to say no to babysitting for my neighbour

[notnagging]

My neighbour often goes out & leaves her dcs (8&10)by themselves. Friday she didnt get back until 10. I felt so bad I invited them into mine until she got back which she was a bit miffed about. She has asked me to make sure they go to bed on time tonight & check up on them (not stay with them). I have said I cant because i'll be seeing to my 5 dcs & Im worried this will become more & more regular. Am I being unreasonable?

OP light a fire up her arse and tell her straight, "stop it or im gonna report you", its not fair on those kids.

I know she knows now I made it very clear. I think she thought she'd try it. My dh is going to have a word.she works for the police & knows the system very well. She is one of those people that can make alot of trouble for you ifyswim.

'She is one of those people that can make alot of trouble for you ifyswim.'

Not as much trouble as she'll get into for child abadonment.

And people who do shit like that when they work with those authorities get a really shit time of it.

Child abandonment? Seriously?

I was that age (10) in the early 90s and at 11, I was left with my 3 younger siblings to mind at night.

At 12, I went up the road and babysat for my neighbours' 6mo old and 4yo until 11pm.

My parents and neighbours clearly considered this okay, so the whole thing about never leaving children alone until mid-teens is not universal.

Sorry, I don't think leaving an 8yo and 10yo alone is a good thing at all, but I find it pretty hysterical to suggest that her children should be removed from her for this. Ring the police if you want, but if it's not illegal, I'm not sure what you expect them to do.

I don't think they'll do much revolting. It is not illegal in this country. My dh does not want me to get involved. They spend alot of time at their dads.

People like her know the system all too well. My friend is a child protection officer & knows her as well. Will speak to her about it.