Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To feel ambushed into providing child care

136 replies

chasegirl · 24/08/2026 20:17

My ex brother in law has booked a holiday next week for a week. He is a single Dad to my nephew. He had child care sorter, I thought anyway. This childcare turns out to be a bit flakey so he has asked me if I can do a few days to help. It would mean staying at his house cos of their pets. I work full time and have a 6 day week next week. He didn't give ne any warning just turned up this evening to ask

OP posts:
Lemondressese · 24/08/2026 20:26

CF.
Get back to him and say no can do.
I think itbis highly manipulative to do what he did, landing up on your door.
Personally I wouldn't give a damn aboutvhis holiday.

chasegirl · 24/08/2026 20:25

Nephew is back at school next week

OP posts:
TurtleMcTurtle · 24/08/2026 20:25

How can you do childcare if you’re working 6 days?

Text him now, say you have to work and that you can’t do it.

chasegirl · 24/08/2026 20:24

I wouldn't lose money I'd still be able to work. It's the last minute asking, expecting me to drop my life for those days

OP posts:
anewstartin2026 · 24/08/2026 20:24

Surely you’ve already answered your dilemma in your post - the answer is no because you are working for 6 days.

Merrybandofpirates · 24/08/2026 20:23

“No, I’m working and unavailable in the evenings”

Really is his problem. He’s booked a holiday. Either he sorts out his kid or he cancels.

chasegirl · 24/08/2026 20:23

Guilt, he could lose money. He's not here now. He came yesterday to ask me to do 2 days which I agreed thrn turned up again today without warning asking me to do another 3 days

OP posts:
Sugarnspicenallthingsnaice · 24/08/2026 20:22

chasegirl · 24/08/2026 20:19

Guilt, he could lose money

Won't you be the one losing money if you can't work 6 days?

thistimelastweek · 24/08/2026 20:21

So many questions.
First one being, he asked, how did you answer?
Or is he on the doorstep waiting for you to consult Mumsnet?

chasegirl · 24/08/2026 20:19

Guilt, he could lose money

OP posts:
Rachelshair · 24/08/2026 20:18

Just say no, what is the issue.