AIBU to ask how much you do for your DC's friends?

[fedupandfifty]

I don't work in the school hols and I have an only DS, aged 10. She's very sociable and I enjoy having her friends around and taking them places (beach, local beauty spots for picnics) etc. I don't expect reciprocation and other parents do me favours in school time anyway, so it's not a chore.

I'm constantly being told I "do too much" but I think it's perfectly normal to entertain other people's kids, especially as we live in an area where kids don't play out.

AIBU to ask how much you do?

I don't currently do anything for my DS friends as he is only 3. However I hope to in the future.

When I was around 10 my neighbour took me out and about with her family during the summer hols, I was friends with her daughter. I will always remember this kindness as my mum couldn't do this as she didn't have a car and my DB had special needs.

I was taken to things I would never have done otherwise, like the Lido and fruit picking and when they moved away she had me to stay. Happy and dear memories. I am sad I lost touch.

I look after my niece a lot as her mum (single) works full time and we do exciting things that I know she will enjoy. MIL looks after her but she doesn't drive so they don't do much.

People say I do too much but I love my niece and it is someone for dd to play with so it suits me fine.

YANBU, if you are happy to do it then thats fine. It really has nothing to do with anyone else. Plus your DD is older and she will want someone to play with when you are out. I remember my nan and grandad taking a friend of mine with us when we went out, otherwise I would have just been bored.

I have one DD aged 6 and I am completely happy to have any of her friends come out with us, it is never a chore and its not doing anymore than I would already be doing. Her friends are always welcome.

Recently we had dd's friend for a sleepover and during the day and so took them to cinema, to watch Brave, and the park. Left out food in the kitchen so they could 'sneak down' for a midnight feast.

When ds goes into town with friends we give them all money to buy themselves lunch.

Often the kids friends on day trips out with us or for a meal in a restaurant.

Generally run an open house so dc friends no they are welcome. Recently ds's friend ran away from home and came to ours (parents going through divorce) - first thing I did was to phone their mum so she knew where they were and to see if they could stay as they obviously needed a bit of time out.

More often than not the kids just like to be fed!

Generally run an open house so dc friends know they are welcome.

We have an open house policy...dcs are 15 and 13.

They have lovely friends...a pleasure to have them.