiting so she is not here today. Sometimes I have 4 kids under 3 here. I do not DIS when they are awake, but sometimes I do when they nap and the parents know that. So please no flames about being on the computer while the kids are here. who could DIS with 4 little ones??

 

[cabanafrau]

You really need to directly (and tactfully) point out that you need a break from childcare since that's your nine to five job. Keep it simple and direct.

 

[babytrees]

you need to tell them the same thing you've told us: it's how you make your living and you are taking a much needed break.

If they are so desperate for somebody to watch their kids, why don't they find a reliable teen or 2 and pay them??

 

[JCJRSmith]

Or, tell them what your normal rates are for watching the kids, but, since it is the weekend, your rates are double.

 

[anniemae]

ARe there any attractions or parks in the area? That way you could say that you are not going to be staying at the condo, but instead are having a special day with your DS.

 

[Erin1700]

Or, tell them what your normal rates are for watching the kids, but, since it is the weekend, your rates are double.

Oh, I like this idea!!

I will just try to say something directly. It just seems they dont get it.

 

[ccgirl]

I don't want to sound rude but it is not your problem that they might miss the game if you don't watch their kids. Don't feel bad about it at all. Say exactly what you said here...would they like to do their job 7 days a week without a break? Say you want to spend quality alone time with your little one. Again, don't feel bad at all. As a parent, I know I may miss out on some things I want to do.

 

[murcor]

I told them I was not sure what I was doing during the game and that I would probably take my DS somewhere for a little while before he naps.

I think this is all you have to say......they dont need to know what exactly your other plans may be.

As for feeling bad that someone might miss the game ...... I can understand, as I would too.....but sometimes you got to do what YOU want to, not what others want you to do!! Im just starting to learn this

 

[Erin1700]

ARe there any attractions or parks in the area? That way you could say that you are not going to be staying at the condo, but instead are having a special day with your DS.

These people are really the "oh here is my kids car seat take him too and have fun" kind of people. Seriously though, I do plan to take him to a park or the mall and then to lunch before his nap. Then relax by MYSELF at nap time.

 

[Tinker74]

You are NOT being selfish!...You need a break from your job..same as anyone.
Tell them that.

 

[BeachGirlFLA]

They chose to have the children. The children are their responsibility, not yours. End of story.

 

[Erin1700]

I don't want to sound rude but it is not your problem that they might miss the game if you don't watch their kids. Don't feel bad about it at all. Say exactly what you said here...would they like to do their job 7 days a week without a break? Say you want to spend quality alone time with your little one. Again, don't feel bad at all. As a parent, I know I may miss out on some things I want to do.

I guess it makes it weird then when at some point we end up back at the condo together. What I usually do is put DS for a nap and stay in the room too.
If these were people who called and asked and I didnt have to see them, I wouldnt feel badly at all.
Let me add that the grandparents are the ones asking NOT the parents. It is just a given for them that the parents go. So what I want to say to them is "let the parents stay with them!!"

 

[EthansMom]

I'd just say, "No. I watch kids all week for my job and I'm on vacation right now."

 

[diznygirl]

Then just tell the grandparents, "That's not a good idea. I plan on taking a nap - so who would watch the kids?"

Good luck!

 

[NHdisneylover]

These people are really the "oh here is my kids car seat take him too and have fun" kind of people. Seriously though, I do plan to take him to a park or the mall and then to lunch before his nap. Then relax by MYSELF at nap time.

Well, I think directly telling them that this is your getaway and you do not want to babysit is best (it even heads off the issue in the future). That said I might wimp out myself and go with the less risky (but still avoids the above) "DS and I so rarely have one on one time together so we are going to jump on this oppurtunity--sorry.