Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

What to do? And what to say?

10 replies

KingKitty · 03/04/2025 17:26

A few months ago a couple I know asked me to babysit for them and I happily accepted. I live at home with my aging mother and on the morning I was due to go babysitting, I was getting ready and my mother turned on a vile episode of a tantrum that made no sense really. I went babysitting and I thought it would be great just to get away for the day too. It was on a Sunday. I used to do a lot of babysitting when I was younger, I like children and I get on well with them. However on this day, these two children had energy that was a little bit too bold. But they were children and it's what they do.

Anyways all in all from that day from my mother's tantrums to the children's tantrums - I just got a bad headache or migraine that lasted me three days.

So anyways last week I got a message from the couple again asking me would I be free. I declined giving them an excuse. I know myself, I can't really do it when there is a lot of other stuff in the background for me. I declined and they replied asking for the following weekend and would I be free.

The following weekend is even worse for me because it is on the front door of the Easter holidays and I know my work will be 10 fold for those two weeks of the Easter holidays. 50/60 hours a week for those two weeks would be a guess. But then right after the Easter holidays, there is more stuff to come in relation to work and it's going to be a tough few weeks.

So babysitting, I will technically be free for the weekend that they requested but I don't want to give up one of my free days especially when there is so much looming and it's just not worth it either. Due to aging parents issues and then babysitting the young children and just the only bonus I will get is a migraine.

I didn't reply back to their message yet but what do you think? Will I decline or just ignore it or what. I am free on the weekend that they are asking me for but I can't babysit for to so much crap hitting me. Simple as that.

OP posts:
POTC · 03/04/2025 17:29

Just tell them what you said here, unfortunately with two very heavy weeks at work you'll need to spend the weekend decompressing so are not available to babysit

Idontjetwashthefucker · 03/04/2025 17:31

Surely you just say no, you're not available...you don't need to give reasons/excuses

Nosaucelikemintsauce · 03/04/2025 17:38

Surely if you need the cash you plough through?
Many times I cba to go to work. Including migraines...
And tantrums of teens... The need for cash keeps me going.
Like it does most people..

loropianalover · 03/04/2025 17:40

‘Sorry, won’t be able. Very busy period coming up at work, and caring duties for mum have increased so I’m flat out. Xx’

PeggyMitchellsCameo · 03/04/2025 17:41

Just say you can’t do it. It’s the Easter hols so they want to have time away from their DC.
You already have a lot on with your work and your mum.
They aren’t excuses!

Mix56 · 03/04/2025 17:44

or tell them the truth. “Hi, I dont think Im up for babysitting those two again, When asked, say they were really full on, had tantrums & left you with a 3 day migraine that you can be doing without at this busy work period

KingKitty · 03/04/2025 18:52

Mix56 · 03/04/2025 17:44

or tell them the truth. “Hi, I dont think Im up for babysitting those two again, When asked, say they were really full on, had tantrums & left you with a 3 day migraine that you can be doing without at this busy work period

Edited

The children were not a problem. It was my mother's temper tantrum on the morning of me going babysitting that really set me up for the day ahead and then the kids really did compound it. If it wasn't for my mother's tantrum, it would have been a walk in the part with the two young children.

OP posts:
TennesseeStella · 03/04/2025 18:54

Just say sorry, but you're having to give up babysitting for the foreseeable future.

NuitDeSable · 03/04/2025 19:52

Hi, I'm unable to babysit again, hope you find someone. Best wishes YOU.

Newyorklady · 03/04/2025 20:11

Don’t do anything you don’t want to . Just say not available.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page