How do you deal with parents taking advantage of other parents?

United States
March 13, 2007 7:23pm CST
Does anyone have advice on how to deal with other parents taking advantage of you? I have a 12 year old, and up until recently I've always enjoyed having friends over or taking them places with us, but after so many years of doing this it seems alot of the other parents just expect it of me now. Honestly, I'm tired of it. I'm a single parent who works full-time, yet people who are married couples with a full support system of grandparents and other relatives, constantly call me to drive their kids to and from activities. There have been a few occasions where I've asked someone to drive my son because I had to work late unexpectedly, but very rarely, and I would never make a habit of burdening someone like that. It's really gotten out of hand lately because 1) as the kids get older, the other parents don't stay at the activity and 2) the kids have started going out on Friday nights. This is the hardest part for me because my phone rings off the hook from the time I leave work on Friday, until the kids are dropped off somewhere. It seems all the other parents know I'll make sure my son gets to where he needs to go, so they all just assume I can take theirs too. Then what really kills me, is they never offer to drive my son and give me a break once in awhile. I've been telling each of them how frustrating it's been for me lately, not saying it's specifically their fault, but the combination of the whole group doing it - yet they're not getting the point. Does anyone have a better suggestion than my just continuing to do it and resenting the parents more and more, or turning the kids away every now and then just because I'm so mad at their parents?
2 people like this
1 response
emeraldisle
@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
14 Mar 07
I've had this happen and I just started saying no. That I cannot do it or that I won't have time. If that doesn't work then be blunt and tell them you aren't their chauffer or babysitting service. You have enough on your plate. There are times when some will never take the hint, they won't think it's about them you are talking about, so you have to be blunt with them. It's the only way otherwise they will continue to try to use you. I know some times it's easier said then done. If you really don't want to have an out and out confrontation with them just don't be available. If need be since they start calling on Friday's with it check the caller ID and if it's the parents don't answer, (If you have caller ID) or use voice mail or an answering machine to screent he calls. If they can't get a hold of you to do their work then they might start doing it themselves.