Advice on a babysitting dilema PLEASE!

leavinglasvegas
leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
edited September 2024 in Chit-Chat
I have a 10 year old girl. Our daily routines are, in my opinion, normal and healthy. I prefer that when the weather is nice, kids play outside and interact with one another. I limit the TV and electronics and encourage reading and playing games. We eat meals at the table and I don't have junk food in the house. If I do, its a treat, but I don't really restrict. My daughter understands portion control and all that jazz... (well shes 10, so there are times when I catch her with a bag of chips in front of the TV. I quickly correct that by offering a coffee filter for a handful of chips and say after this show that will be enough TV.

Anyhoo.... I'm babysitting my friends son. He is 9 and their lifestyle is quite different. He just sits on the couch playing his video game. Will not go outside, wants to watch TV, doesn't get along well when playing games, can't sit at the table when eating...(he stands and is constantly moving around. They don't have a table and eat in front of the TV) My food is gluten free and vegan, almost always fresh cooked and loaded with veggies. He always wants to eat, but never what I have. It wouldn't be fair to let him eat crap while my daughter can't in my honest opinion..... I do not know what to do. My daughter isn't perfect either and they aren't exactly best friends. His mom doesn't really have any advice. She says thats just how he is, he doesn't play with other kids. This is normal to them.

I feel kind of bad because he HATES coming here. Has stated that several times. But his parents are working long hours so theres not much we can do right now. Since I don't have a boy, I don't know what the heck to offer him to do that doesn't involve TV or video games. It wouldn't be fair to say, "well, since thats what you do at home you can do it here". I'm not comfortable with that because I feel that its just not healthy and I can't honestly justify it in my own home. When we go out, he just asks non-stop, "when are we leaving" doesn't matter how fun whatever we are doing is.

Any advice would be helpful. I don't know what to do. Thanks.

Replies

  • Vallandingham
    Vallandingham Posts: 2,177
    Ask his parents.
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
    I should also point out that I have a rather busy life myself. I can't sit here for 12 hours and entertain kids. I need things that will allow me to still clean, cook, work on my job search, etc. The things I would do if it were just me and her. Ya know?
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
    Ask his parents.

    They say just let him watch TV or sit there. Its no biggie to them. I just can't stand to see him sit there and hate being here. Kind of hurts a little, lol. I guess thats my own issue to deal with maybe.
  • LAgal
    LAgal Posts: 671 Member
    How often do you have to baby sit him?
  • sabrinafaith
    sabrinafaith Posts: 607 Member
    OMG! I would just tell him, that at your house, these are the rules. Maybe invite another kid over that they both may get along with. Also, try board games. Some kids just don't like going outside, but you have to get creative to get them away from the tv. Maybe he likes crafts??? Try building something, make a fun project. I'm sure if you google you'll find a bunch of things. When it comes to meals, maybe just make him some whole wheat pasta with tomato sauce and ricotta cheese. I know you eat vegan, but he doesn't, and its not fair to expect him to either. You can add sweet peas to get a veggie in there too. Its not a perfect dinner, but its pretty balanced.
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
    How often do you have to baby sit him?

    It was monday thru friday after school till when ever his parents got out of work. Usually about 8pm. My daughter has karate and dance 4 days a week, so it was easier because we were always on the run, then we'd get home have dinner and his parents would arrive shortly after.

    Now school is out. So its m-f from about 10-8ish.
  • sabrinafaith
    sabrinafaith Posts: 607 Member
    Btw, the tv thing would annoy me too. I think of it as being somewhat like neglect.
  • weaklink109
    weaklink109 Posts: 2,831 Member
    I don't have kids, but I do know that hyperactivity or ADD or whatever they are calling it these days can be affected by diet. Sugar, additives, etc. In a related vein to the second poster, I would ask, is there any point in talking to the parents about how their current practices might be contributing to his problems. He surely doesn't sound like a happy kid, and he is only going to get more difficult to handle, and unhappier as he gets older.

    I don't envy you. Good luck.

    EDIT: I wrote the above when only the second post was showing, and at first, I was going to change it, but now with more information, I still think it is worth having a serious chat with the parents. I also liked the other suggestions posted. I don't feel qualified to tell anyone how to keep a kid entertained, but I do agree that it is your house and your rules.

