There's a woman who lives near me let's call her Emma! Emma is a single mum to three kids, I know Emma and her youngest has sen. I wouldn't consider her a friend but more of a passing hello and quick chat. I can sympathise with her situation though. I have been a single mum for a few years and I also have two with sen.
Anyway, Emma hasn't got any family around and has recently taken on a new job in September/October time so she's had a while to sort this out. But she has no suitable childcare in place. She is constantly bugging people including myself to pick her youngest up (6). I assume she lets her middle child, older primary age one walk home alone and let her self in - only year 4 but years 4-6 can walk home alone if permission given. Constantly asking myself and others for childcare both morning and afternoon.
I totally get how how hard it is but it's not sitting right with me badgering people to take care of her kid. The kid is very demanding too.
She has asked me before. I have had to say no due to work and other commitments on the days she's asked. Plus I don't want to start something I can't stop. Ds is autistic and routine is important to him, I don't think he would appreciate it. Plus the said boys has been very nasty to Dd lately (calling her fat amongst other things). So I don't want my two getting upset by having him around after school.
She said she works until 6 but only wants people to look after him until 4.45 as her 11 year old gets off the school bus at that time and can pick him up and take him home. Aibu to think an 11 year old (year 7) shouldn't be responsible for her two younger siblings?! I would understand more if she was maybe 14-15. I'm not even sure where the middle one is during this time. I assume walking home and fending for herself for an hour until her 11 year old gets home.
Aibu to think she should sort some childcare instead? The school runs a successful breakfast and after school club. There's also plenty of childminders around, many that school drop off and pick ups!
I'm all for helping people out every now and again but this is every single day she's asking me (direct message) or putting a plea on fb.
I know she's been asking other people too as it seems every day a different parent is picking the boy up. I do feel sorry for him. He doesn't seem to know who's picking him up each day!
I totally get how hard it is to get the balance right with work and kids. I can totally sympathise. I have a Dp and it's hard enough to find childcare but honestly it's really unsettling her kids being home alone and just asking anyone and everyone to pick her kid up!
I'll probably be told I'm being unreasonable. There's nothing wrong with other parents helping out with childcare but this is a long term thing. She's relying on others too much and needs to sort it out.