to not help this child with a school project?

[moominmarvellous]

A few weeks ago a friend of mine was talking about her child's upcoming school project and casually said at the end, 'So as you can imagine I'll be sending DC round to you with that one!' I said that she can't get me to do all the childrens artwork and perhaps she or her husband should do it with them.

I'm not a miserable woman, but this is the 5th or 6th time she's sent them to me with various things, some of which she's volunteered for and then roped me into doing (I don't have children of school age so this isn't something I'm doing anyway with a child or anything).

Anyway, today I am minding her DC and again she casually mentions as she leaves that in his bag are the items he needs to make this project! The project that I said I wouldn't be able to help with this time. She said the child would be happy getting on with it while I do other things, but it's obvious that the child is expecting help from me.

It isn't due in tomorrow or anything as far as I know, and I'm tempted to just play and do the usual things we do when they're over (board games etc) and not do this project, because frankly, I think she's taking the piss.

What do you think? Justified or mean old bag?

Lazy cow!! (Her. Not you obviously)

Why can't she help her own child with the project. The school surely wouldn't set homework that the child could only complete with the help of someone who had specialised skills.

cheeky mare! Do NOT do it for her!

She's bringing the child round for you to look after - not to do her schoolwork. Would make this clear to the parent.

So she sends you the messy stuff? Nerve of the woman! Agree, do not say you forgot or it'll be in the bag again next time and she'll probably say "don't forget this time, will you?" You need to look her in the eye and say "I am not doing your child's messy projects over here any more. you'll have to get your own house messy from now on."

I think it's fair enough to say what you've said here. You don't want to help her children with their schoolwork because it means your DD gets left out. If she protests she's thick skinned, so you might have to add something like "No, I don't want to do it, I'd rather they just play when they're here. If they have homework to do they should do it with you".