AIBU to think this is a bit much to ask for school run?

[Kim926]

Our next-door neighbours have a daughter in the same Reception class as my son.

We already help each other with school pick-ups occasionally, and I've been happy with that arrangement.

The mum is now increasing her working days to three days a week after maternity leave and has asked if, on those three mornings, they can leave their daughter with us before work so that I can take her to school with my son.

For a bit more context, the mum isn't unable to drive, but she doesn't drive. Her husband drives her to work, which is about 15 minutes away, and this is why they need someone else to take their daughter to school on those mornings.

They literally live next door and I'm obviously going to the same school anyway, so I know it might not sound like a huge extra task. I also have a two-year-old at home, though, and mornings with my own two children are already busy.

I think what has made me uncomfortable is that this isn't really an occasional favour or helping out in an emergency. It would be a regular three-day-a-week arrangement because of their change in working pattern. It feels a little like their childcare/school run responsibility is being transferred to us simply because we happen to live next door and our children attend the same school.

I also feel awkward saying no because we are literally next-door neighbours and I will inevitably see them at school drop-off on the days I've said I can't do it.

AIBU to think three mornings every week is quite a lot to ask of a neighbour? Or is this considered a fairly normal favour between families when the children go to the same school?

I don't understand why the dad can't be doing drop offs and pick ups because he has two other children. How do you think other people with three children cope?? We figure it out. I help friends out all the time and love doing so but I would not commit to this. Things can be hectic in the morning and giving my children the best start to the day doesn't involve another child being there three days a week. It would totally change the dynamic of your mornings and your children may not always be comfortable with it, plus they get ill etc. Saying you need to keep mornings calm at home as they're already tricky with a reception age child and a 2 year old so you can't make such a significant commitment and you hope they find a solution that works for them. This is not your problem!

😂💕

😘

How about rather than their child comes to your house, the Dad has her ready at their front door and your child knocks when you’re leaving, with the expectation the child will be ready to walk out of the door when the knock comes. If the child is not ready on a regular basis, you say it’s not working and leave it at that.
to ly mind, that is a lot easier than having to deal with her arriving at your house if you find that disrupts your routine. It’s not a big deal having another child with you when you’re on your way to school and that should be perfectly possible since they are just next door.

I would say its quite a lot. Odd days here and there are fine. Everyone juggling work and kids needs help. On the other side if it is literally a case of leaving for school straight away it might be nice for your child to go to school with a classmate. On the other hand you might need to pass messages on to school etc...which would be a pain. Also if you agree then it will be a long term commitment. On balance Id say no.