    Good luck...it sounds like it could be a long summer at your house.....:ohwell:
  • Rhonnie07
    Rhonnie07 Posts: 36
    It's your home, he should abide by your rules. he needs to understand that along with his parents. Have his parents get him something that is creative to do at your home. Such as a drawing kit or model that he can put together. They have snap together for his age group and can be very entertaining for a young boy. Make him use his imagination. Make it fun and let him decide . make sure he understands that TV is not an option.
    As for food , eat it or go hungry has always been my opnion. I was raised to eat what was put ont the table.
  • skygoddess86
    skygoddess86 Posts: 487 Member
    I would just have to say this isn't working out. They can find an arrangement where someone who would be fine letting him zone on electronics. But do you really want to spend your summer this way? It sounds awful and it is hardly fair to your daughter.
  • lilchino4af
    lilchino4af Posts: 1,292 Member
    Not having any kids yet but know enough friends who do, it sounds to me like he's lacking discipline and set rules/enforcement. Just enforce the rules you have and don't cater to him; it's your house and you're the boss. Eventually (provided you stay consistent) he'll learn that and (hopefully) will accept it as what it is. Good luck!
    As for food , eat it or go hungry has always been my opnion. I was raised to eat what was put ont the table.
    Same in our house! With my brother, my parents had to throw in the caveat "if you don't finish dinner, you don't get dessert". He'd sit there for 3 HOURS poking at his cold green beans just to eat a small treat afterwards :laugh: So glad I didn't have a sweet tooth when I was young!
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
    OMG! I would just tell him, that at your house, these are the rules. Maybe invite another kid over that they both may get along with. Also, try board games. Some kids just don't like going outside, but you have to get creative to get them away from the tv. Maybe he likes crafts??? Try building something, make a fun project. I'm sure if you google you'll find a bunch of things. When it comes to meals, maybe just make him some whole wheat pasta with tomato sauce and ricotta cheese. I know you eat vegan, but he doesn't, and its not fair to expect him to either. You can add sweet peas to get a veggie in there too. Its not a perfect dinner, but its pretty balanced.

    Hmmmm, maybe I can interest him in some science projects that we have. Otherwise, when I offer the moonsand, play dough, or painting, coloring etc, he says no and just stares at the wall.

    As far as food, my daughter is not vegan, just dairy free and gluten free. We have allergies, so I don't bring those foods in the house because I don't want to have any accidents that could cause need for the Epi pen... I let them have a say in what we eat. I think its the lack of junk food, eating at the table, and portions that bother him. Like I'll say if you want seconds you have to finish all of what you have and if your still hungry then you can have another burrito or more pasta. At first I would give him the seconds and he would end up wasting a whole plate of food. Like, he'd ask for another burrito before he finished his veggie, then take 2 bites and be done. I can't afford that, I'm unemployed. His parents give me a little money to cover, but its still a waste.
  • sarahricks
    sarahricks Posts: 90 Member
    I just have to say I'm sorry. It's really hard to get a kid to enjoy something he hasn't grown up doing. I think your best bet is just laying down what you expect. Only so much TV and if they don't eat what is prepared then they're probably going to get hungry. I know it's hard but some times being tough on the matter gets the best results. Maybe in the long run this will help him out and he'll be able to look back and be some what thankful. Than again maybe not.
    Good Luck. :)
  • Vallandingham
    Vallandingham Posts: 2,177
    Ask his parents.

    They say just let him watch TV or sit there. Its no biggie to them. I just can't stand to see him sit there and hate being here. Kind of hurts a little, lol. I guess thats my own issue to deal with maybe.

    Whether you agree or disagree is not really the issue. Believe me, I understand your position, but I sometimes tell my daughter when she has issues such as this..."They didn't consult you when they made the rules. Your only choice is whether to play the game or not."
  • sabrinafaith
    sabrinafaith Posts: 607 Member
    BTW, Have you thought about doing outings? LIke age appropriate stuff. Circus, or something interesting that he may enjoy. Get the parents to fund his share of the adventures. Maybe a natural history museum?
  • laughingdani
    laughingdani Posts: 2,275 Member
    I have babysat a lot and it may sound harsh but I think when a child is under your care they should follow and accept your rules. If he doesn't like to eat your food then he just doesn't eat. Hopefully it would only take him skipping one meal for him to want to atleast try your food. Most kids will eat almost anything if they are hungry enough. If you have video game systems I would just put them away when he is over. Hopefully your daughter would understand that they aren't an option when he is over and she can play then when he is gone. Like with the food, he will appreciate getting out of the house and doing something productive if he is bored enough and video games aren't there to entertain him. As for the whining, I just say ignore it. Obviously he has learned that whining gets him things or reactions. I am sure his parents placate him just to shut him up. In my experience I have had parents who have told me that their kids don't like eating certain things and within a few days I have gotten them eating those foods. It also helps that my 4 year old daughter eats healthily and isn't picky at ALL. When kids see other kids eating something new they want to try it too. Also, I try to make junk food healthy like personal pizzas, let the kids make their own. Use flatbread (I use "Flatout" brand) as the crust (90cal each and diferent flavors). Spread tomato paste or salsa as 'sauce'. Sprinkle on low fat or skim cheese and lots of veggies. Bake for about 10 min on 350 degrees til brown around the edges of the 'crust'. This has always been a big hit at my house with kids, especially when they get to make their own! You feel like you are eating something bad when it is oh so good. You could even get some turkey pepperoni or maybe vegan sausage crumbles for the boy.

