Ask Amy: Neighbors' 'presumptuous' request

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? (I'm guessing most day-care centers would charge at least $5 a visit for such a request.)

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. (Because you would be walking the child to the bus, $5 isn't nearly enough.)

This is a major responsibility, and unless your husband wants to provide preschool care, he should let you handle it. I suggest that you decline.