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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My neighbor works very part-time, just 2 hours twice a week, and just texted (yes texted) asking if I would be fine with her bringing her DD over at 9am when she heads in to work, and she mentioned reciprocating. I have a baby at home who naps then, and it’s the time of day we are all quiet, and some days, my older child is still sleeping. I explained this, and she’s now negotiating (“What time would work?”)

In all honesty, while I really don’t like her approach, texting vs face-to-face, the idea of occasional reciprocation sounds nice. But at the same time, I hate to commit to giving up two late-mornings/early-afternoons a week, all summer. I realize she needs to set up something concrete, but I don’t think that can be me. I wouldn’t mind helping if it worked a particular week, but I can’t commit definitively.

I want to be as civil as possible when I respond, because I have to live next to her! How would you best explain that 9am will never work, that I can’t commit, but I wouldn’t be opposed to taking it week by week? [/quote]

If you're actually open to reciprocation, then I would propose it up front.

"I know you're interested in trading childcare.  My husband and I would love a weekly date night.  If you're able to do that on Fridays or Saturdays, I'd be happy to have Lola here from 10 - 1 two days a week."

but I wouldn't do this on the basis of some kind of promise of reciprocation. [/quote]

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