To think my friend was incredibly unfair?

[Refreshed]

I look after a friend's 2 primary school DC's when they've finished school, every Monday. They often have swimming lessons so I take them to that, whilst I have a short swim with my DS and then get ready to get them.

They are on a small break from it so we did a fun swim instead. Their mum asked me to take them to Pizza Express for dinner. The one she was thinking of is no longer there so I took them to Pizza Hut style place instead.

My own DS was asleep and wasn't having anything. We got a huge pizza with bottomless drinks for all of us. The kids had an ice cream each. This all came to £16 so a fairly good deal. Loads of pizza was left over so I packed it up for the kids.

When we got to their house I handed over the change (the mum had given me £40 for their food). The receipt for it all was coincidentally in there to.

I've just received a text from friend saying ''Hi, was your drink at the pizza place paid for by you? Just wondered as the money was for [NAME REMOVED] and [NAME REMOVED]. The pizza was obviously huge so not bothered at that being shared! "

In truth I didn't pay for my own drunk, no. It was £2.70. Yet I don't charge if I've ever picked something up for the boys quickly. I don't charge for petrol going to and from their school or swimming.

Was I really being that cheeky or is she rude?

[Edited by MNHQ to remove RL names]

I get your point Cohle apart from 1 thing. She was given £40. Fair do's it wasn't clarified what she should spend it in on but I can see how OP would make the assumption it covered her too....especially since it all just came to £16. If someone gave me £40 to take their kids for food I would probably assume it was ok to spend a little on a drink for myself....

@Bexyp45 I agree, having had experience of paying a friend to babysit and also having had an au pair. I just can't believe anyone would think it's possible to defend the actions of the so-called 'friend'. For me, it's a given that if a friend has gone out of their way to look after my DDs regularly (including taking them swimming), I wouldn't be penny pinching enough to object to the cost of a soft drink.

Patiently awaiting update...

Hope she's on Mumsnet so she can read what a dick head she is

What a miserable git your friend is. When you have been providing free child care. In any case, she is supposed to be a FRIEND, and when did friends mind buying each other a drink? I can't believe what she said to you. If it was me I'd send her a cheque for the £2.70 along with a bill for all the child care at an hourly rate and also tell her to get stuffed from now on.

Say to her no I didn't pay for my drink, but you also don't ever pay for my petrol any week so it's swings and roundabouts x

Very petty to bring up the cost of a drink with you after the ludicrously good deal she is getting from you OP regarding childcare and entertainment for them.

Yes she can technically ask for the cost of the 'unauthorised' drink but it's really short-sighted of her (if not uncharitable) given what you do for her for a very paltry sum of a token £10 a month.

She's just lost herself a very good arrangement by bringing up a ridiculously minor transgression.

I just love how we're on page 20 now and still no update from OP.

opening popcorn

God she's an idiot isn't she? She's now going to have to pay a lot more for childcare over £2.70. 😂 Hope they are on here. If you are, you are just about the biggest idiot going.

Still no update?

Wow, she's a CF - bet she regrests asking you for £2.70!!

And... if she asks you to look after her children state yes, £6/hr

She is cheeky

Fuming on your behalf! What a cow she is! Even if she was miffed that you had used her money to buy yourself a drink, she should never have sent a message asking you about it. You have saved her a fortune in childcare costs and shes not even considered this. I cant believe how selfish and ungrateful some people are!

She's taking advantage & was silly to question you. Guess she will regret challenging you. Not many people like swimming lessons with kids. So she'll struggle to find anyone else to take them.

My instinct would be to have that out with her and ask if, even if you did have a drink, does she begrudge you considering what you do for her.
I’d then tell her you won’t be getting them any more and go do something with your own kid. Bloody cheek

If you really want to show her the truth of the matter @Refreshed, put the money in an envelope along with a note referring her to this thread. She deserves to see what a ridiculous CF absolutely everyone thinks she is.

I'm astounded by the entitled behaviour of the friend, because when friends have my DDs, my response is never anything other than gratitude for having them.

I've also never asked a friend to take my DDs out for a meal at a Pizza Hut or Pizza Express, apart from when it's a children's party or a treat they've offered. Otherwise it would be my DH and me who would be taking them.

Why would any parent ask a friend to take their DC to a pizza restaurant anyway?

I'm speechless. I can't even get my head round what she did there. I'm so sorry for you. Friends like you are one in a million.

Let's imagine this a bit differently. You go to work & your boss asks you to nip out in your car & pick some clients up, they then ask you to take them out for a meal & some drinks. Are you expected to pay for your own petrol, food & drinks or do you claim it back on expenses? Exactly!
So why would anyone expect OP to be out of pocket - gets paid £2.50 to look after children but have to pay £2.70 & petrol costs for the privilege!

V v v rude. Don’t be angry just politely explain petrol costs etc and say she can subtract it from that.

Hoping for an update

Did she reply op?

If this is 100% true I bet she's kicking herself ;)