babysitting for a friend

[Premmiemum17]

I babysit my 2 god babies with my son for my bff during the week. Before Covid we had a routine and set days with no issues. My son has a condition that puts him at high risk. Now her partner is going back to work on Monday with a different rota and they need me to babysit but I am still not allowed to see her inside her home, and my son is still on lockdown until the end of June. I am not able to have family look after him so I can go and babysit. I don’t want to let my friend down but I don't know what to do as I am NOT going to risk my son. Advice needed please.

They can find childcare they have to pay for- childcare.co.uk is a good start

You’re going to have to tell her no....today. She’ll need time to make alternative arrangements.

Surely she knows your son is at risk, she can't be expecting the same to continue?

They need me to babysit
But you can't! You aren't letting them down, the situation is what it is. They must realised that it's just not possible right now? Have they specifically asked you? Letting them know ASAP is really the only thing you can do.

I'm sure she will understand. Just explain asap so they can make alternative plans.

They will have to use paid childcare - prob a temp nanny

You aren't letting them down.
This is a global pandemic which was totally unprecedented. It has changed a LOT of people's lives.
You need to look after your dc, and therefore you are unavailable.

If you have regularly looked after two dc whilst their parents work, that isn't babysitting, that is childcare.
They should be extremely grateful to you that you did that for them prior to this and realise they have been very fortunate to have you as a friend, but this particular arrangement can't carry on and they will have to find paid childcare like most working parents do.