Sounds like your friend is taking advantage. Don;t say no to her…. simply say – oh i have to pick something up on the way, or I’m meeting another friends for a coffee before or things like this. good luck

yeah, there are parents out there that are takers. I was always a giver. You have to set your boundaries, but I chose to accept the unfairness of some parents to give their kids a chance to see a different kind of parenting, and had to accept this was never going to change. I feel your pain lovey!

I don’t blame you for feeling a bit used. Unfortunately if you give some people an inch they will take a mile.

Maybe you could suggest they have a turn at taking the kids? Not sure how it would go down, or if you would even be listened to, but taking turns makes sense to me

I would get busy and just say no once or ask her to return the favour. Will know the value of your friendship to her from the outcome. Although also asking if everything is ok might help – sometimes other things are going on that are less comfortable to talk about than asking you to do something like this (I know I went through a stage of struggling to face others and my mum took my kids to things as I just couldn’t face the social interaction etc)

Ask her to take turns… a good friend would agree to that.

It is tough to learn to say no but you are better off doing so. If she was a real friend…she would understand or even offer to return the favour

nice story

the story is exellent

great story to read

exellent super story

wow i would feel bad! i mean like if someone was making that much effort for my children, i would make sure that they were happy to do it, i would chip in for fuel and food and definately return the favour, offer play dates at my home, something!

A true friend would’ve tried to say thanks in a way that was more than words. You seem like such a kind hearted lady but don’t let people walk over you!

Maybe just explain that you do get tired at the end of the day and that your kids are missing out on time with their dad or something. that’s if you wanted to be nice about it. I don’t like confrontation but you have to stand up for yourself. Definately ask her when she would be able to do this run for you instead and see how she responds and then make your move. She might not realise that you are getting a bit fed up with the arrangement especially if you seem very cheery everytime you do this.

I like helping people too but, have learnt to let others know if it’s an inconvenience to me. Maybe ask if she could pick up her child from the event or at your house?

Maybe say it’s inconveniences you and she might need to find someone else to do it. Does she work and that’s why she can’t do it? Maybe say would you mind having my child why hubby and I go on a date? See what she says

im in the same boat I may have to start saying NO love the tips