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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To ask for the money back?

283 replies

Horses1 · 15/07/2025 12:50

Can’t decide if it’s embarrassing to ask! In the holidays I often take my kids friends on days out with us whilst their parents work. It works well on both sides- their kids get days out and I pick them up drop them off (they all work from home) and my kids have friends to play with. I’m more than happy to do this.

Its always been on the basis that they cover the costs for their kids- transfer ticket money and either bring a packed lunch or if they say they want they to have food out afterwards I let them know how much it cost and they transfer. Sometimes it’s cost me more for example if they bring packed lunches and they want ice creams but I don’t mind that.

It can all add up though as we go on quite a few days out - 1 a week so maybe 6 over the holidays. Last week the mum said she’d transfer after for her DS food - it came to about £15. I messaged her with the cost and she’s not transferred. Appreciate it’s £15 but it soon all adds up if I’m the one paying each time. Would you message again or just leave it? DH says leave it as it’s embarrassing but we don’t have lots of spare money and I have to plan the summer holidays to do this.

Embarrassing or ok to ask? Any suggestions how to do it going forward? Thanks

OP posts:
Couldntthinkofausername24 · 15/07/2025 13:07

Gosh some people have the nerve dont they. How much money would she be spending for that one day in a summer club! Cheeky bastard. Hope you get your money back op

Fuzzymuddle33 · 15/07/2025 13:07

Def chase it. She will have forgotten.

Arlanymor · 15/07/2025 13:06

I would give her a week and then send the reminder. Bottom line is that you can't continually subsidise others if the payment doesn't come in a reasonable timeframe, so I wouldn't be taking her child out again until the money is received. Not trying to deprive the child but give the parent a boot up the bum.

starfishmummy · 15/07/2025 13:05

YANBU. Has they lost your bank details?

starfishmummy · 15/07/2025 13:03

YANBU. Have they lost your bank details?

Bellavida99 · 15/07/2025 12:58

If you’re likely to be doing more days in the hols and can manage without it for now I’d wait til she asks you to have him again and then say, “oh yeah I don’t think I’ve had the lunch money back from you from our trip to Legoland”

SpinachSpinachMoreSpinach · 15/07/2025 12:58

You should have no qualms about ‘pestering’ her……. Seeing that she seems fine with being a cheeky f….r.

If you let it go she’ll keep on trying to take advantage of you being a soft touch your generosity.

Loveduppenguin · 15/07/2025 12:55

Hey x’s mum, just wondering if you sent in that £15 as I didn’t see it come in, just wanted to make sure it didn’t go to the wrong person or something. Let me know, thanks