My daughter has a best friend whose mum doesn't drive. Her dad does but he's at work in the car and works long hours. She doesn't drive because she feels it's pointless in London as parking is hard (true) and public transport options are really good (also true)
The girls do lots of activities in the same groups or teams- 3 evenings a week plus usually a match at weekends.
The thing is they're 11 years old in year 6. Clubs are often only finishing at 7.30/8.00. Often the weekend ones have very early starts (8.00 am) and whilst public transport IS an option it adds 30-40 mins to each journey (so an 8.00 am start means leaving at 7.20 and an 8pm finish means home for 8.30-8.45.) It's only 10 mins in the car.
My daughter gets tired so I'm resigned to running and picking her up which means I also end up take her friend.
The mum always volunteers to take them (honestly seems relieved though that I don't take her up on it!) and they live only 5 mins away (so it's not out of my way), and I'm going anyway so it's daft not to.... but I've recently found myself feeling a bit aggrieved.
Tonight it was raining. The game overran. I was standing by a chilly pitch for 30 mins and got home at nearly 9. When I dropped friend off I could see her mum through the window with a cup of tea and a book! It'll be the same tomorrow. And Thursday. And the game on Saturday.
I think I need someone to talk sense into me. It's not going to change. The mum won't suddenly start driving. I'm going anyway. The girl is lovely and her and DD are good friends. I'm going anyway. The mum does volunteer it's just I don't want a 40 min bus ride after a late finish. I'M GOING ANYWAY.
Anyway I'm fairly certain I'm unreasonable being grumpy and need some perspective please!