    If worse comes to worse just let him sit there on the couch all day and be bored. It's his loss if he doesnt want to participate in outdoor activities. And if the food situation gets too bad ask the parents to make his lunches and send them with him. I know it will be hard for your daughter to get to see him eating that stuff but atleast you won't have to buy it for him.
  • robin52077
    robin52077 Posts: 4,383 Member
    If it was me, it would be "my house my rules". Especially since you are on a budget and can't be buying extra stuff for him or wasting food.
    I thought you meant you were a PAID babysitter. Those kind of hours should be bringing in a hundred bucks a week or more easy. I paid 150 for one child and 250 for two before they were school age......thank god they're older now!
    If you are just doing a favor, then perhaps you explain to the parents that they should look for other arrangements. I don't think it's fair to you or your daughter to spend your whole summer dealing with this.
  • I still remember the fun stuff we did with our babysitter during the summer. One of my fav childhood memories is of the Science Fair we had in her backyard. I am only guessing, but I think we got a science project book from the library and made a volcano, some sort of project using the sense of smell, something with pulleys.....again, I don't remember the details, but I do remember that it was fun. We invited some of the other kids home on summer vacation too. Good times!
  • vineas
    vineas Posts: 84
    I don't have kids, but I do know that hyperactivity or ADD or whatever they are calling it these days can be affected by diet. Sugar, additives, etc. In a related vein to the second poster, I would ask, is there any point in talking to the parents about how their current practices might be contributing to his problems. He surely doesn't sound like a happy kid, and he is only going to get more difficult to handle, and unhappier as he gets older.

    I was about to say the same about the diet of the kid in question. I know my 5 yr old son's behavior is _much_ improved from a few months ago once my wife and I changed our eating patterns for the better (and his as well). It was a difficult transition period (that is not quite over with), but obviously well worth it. Maybe talk to his parent's about the diet and behavior at home - it may be viewed as some as intrusive, but it depends on your relationship with them. As far as your house goes, I agree with the others that you don't change your rules and your routine for this kid, it's not fair to you and not fair to your daughter.

    One other thing, and please don't take this the wrong way - if you are watching this boy for 10 hrs a day, 5 days a week - you're a babysitter anymore, you're a daycare. I hope you're not being taken advantage of here. I've known other people to be taken advantage of in similar ways (by the things you've said and how conflicted you are here, you definitely seem to be in this category) and it's always ended badly. It may be good to step back from the situation, do as skygoddess86 says and just tell them (and yourself) that it's not working out.
  • ladyofivy
    ladyofivy Posts: 648
    Honestly, I think you have to make a choice:

    Do you want him to be happy? Or do you want you to be happy?

    Your lifestyle clearly doesn't match his. I'm not sure why his parents would ask you to sit vs someone who has a similar lifestyle. You seem like a wonderful person, the fact that you care enough to find an answer proves that. But perhaps you need to consider an alternative perspective.

    Your daughter goes to someones house to be watched all day in an unfamiliar environment. They force her to eat food she doesn't know or like, and they make her do housework or care for the other kids the entire time that she's there, because they are a large family who lives by the morals that a child should be raised to know how to be an adult. The food is healthy, but it's meat-based.

    The lives of these people certainly conflict with your ideals, although they aren't arguably wrong. They are something that you are uncomfortable with, and when the parents ask you what to do about it, you tell them, "Just let her do what she's used to." But they push for her to still do what *they* do, because they feel that it's just plain the better way.

    I'm not saying that having a child who only watches TV or plays video games is healthy by any means. What I am saying is that you can't change a child who isn't yours because once they are home they'll go directly back to what they know. They realize that this is a temporary situation, so why would they change?

