Dear Amy: Our neighbors recently asked us to watch their 6-year-old child for half an hour each day before school, then take him to the bus stop and make sure he gets on the bus.
This is in addition to getting my own two kids ready in the morning for school, all by 7:40 when the bus comes, and we are not morning people! They never mentioned paying me for this service. They seem to assume I will do it for free.
I'm guessing they think that because I am a stay-at-home mom, this will be easy for me to do.
I don't enjoy taking care of other people's kids, and I think they are quite presumptuous in asking me to do this.
My husband thinks I am overreacting and that I can just sit the kid in front of the TV until my kids are ready.
We are not good friends with these neighbors, just acquaintances who talk over the fence once in a while.
Is it just me, or is this a lot to ask a neighbor?
-- Angela
Dear Angela: I agree that this is presumptuous. Don't take this on unless you are prepared to take complete responsibility for this child every day before school.
There are people who would be willing to do this, but you don't sound like one of them.
If you'd be interested in making some extra money, you could arrive at an appropriate fee by calling around to see what schools and day-care providers charge for before-school care.
Many schools allow for early drop-off for a fee. Your neighbors should check it out.
This is a major responsibility. I suggest that you politely decline.
Dear Amy: I am responding to the question of whether a man should wear a ring and keep reminders of his former partner. My first husband passed away in a tragic accident. When I started dating my current husband, he had problems with my wearing my wedding ring and keeping pictures of my deceased husband.
I asked him, "Would you want me to ask you to put pictures of your deceased parents and brother away because I think you should let go of past relationships?"
Once we decided to get married, I had my wedding and engagement rings made into another ring that I occasionally wear. I put my pictures in a photo album, and my new husband and our son frequently attend family gatherings with my first husband's family. -- Happy Wife
Dear Happy: I agree with your reasoning.
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