Here's a little question for all of you, hopefully you'll give me an honest answer. There's a lady around here that is constantly begging her kids off on other people. Sometimes she works (sets her own hours, doesn't really need the money - not judging, I know there are many reasons why people choose to work when they don't HAVE to that I completely understand and respect but just background), sometimes she is busy with personal things or whatever.
We have a local pool where a lot of the families in the neighborhood hang out. The rule is that kids cannot be left alone until they are 10 years old. She drops off her 8 year old all the time and tells the daughter to just hook up with someone else until she gets back from an appointment, the dentist, getting her oil changed, etc. She is counting on the lifeguards and us to watch her every day sometimes for several hours. Now, we often will cover for others while they run other kids around but it's always reciprocated and never for longer than an hour or so. I really don't mind this (I'm a SAHM and my kids love the pool so we are often there just hanging out). I do, however, mind being EXPECTED to do it or taken advantage of. She keeps insisting that her daughter feels left out and wants to "play" with my DD's more. So, I feel torn. I could be a helpful person and just watch this little girl whom I feel bad for (heck, I'm there anyway) or I could just tell this mom that she needs to find some reliable childcare (she has cornered every teenager there but no one wants the daily responsibility) or come there herself. I like to just pack up and go when we've had enough, often I have to make arrangements for this child when I leave. Just put a big "L" on my forehead! This is supposed to be a fun place but sometimes I dread going there. Sorry so long!
We have a local pool where a lot of the families in the neighborhood hang out. The rule is that kids cannot be left alone until they are 10 years old. She drops off her 8 year old all the time and tells the daughter to just hook up with someone else until she gets back from an appointment, the dentist, getting her oil changed, etc. She is counting on the lifeguards and us to watch her every day sometimes for several hours. Now, we often will cover for others while they run other kids around but it's always reciprocated and never for longer than an hour or so. I really don't mind this (I'm a SAHM and my kids love the pool so we are often there just hanging out). I do, however, mind being EXPECTED to do it or taken advantage of. She keeps insisting that her daughter feels left out and wants to "play" with my DD's more. So, I feel torn. I could be a helpful person and just watch this little girl whom I feel bad for (heck, I'm there anyway) or I could just tell this mom that she needs to find some reliable childcare (she has cornered every teenager there but no one wants the daily responsibility) or come there herself. I like to just pack up and go when we've had enough, often I have to make arrangements for this child when I leave. Just put a big "L" on my forehead! This is supposed to be a fun place but sometimes I dread going there. Sorry so long!
