AIBU to think that this person is taking the piss...

[Fuckingsickofpeppa]

Bit of background... Neighbour has a DD same age as my DD. They go to the same nursery. I don't work - am currently looking for a job. My neighbour works part time. My neighbour has 3 DC and is seriously thinking about having another.

Our DDs have been at their nursery for 4 weeks. At least one day per week my neighbour texts me (very last minute) and asks if I can pick up her DD "while I'm down the road". Yes, I do only have one DC and I normally am collecting my DD. She sent me a message today asking if I can collect her DD, give her lunch and keep her for an hour after nursery 2 days this week.

I feel like she's taking advantage a bit... DH is starting to feel the same.

Am I being a cow?!

next time say no, you have plans sorry. then only do it if it really is no trouble. she's definitely pushing.

Say no and keep saying no

Don't get too drawn into excuses, before that gives her a problem she can solve. Just say no it's not convenient. And it's never convenient.

If she texts you last minute-that's easy to deal with. Ignore every single time from now on and use an assortment of these for a few weeks.

My phone was on charge
My phone has run out of charge
My phone was in the cash phone is lost
My phone is playing up

Make yourself totally uncontactable and unreliable. If she does (as a colleague's friend did once) phone the nursery to say you'll be collecting their child-just laugh and say 'no, I really don't think so. So sorry-I can't' to the nursery on arrival.

If your dc enjoys playing with her dc then why not do it on occasions when it suits you. When mine were that age, it was often easier when they had a friend to play with for an hour or so - I didn't have to entertain them. But if the dc don't get on or are hard work or you'd rather not, just say "It's not convenient today".

Just say that you can't. No need to go into explanations.

'Not sorted out my childminder registration yet, but when I have, I'll let you know and we can discuss rates etc. OK?'

I agree with Blue Turn it into a business opportunity if you need work. It's not easy to find work to fit in with small children.

Bluetrews answer was gold. You are being TOO NICE I have been in this situation several times now and tried to be nice and helpful and neighbourly etc etc.. and have ended up being totally taken disadvantage of and guess what.. whenever it got too much and for very good reasons said had to say I'm sorry I can't do that. They threw tantrums and stopped speaking to me. I can see you are at the thin end of the same wedge and please please stick up for yourself and stop worrying about being nice.