    My first thought would be to tell the parents that he's unhappy, and perhaps they should seek alternate care somewhere that he's more comfortable.

    If you are unable to do that, I'd start offering him choices. Compromise with him, but *really* compromise. For example 30 minutes of game time can be bought with 30 minutes of reading time. A barter system can be invaluable. I'd consider buying him snacks that he likes, because it's not really fair to force food that he really doesn't like. In fact, allergists will tell you that you should never force a child to eat anything, (not that you are) simply because they may have an emotional/internal allergy to it that they can't explain.

    I know that my opinions vary greatly from probably everyone else here. But it's the alternative and honest perspective. Like I said, you seem like a really wonderful person, and I genuinely hope that you find a great solution. Take care!
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
    Talking to his parents is kind of difficult. Out of all my family and friends, I'm the only one like me, lol. This is perfectly normal to everyone around me, which is why I turned to you guys. My friends and family think I'm overprotective and are easily annoyed by my lifestyle. For example, when I watch my nephew, they roll their eyes at me if I expect simple please and thank yous.... Hes two, yes. But my daughter never threw a tantrum for her milk in the middle of a public park. Thats how he asks and thats what they allow. So, I don't take him that often anymore.

    I'm willing to do outings and such, but I'm limited on cash and so are his parents. Not to mention I need to find a dang job and with a quickness! The quicker I find a job, the quicker this will be over. But I did offer to take them to see the Karate Kid this week. He seemed mildly interested. As far as the park, he just whines about leaving. But I'm sure I can fit in a few outings here and there. Thats a good idea.

    I think I will recommend that they send some more toys with him. This is a hard situation. His mom and I have been friends for a long time. We are polar opposites, yet remain great friends. Part of me is worried about him, but I'm the only one. MAybe I'm over analyzing it. Maybe its a good thing that hes here and exposed to something different. I know my daughter will not be hanging around much this summer with him. I don't expect her to have to play with him. She like to go outside and do things. Maybe eventually he'll get sick of watching me clean the house and go find something to do, lol. Or maybe I should make hime help me....hahaha.... That would be another story, he doesn't do chores or even get his own drinks. Thats alot of the problem I guess. Like I said, my friend and I are polar opposites.
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
    I don't have kids, but I do know that hyperactivity or ADD or whatever they are calling it these days can be affected by diet. Sugar, additives, etc. In a related vein to the second poster, I would ask, is there any point in talking to the parents about how their current practices might be contributing to his problems. He surely doesn't sound like a happy kid, and he is only going to get more difficult to handle, and unhappier as he gets older.

    I was about to say the same about the diet of the kid in question. I know my 5 yr old son's behavior is _much_ improved from a few months ago once my wife and I changed our eating patterns for the better (and his as well). It was a difficult transition period (that is not quite over with), but obviously well worth it. Maybe talk to his parent's about the diet and behavior at home - it may be viewed as some as intrusive, but it depends on your relationship with them. As far as your house goes, I agree with the others that you don't change your rules and your routine for this kid, it's not fair to you and not fair to your daughter.

    One other thing, and please don't take this the wrong way - if you are watching this boy for 10 hrs a day, 5 days a week - you're a babysitter anymore, you're a daycare. I hope you're not being taken advantage of here. I've known other people to be taken advantage of in similar ways (by the things you've said and how conflicted you are here, you definitely seem to be in this category) and it's always ended badly. It may be good to step back from the situation, do as skygoddess86 says and just tell them (and yourself) that it's not working out.

    We've talked about the diet. She is one of those who thinks food is food and my food is too expensive. (I'm a single mom and unemployed. I manage. They are a 2 income household and get foodstamps. What I do is too much work for them. She thinks she is tired from working so much and I have more free time.) She also says all the time that hes not over weight so shes not worried about what he eats. Any further into the conversation and I'm over bearing and paranoid about food. I need to relax. End of conversation.

    The reason I'm doing this is because I offered. I talk to her mom sometimes, she worries about him. If I'm not watching him, they will send him to another friend who we have learned her and her husband have been abusing perscription drugs. I'm mostly doing it as a favor to grandma, she lives 4 hours away. Now after talking about this and getting some more opinions from non trashy people, I think I need to re-evaluate alot more than babysitting.
  • Jenks
    Jenks Posts: 349
    Could they pack his food for him, without it affecting your daughter's allergies? My son is a picky eater and this is what I do when ever he goes over to a sitters. Just a thought.
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
    Thanks guys. I'm going to finish cleaning the house and take them for a ride to my parents house. Shes making meatballs, so that should make him happy. And they have Nikelodean on 24/7 for my nephew, lol. Plus lots of boy toys.

