MIL called DH today (he works away) to ask can she take DS (20 months) away to Wales for a week with her, SIL, SIL best friend and 3 children.
They've managed to book 2 luxury caravans v cheap for next week as they'd already been booked/payed for but the person has now cancelled.
DS is close to MIL and SIL and has had sleepovers at hers so aside from the normal worries about missing him I'm confident he'd enjoy himself. It would also be a treat for DS as we've just moved (this month) from rented accom into our first bought home, and are very skint at the moment so won't be going on holiday ourselves this year.
After talking to DH we decided that although we were both a bit apprehensive, it would be lovely for DS to go.
DH called MIL to tell her and she said 'we're going to do a big shop when we arrive so you only need to give him about £50 spends'
Although we don't really have the money, I was fine with that as toddlers can be very expensive, and I also planned to send him with his favourite foods and treats to share.
However, MIL called DH back later and in conversation told him that he would have to drive DS, SIL and one of the other children from our home in Manchester to South Wales on Sunday and then collect them the following Sunday, (she will drive and take SILs friend and 2 other children.
Im so annoyed!
Each round trip will cost at least £30 return and we literally do not have another £60 spare at the moment.
I have never before been in a position where I don't have any savings and I find dealings with family about money very uncomfortable.
We don't earn a lot but I am usually very generous with money and I'm not sure how to deal with the situation. I never expect anything for free and whenever MIL has DS for the day if childminder is off I always pay her £50 (a lot more than I pay CM) as I appreciate she is giving up her time.
DH told MIL we can't afford to drop and pick them up and MIL has said they won't be able to go then!
I really don't know what to do, should I try and borrow the £60 so DH can take them and pick them up or say sorry but we just can't afford it?
I wouldn't have minded so much if we'd had more notice, and could of budgeted for it but I just feel like we've been put in an awkward position.
I'm really sorry to be so long-winded, I'm rubbish at getting to the point ??