HI Moms,
My husband is a self employed contractor and at times will use a buddy of his to be his helper on a job. Today the buddy he asked to help him has a 6 yr old boy that my Husband asked me if I can watch him for the day so he can get the job finished.
Now, this little boy is a child that I barely know at all, from what I know and have seen he's a VERY hyper boy and doesn't listen well at all to any adult besides his dad.
I also have 3 young children of my own to take care of, a 6 yr old a 2 yr old and a 9 week old and my days are already busy enough as it is.
I ended up telling my husband I just can't do it for an entire day but now I'm feeling really guilty and feel like I should just watch the boy so my husband can have the help he needs to get his job finished.
Is this something you would feel guilty about or would you take the child even if you have never watched him before?
TIA for any advice~
Thank you all for your encouraging words. I Feel so much better and more confident that I made the right decision, for both me and my kids.
My day has already been hectic enough and you never know the route a newborns gonna take on you so I'm very relieved to just have my 3 kids to care for.
I think I made it pretty clear to my hubby to not pick me to care for his buddy's child anymore. I mean, he was literally on his way over to my home with the little boy when he asked if I could take him and I had to tell him No, I'm sorry but I just can't.
So everything has worked out and I know my hubbys not holding any grudges towards me either. Thanks again for all of the helpful advice!
I know you feel guilty, but you didn't say no to be mean or rude...you have a 9 week old. That is excuse enough not to take on any other children.....not to mention on top of that you have 2 other children to care for....don't feel bad! I would have said the same thing!!
NO WAY should you feel guilty about saying no to something so out of the blue. You have a 9 week old at home, which is enough reason to say no. You are still recovering from that as well as still taking care of the other children.
I understand having to get the job done, but the helper should have asked a family member or a friend the child actually knows especially if that child is hyperactive and disrespectful. No one needs that around with a newborn.
Congratulations on your new blessing!!
J.
My husband and I own a business, and I feel strongly we should help them in every way we can. I would have done it for him this time, however, I would expect the guy to compensate you. Because I'm sure your husband is paying him to do the work. He could deduct an hourly rate for childcare from his "bill". Your husband needs to know you are there to help HIM, not his help. This guy could start getting the idea that you will always be available. And if the help is free and easy...what do you think he's going to choose?
I agree with you and everyone else 100%! You have a newborn and 2 other small children!! You are busy enough with your own kids and certainly shouldn't have to worry about someone else's kid. I would suggest to your DH that his helper find some kind of alternate child care. Adventure Kids is a great option and very reasonably priced. Congrats on your new addition! :-}
My hubby is a contractor also, & is in constant need of a helper (they're not always very reliable!), so I totally see how he needed the help. However, I don't think he would ever ask me to watch a kid I hardly know, especially since I, too, have my hands full w/4 girls at home. I don't think you should feel guilty at all. Look at it this way, you saved him from having to deal w/you completely stressed out when he came home from work. ;) I know it's hard, but don't feel guilty!
Yikes!! you have a busy day already. If you watch him even one time you will be asked again to keep him. I think your smart for saying no in the beginning. I know your husband has his hands full but dont feel guilty, so do you! There are a lot of drop off reputable centers such as adventure kids that for just one kid would be $5.oo an hour that he can use and the little boy would have a great time. Maybe instead of feeling guilty you can just help by suggesting a couple of places for daytime drop ins or another means of daycare. Good luck and congradulations on your new baby boy!!
I would have said no also -there is no reason for you to feel guilty. You have your hands full enough. I guess it would be a little different if he wasn't a handful since he could play with your daughter but even still it's hard to have another kid to look after especially when you have a 9wk old. So don't feel guilty-the kid is not your responsibility.
Should you feel guilty for telling the truth? Um No.
I'd look into local drop in day programs, though, for future reference - so that your DH gets the help he needs, but at the cost of an Andrew Jackson instead of your sanity.
S.