    Maybe tomorrow we'll attempt the science fair thing.

    I'd just like to point out that I really don't expect anyone to adhere to my type of lifestyle and I truely love my friend. I think the fact that I'm so different from everyone around me and so passionate about healthy living, that it may at times come off wrong. I'm not perfect. My daughter like meat on occasion, matter of fact, they had hot dogs for lunch. I'm the only one of my kind in this mix of people, so sometimes my lifestyle is the focus because it is so different. I could care less about it, but things like TV and not socializing concern me. I just don't know what to do since its out of my element, you know? When my daughter goes there, she doesn't want to watch TV. Its kind of the same situation on the other side. But I send her on a full belly and with snacks and a water bottle. I don't mind if she indulges, she knows her limits because of her allergies she knows what she can and can't have.

    I think this is more my perception of what I feel is a problem. Its nice to have a place where I can vent and get some feed back from other people who aren't going to judge me. Thank you for that. Talking about this has helped me quite a bit. All of your suggestions are very helpful. I have alot to think about tonight.

    :flowerforyou:
  • HealthyChanges2010
    HealthyChanges2010 Posts: 5,831 Member
    Honey, the most important thing is you and your daughter, you need your time during the day for various things you shared. You daughter deserves a stress free fun Summer with Mom, Mom/Daughter time:flowerforyou:

    It's always apparent in your posts that you have a HUGE heart but in this case I think it's hurting your entire household. The Summer is a very long time to have to deal with a difficult situation such as this when it's only just started. It sounds as though it's taking time from what you need to do, stressing your family out, costing more money than you have to put out.

    I'm not sure money is even the issue here, if she was giving you several hundred it would still be not worth the stress in my opinion, stress stays with us and a few extra few bucks over the Summer being miserable doesn't sound worth it.

    Sounds like you and your daughter deserve your life back! :heart: Seems like the little boy has taken over the household (or at least trying) yours and his. :ohwell: Which I agree it's sad that kids are raised that way, thank goodness you don't raise your daughter in the same manner, she's learning at an early age how to make better choices and respect toward adults. That will go far when she is one.

    Becca:flowerforyou:
  • yessie75
    yessie75 Posts: 152
    Your home, your rules. His parents should know better and if they are your friends, then they should talk to him about abiding by your rules. You should not have to entertain a 9 year old. TV time should be restricted and perhaps he can pick 2 to 3 favorite shows and follow a schedule of other activities, like reading, puzzles, outside games, etc. I have 2 thirteen year olds and a 3 year old and I take them to the library twice a week. Every summer the library has kids/young adult reading program with incentives to get them reading. At the end of the summer there's a pool party. Good luck!
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
    Well, you were all right.

    This morning I got up and cleaned and got dressed and waited. They have a tendency to be late without calling so at first it was no big deal. Then her mom called me to talk to her grandson (thats the only way she gets to talk to him nowadays) I had to tell her I didn't know where they were. I've been calling and theres no answer. I was getting mad! Her mom was pissed. Finally after waiting for an hour and a half and calling and worrying, she CALLED ME FROM WORK! She said I'm sorry I didn't know what time you got home last night so I didn't want to bother you. WTF? I had to take many deep breaths. I asked so whats going on? She said she took him to another friends house. I had to really think before I spoke and I just sadi "look, you knew I was expecting him, You know I don't sleep in till 10 EVER! You could have at least called and left a message if I didn't answer. I even made arrangenets for him to go to the community center and get free lunch today. I have a life and I have things to do. Now I have to go." And that was that.

    Her mom called me back and said she was so angry. We know this behaviour is not really her. Her bf is totally controlling and irresponsible. Thinks the whoe world owes him everything. Its all about making money for him. Gotta go fast when he comes home because he needs attention, needs to eat, needs the phone, needs the car, needs, needs, needs. Its all about him. Her parents are so distraught that her poor dad can't even talk. They live so far away and feel totally devastated by what is going on. They always trusted me because they knew I would take good care of their grandson and I'm alaways there for her. But they also know that I go out of my way and am being taken advantage of.

