If you own a business who watches your kids?

[Anonymous]

Do you have hired help or do you have your family watch them? I'm currently in a situation where a family member that bought a business a few months ago still hasn't arranged permanent child care (and doesn't have any plans to, to my knowledge). She has 3 kids under 5 and her husband travels 80% of the time. So far she has paid help a few days a week/my mom when she's not working. My mom is getting worn out apparently so now she's coming to me. I feel bad saying no but she always wants Saturdays which happens to be the only day my husband has off of work - I want to do things alone as a family with our own child! Not to mention that's my only opportunity to do things by myself since DH can stay with DS for a while. But each time time I say no or that I'll have to see I get silent treatment. For example she asked me on Thursday to watch them this weekend and I told her maybe because I had an appointment but would try and reschedule - and even after I cancelled the appointment to accommodate her I heard nothing back. I just thought it was kind of rude. I'm wondering who's in the wrong and what other families in similar situations do?

[Anonymous]

People need to say no. People need to find reliable childcare.

You do the first and she will eventually be forced to do the second when she has burned through all the family good will.

[Anonymous]

There is never an obligation to watch friends or family's kids. Besides the fact that 3 is a HUGE number to add on too of your own. I would just tell her and your Mom that occasionally you can watch (1/month) but beyond that you can't.

[Anonymous]

You can say no. You are under no obligation to watch her kids. Your sister is in the wrong. But when asked, you should simply say "no" not "maybe."

[Anonymous]

Just say no and tell her she should look for a weekend nanny.

[Anonymous]

If you're working you need childcare. Exceptions may be sick/snow/school work days, or if you have a little sleepy infant and your work is light and can be intermittent throughout the day.

This woman needs to either hire regular help, or realize that if her business ins't making enough $ to allow that that it may be time to cut ties or look for other work.

Just say "Gosh, Sarah. I'd love to help you out, but with my kid(s)' activity and sports schedule(s) we have regular commitments going on most weeknights and every weekend and we can't help you out then. Can I send you the names of a few sitters who might be interested in a regular Saturday morning gig? I have a few that I trust and like. I totally get it - I often find myself catching up on work on the weekends, too, and I know it's hard."

[Anonymous]

Don't say maybe. Say no. She needs to hire a permanent sitter. If she can't afford it, then she can't afford to have a business.