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How would you feel if someone offered you this for your birthday?

52 replies

soandsosmummy · 05/11/2011 17:18

Background - I don't have much spare cash, my lovely friend became a single mum to a 7 and 9 year old a couple of years ago after her !"£$%^& partner left her after a miscarriage. She works fulltime ad looks after her girls all weekend. I know both girls reasonably well and my DD gets on with them.

Anyway its her 40th birthday in a fortnight. I asked her what she was doing and she said some friends had offered to take her out on the Saturday night but she couldn't go as she had childcare problems. She then changed the subject.

I am thinking in lieu of a birthday present of offering to take both girls from just before lunch on the Saturday and delivering them back mid afternoon on the Sunday just so she can go out and have some peace and even a lie in for once.

I'm not a single mum I've no idea how I'd feel if someone offered to do this and I'm here to ask you if you'd feel patronised or if you'd jump at it or if you'd really prefer a wrapped up present.

OP posts:
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Gay40 · 05/11/2011 21:18

It's a lovely gift, and I'm sure it will be much appreciated, if not for her birthday then for another night. I'd love it!

soandsosmummy · 05/11/2011 22:04

I texted her and she's accepted and says its the best birthday present I could have given her. Her friends have reorganised the evening and its all going ahead :) Hope she enjoys every minute

OP posts:
RandomMess · 05/11/2011 22:10

Wonderful wonderful.

You know what you can give her every year now too. Bet her girls are so well behaved for you, one big adventure!

chubbasmum · 05/11/2011 22:12

aaahhhh Soandsosmummy you are a lovely and thoughtful friend

Monty27 · 05/11/2011 22:14

soandso

here Thanks

AmberLeaf · 05/11/2011 22:16

What a great gift Smile

deviladvocate · 05/11/2011 22:19

A wonderful idea, she's very lucky to have a great friend like you Grin

ToothbrushThief · 05/11/2011 22:22

That's lovely -you are a great friend. Time off is so precious

Daisy1986 · 06/11/2011 08:36

Thats a lovely idea. You could take it a step further if you have the spare time and do her some vouchers or whatever and wrap them up too so she could redeem more babysitting nights/days on the run up to christmas. Its tricky to get all the things done, even a couple of hours free so she could christmas shop in peace would be appreciated.

kblu · 06/11/2011 08:37

I'm not a single mum but I really like the idea of that.

molepom · 06/11/2011 08:58

I'm a single parent and would have kissed you for for that offer. I have no family around and the ones that are around dont want to look after SN son.

You are a lovely person.

soandsosmummy · 06/11/2011 11:08

Update - I've spoken to her this morning and she's so excited. She's getting taken out for a meal at a nice restaurant by a group of friends AND another friend has said they're getting her a night in a good hotel with a swimming pool and breakfast :)

Really hope she enjoys every minute. She's done everything for her children as her ex has barely paid a penny in maintenance and hardly sees them.

OP posts:
HeresTheThingBooyhoo · 06/11/2011 12:29

wow, that is the best birthday ever. you are a fab friend and so are the others for arranging meal and hotel etc. you're friends will love it. i know i would.

(my birthday is in june Wink)

ladydeedy · 06/11/2011 13:32

Wow this has really made me think too that I could offer the same to friends of mine. Not just singlies either, but couples I know who have their children full time and would love a night off to go on a date! What a lovely idea. You have inspired me!

Bandwithering · 06/11/2011 15:06

oh lovely! She should have a lovely weekend on her fortieth. it should be a rule. mine was one night out with kids jumping on my head as per usual at 6am the next monring, not complaining, but this'll be lovely for her!

lemonstartree · 06/11/2011 15:15

I would bite your hand off! (and I was a lone parent but now have DP) What a lovely thought!

RedHelenB · 06/11/2011 15:27

A lovely idea, please offer & if it's a no do offer again in the future!!

RedHelenB · 06/11/2011 17:34

A lovely idea, please offer & if it's a no do offer again in the future!!

TastyMuffins · 06/11/2011 17:52

I have a friend like you and get baby sitting vouchers for Christmas or birthday so I can pick a date of my choice and not feel rude for asking. Best present I could get. You are a fantastic friend and a great example of presents money can't buy that cost virtually nothing to give.

trulyscrumptious43 · 08/11/2011 22:37

Aw I am touched. Well done. I wish someone (anyone) would think/had thought of that for me, spread the word, what a good mate you are! And I bet the girls will have a lovely time with you too.

BornSicky · 09/11/2011 12:00

you're bloody lovely OP!

am a lone parent, but with a baby. if my LO was a bit older, I'd have loved such a wonderful, thoughtful present.

glad your friend is so excited.

hope she has a fabulous birthday!

Ooopsadaisy · 09/11/2011 12:03

Would you like my children? It's my birthday soon too .........

FannyNil · 09/11/2011 21:45

soandso, you are a star of a friend. What a great present!

moomoo1967 · 10/11/2011 15:59

That is such a lovely idea, I would have loved it had any friends offered to do that for me on my 40th Smile

theredhen · 12/11/2011 13:16

I think just offering the Sat night would be a really great offer and one I would have been so grateful for.