    I'm so torn. Of course my babysitting days are over. And I'm smart enough to know that I need to tell her that I can't do her anymore favors and that I am fully aware that I have been taken advantage of. I need to tell her that I love her and will always be her friend, but right now I need a friend too. I'm unemployed and need help too. But nobody ever comes around when I'm out of food or need a free sitter to go for job interviews. Nobody ever even offers. All I ever hear is how bad it is for them. Cry me an F-ing river! You have 2 incomes, no car payment, and friends who bbsit and feed your kid. I'm on my own! I have no sympathy. Its called budgeting whatever little money you have and raising your OWN KID! I've done it for 10 years. Don't give me a sob story about how hard it is. Try doing it completely alone. Then I can find maybe an ounce of empathy.

    Of course I don't want to lose my friend. But in a way, maybe thats what she needs. I need to be able to trust the people around me and know that I'm supported, even if I have nothing to offer at the moment. She needs to know that she can't revolve her life around wht the bf wants. Maybe this will be her wake up call. Maybe sh will never wake up, but its not my problem any more. I have my own stuff. Her mom and dad are totally on my side. They called her at work and let her have it. They told her, "What the hell is wrong with you! You are losing a good friend so you can support that A-hole. Your being stupid. You need to think of your son instead of pleasing that jerk. This isn't healthy"

    They told me that I should tell her I'm done with her untill she gets her prioities straight. Which I fully intend to do. She called me and I didn't answer, I'm far too angry to talk to her right now. She left a message crying saying shes sorry, but then turned it around on me. She said why didn't you tell me you had a problem with us you know you can tell me anything.... ??? I think that came from her mom telling her I am always careful what I say so not to hurt her feelings. But I HAVE told her. I even offered to help her throw all his stuff out of the house and change the locks. I offered to let her live with me to get away from him. I offered to drive her up to her parents house like they want. They want her to come live there. She can go to school and live without bills untill she gets her degree which she quit so she can work with her boyfriend and make more money. Really? $10 an hour is more money than you would make with a teaching degree? She could be subbing and student teaching right now. But the ****head needs money so he can buy a car. He doesn't even have a freaking license! He needs money to pay all the tickets he gets for getting caught driving without one! Oh, and his "pain" medicine because he has a bad back. So thats why he can't help clean the house, carry in groceries or move furniture. Thats what he thinks I'm for. I wish they'd just take him to jail.


    OK. I'm sorry. I had to get that out before I try to rationally talk to her. Unlike her, I don't have anyone I can call and spend hours venting too. So thank you all for your advice. Thank you for letting me vent even if nobody reads this. I really needed to get it out one way or another. This seemed to be the healthiest way since I'm low on cash and can't go to my therapist for a while.

    Meanwhile, Holly's Daycare is CLOSED FOREVER. I'm not babysitting for anyone! My focus is on me. I'm looking for a real job, I'm takig care of my mind, body, and soul. I have a wonderful daughter to raise who needs me to be 100%. (I'll be damned if I ever accept a random job that would require me to be gone from her all day everyday and rely on other people to raise her. I'd rather be poor and with her than rich without her.)
  • david1956
    david1956 Posts: 190 Member
    My opinion for what it's worth. You've done the right thing. I'd distance till either your fiend sorts her own life or the friendship proves to have been not worth it. You're the one losing your peace about it, and friendships aren't about that.

    Tell you what I sense in this whole situation, and I'd bet dollars to donuts I'm right. Eventually everything will end up thrown back on you. Somewhere along the line she'll continually side with a manipulative boyfriend, and given that blood is thicker than water it's even possible that at some time her parents will side with her viewpoint. Possibly not, but when you a whole lot of people in the mix I've seen it time and again.

    Seperate from the whole situation and make everyone own their own problems. If it is a true friendship it will heal in time. But given the degree to which your peace is being wrecked for $10 an hour, it isn't worth it.
  • leavinglasvegas
    leavinglasvegas Posts: 1,495
    Thank you. That is what I plan to do. But just to make it clear, its not $10 an hour. It was $10 a day. Yes, I allowed myself to totally be taken advantage of. You are right, if it is a true friendship it will work out in the end. Meanwhile, I need to focus on friends who are friends in return. Most importantly, I need to focus on me.

    Thanks for listening:flowerforyou:
  • TheMaidOfAstolat
    TheMaidOfAstolat Posts: 3,222 Member
    Good for you! It's one thing to baby sit and be respected it's another thing entirely if they expect you to be mommy for free. You did what's right for you and your daughter, it may not make the situation for them easier but it might force them to grow up a bit. And even if he was still staying with you...it's your house and your rules...he can do what he wants and what his mom allows at their house. Anyhoo, I'm starting to ramble. Glad that it's worked out in your favor, you deserve it, girly!
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