To stop babysitting for neighbour?

[mrsgregorypeck]

We are always asked at last minute. Since we like to be good neighbours to all, we have never refused.

Half an hour after arriving the heating goes off. No other source of heat in sitting-room. Remote control for tv is clutched by older son and no suggestion that perhaps babysitters would like to choose what to watch.

Sometimes back quite a bit later than has been stated. Never a big box of chocolates or bottle of wine as a thank you.

Problem is: how to stop without causing offence?

it's ok to say 'no that's not convenient'. No need to add a 'sorry' either.

If they are offended at your not being available to babysit then that's their problem.

Smile sweetly and move along if they try to engage you and slide in a request.

Do they ever do you a favour?

That might help you decide when they ask next time.

Do they pay you?

Either way, just say no, they CBA to get a paid sitter in with notice then they can go without their nights out and guilting you into it

Sorry can't have things to do. That's enough.

Does it matter if they take offence?

You can't do something you don't want to do for fear someone will be offended.

Or why not just tell them that its cold and ask them to keep the heating on

And wrestle the remote from the kid.

How strong can he be? There are 2 of you

Tell them you are coming down with the bubonic plague and won't be able to babysit for them or their rude offspring again, ever.

No, they don't pay. Thanks for all these ideas. Think I've been a bit of a pushover. We never ask them to babysit for various reasons so it's not really an equal thing. They can pay someone in future.

YANBU but you are being taken for a ride. Tell them you are not able to. They are abusing you!