Anonymous wrote:Totally rude and weird. Who are these people who think it's okay because he's "just asking a question"? If you and I have agreed to go out to lunch together, is it okay if I bring my husband and ask if you'll pay for lunch? It's just a question, after all. Having a playdate for two specific children =/= agreeing to babysit all your kids. And asking someone for free babysitting is bizarre.
I am so glad that my community is not formal and cold. I can be asked by a random mom to pick up or drop off or watch her kid, the sibling of DC's friend, when needed. When going on the business trips, other parents help with logistics and, sometimes, overnight accommodation. Not friends, parents of the kids from the same school. Having a 7 year old in addition to couple if tweens would not have been a problem unless there are specific plans. Nobody considered it babysitting. Raising kids in a community is so much easier. Why build extra walls? Are you that afraid that someone will somehow abuse your good will? Are you doing things tit for tat only?