Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your problem, OP, is not that you can’t do it, but that you don’t feel like doing it (but you don’t want to cone right out and tell them that because you don’t want them to think you’re a jerk).

Just be honest and then don’t expect any favors, ever, from these people going forward. I wouldn’t be surprised of they just completely write you off, but it’s your choice.

Because she can’t commit to babysitting for an unknown amount of time every morning for an unknown number of weeks while she’s trying to get herself and her own child ready for the day? Asking for a day or two is a reasonable ask from “the village” but that’s not what’s happening here.

Letting a kid who is fully ready for school hang out in your living room for a few minutes and then tag along with you and your own kid on the journey you were going to take anyway is hardly babysitting. These kids go to school, we’re not talking about infants and toddlers here. Ya’ll are so dramatic.

If the kids act like brats OP can (extremely justifiably) tell the parents that she won’t be taking them anymore because of the kids’ behavior, not because it is just SO HARD to literally do no extra work other than opening her freaking door in the morning.

Anonymous wrote:"Sorry that doesn't work with my schedule".

No explanation of why-leaves room for them to think they can bargain/negotiate. Slightly nicer that a flat out "no, I can't do that" but you can always fall back on this if they don't get the hint.

Anonymous wrote:Fun fact: it's okay to say no without giving a reason. That's a totally legitimate thing to do.

"Sorry, I can't."
but whyyyyyyyy? I'll payyyyyy you?
"I'm sorry, I can't."

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your problem, OP, is not that you can’t do it, but that you don’t feel like doing it (but you don’t want to cone right out and tell them that because you don’t want them to think you’re a jerk).

Just be honest and then don’t expect any favors, ever, from these people going forward. I wouldn’t be surprised of they just completely write you off, but it’s your choice.

Because she can’t commit to babysitting for an unknown amount of time every morning for an unknown number of weeks while she’s trying to get herself and her own child ready for the day? Asking for a day or two is a reasonable ask from “the village” but that’s not what’s happening here.

Letting a kid who is fully ready for school hang out in your living room for a few minutes and then tag along with you and your own kid on the journey you were going to take anyway is hardly babysitting. These kids go to school, we’re not talking about infants and toddlers here. Ya’ll are so dramatic.

If the kids act like brats OP can (extremely justifiably) tell the parents that she won’t be taking them anymore because of the kids’ behavior, not because it is just SO HARD to literally do no extra work other than opening her freaking door in the morning.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your problem, OP, is not that you can’t do it, but that you don’t feel like doing it (but you don’t want to cone right out and tell them that because you don’t want them to think you’re a jerk).

Just be honest and then don’t expect any favors, ever, from these people going forward. I wouldn’t be surprised of they just completely write you off, but it’s your choice.

Because she can’t commit to babysitting for an unknown amount of time every morning for an unknown number of weeks while she’s trying to get herself and her own child ready for the day? Asking for a day or two is a reasonable ask from “the village” but that’s not what’s happening here.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:(Open with sympathy and how much the school sucks)

So, I actually work from home and I have a very short window of time that I'm able to run out and drop DS (if you want, insert something about having lots of meetings or a micromanaging boss). I usually barely manage to drop him off before the bell. If I had to add another child, I'm not confident I could get them there on time. I really wish I could help!

That is WAY too wordy and you don't owe anyone a reason why your answer is no. Plus, if you give one that gives people encouragement to problem solve. Just say no.

PP. I get that, but if I wanted to maintain good social relationships with these people, I'd give some kind of reason, even if a less wordy one.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your problem, OP, is not that you can’t do it, but that you don’t feel like doing it (but you don’t want to cone right out and tell them that because you don’t want them to think you’re a jerk).

Just be honest and then don’t expect any favors, ever, from these people going forward. I wouldn’t be surprised of they just completely write you off, but it’s your choice.

Are you socially a buffoon in real life too?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So could the kids get dropped off at your house and walk together to school? I’d do it if the situation is temporary. Sounds like they’re trying to hire more bus drivers.

I’d hate to say flat out no and all of a sudden find that my kid wasn’t being invited to birthday parties and such.

Yeah I don’t get this one. You live a few blocks away so you walk, right? Can’t you all walk together? I’m confused.

She is selfish and only likes friendship to run one way - to her benefit alone. I would drop this person and their kid from any social activities.

You don't want to be part of the village? Fine, enjoy banishment.

So why don't you offer to drive everyone and pick up OP's kid on the way?

Because that pp only wants people to do for her. Or else she's cruel to their children. What a piece of work.

Seriously, wow. You need to get a grip. You seem unhinged.

OP says nothing about wanting anything from anyone. She just doesn't want to be at the mercy of being in charge of a gaggle of kids morning and afternoon when she has a job.

Anonymous wrote:Your problem, OP, is not that you can’t do it, but that you don’t feel like doing it (but you don’t want to cone right out and tell them that because you don’t want them to think you’re a jerk).

Just be honest and then don’t expect any favors, ever, from these people going forward. I wouldn’t be surprised of they just completely write you off, but it’s your choice.

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I appreciate all your answers. I’ll keep it very short and sweet. “I’m afraid that won’t work for me.”

Anonymous wrote:Express sympathy and give a hard no, it won’t work. You can throw in something about mornings being too crazy if you want. Do not leave the door open for negotiation or emergencies. They clearly intend to use you for buffer time before the bell because otherwise they would just drop their kids off themselves.

This is exactly what I think they are expecting. The kids who bus are often at their stops a half hour before the bell.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So could the kids get dropped off at your house and walk together to school? I’d do it if the situation is temporary. Sounds like they’re trying to hire more bus drivers.

I’d hate to say flat out no and all of a sudden find that my kid wasn’t being invited to birthday parties and such.

Yeah I don’t get this one. You live a few blocks away so you walk, right? Can’t you all walk together? I’m confused.

She is selfish and only likes friendship to run one way - to her benefit alone. I would drop this person and their kid from any social activities.

You don't want to be part of the village? Fine, enjoy banishment.

Wow, hit a nerve??

Are you going to kid-sit in the mornings and afternoon for who knows how long? I also WFH and I am always amazed how people just assumed I have all the time in the world to do things for them.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Your problem, OP, is not that you can’t do it, but that you don’t feel like doing it (but you don’t want to cone right out and tell them that because you don’t want them to think you’re a jerk).

Just be honest and then don’t expect any favors, ever, from these people going forward. I wouldn’t be surprised of they just completely write you off, but it’s your choice.

Because she can’t commit to babysitting for an unknown amount of time every morning for an unknown number of weeks while she’s trying to get herself and her own child ready for the day? Asking for a day or two is a reasonable ask from “the village” but that’s not what’s happening here.

Anonymous wrote:Your problem, OP, is not that you can’t do it, but that you don’t feel like doing it (but you don’t want to cone right out and tell them that because you don’t want them to think you’re a jerk).

Just be honest and then don’t expect any favors, ever, from these people going forward. I wouldn’t be surprised of they just completely write you off, but it’s your choice.