To tell other parents I do not want to look after their kids

[ABetaDad]

This is the first time I started a topic on Mumsnet and I afraid it is a bit of a rant.

I am sick to death of other parents coming up to me and my wife and 'suggesting' that our kids come over to their house for a 'play date' or a 'sleep over'.

As night follows day I can be sure we suddenly get a whole host of new friends as it comes up to half-term and full term holidays. People I have never spoken to at the school gate suddenly saying little Jemma or Alice or Richard or Charles of whatever would like your children to come and visit.

I am sorry but the answer is NO. I know what you are up to. You are trying to blag free day or evening of childcare in return for feeding my kids orange squash and sitting them in front of a video for a couple of hours. I am NOT interested.

I pay for my kids to go to school holiday camp every day because I work from home. I do not go out in the evenings and I do not look after other people's kids. If I wanted to be a childminder I would have chosen that career and if I need a child minder I will pay for one.

Am I being unreasonable?

can't believe this is still going! Being a Northerner myself I still think abetadad's attitude is strange.

It seems you have had one bad experience and are prejuding everyone by those standards.

oblomov the holiay throead is www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/701511-AIBU-to-dread-next-week-half-term?pg=2

So did you get chased by women in 4x4's or accosted at the gates by the other mummies?

I'm keen to know.

ChippingIn on Thu 12-Feb-09 01:18:04

"these posts are aimed at ABetaDad (name makes me gag everytime I have to type it)"

Its OK ChippingIn, my wife felt exactly the the same way when she met me. A whole 20 years and 2 children later we are still great friends.I am sure you and I will get on fine as time goes by.

By the way, I could'nt help but notice the Chipping in your name. Are you from Chipping Norton anywhere near where Jeremy Clarkson lives?

MrsPurple @ Thu 12-Feb-09 12:42:15

"So did you get chased by women in 4x4's or accosted at the gates by the other mummies?"

Both - its like Portsmouth docks when the navy ships come in.

ABetaDad is a GREAT name!

PMSL at portsmouth...

We find it completely normal that parents ask if DS can play with their child at their house, and then we invite them back....it happens all the time, and although no-one keeps score (afaik) there is such regular coming and going, that it must even out. DP and I both work f/t and many of DS's friends have SAHMs, so i am very very sensitive about doing our bit and not leeching off the SAHMs.

The truth is that if DS has a friend over I find it MUCH easier to get work done form home, as they are absorbed with each other. Other prarents have also said they would rather have a child to play than not because children playing are easier to have at home than children bored and restless.

They play, they don't watch videos, much.