Being off work does NOT mean I’m available to babysit the entire time….

I’ve had my 2-year-old nephew since last night and whew… toddlers are WORK. I love that baby, but I made the mistake of telling my cousin (his momma) that I’m off until Thursday. She asked if I could keep him until then and bring him to her on my way to work because she has plans with her boyfriend Wednesday night…
I said no—Sunday to Thursday is a long time, and I actually wanted to rest some before going back to work lol.
Then she asked if we could at least keep him until Wednesday because she doesn’t have much food at home, her baby daddy hasn’t paid child support yet, and she’s out of food stamps… and I told her I don’t know, it really depends on my mom and if she’s willing to help me.
I’m just kind of mind-blown… but also not surprised. I get needing a break, Lord knows I do—but mine are usually 2 days max. 4 days with a toddler is a LOT. Trying to be helpful without completely draining myself over here.

And to top it off, he was at his dad’s house from Friday until last night and he brought him to me… so she hasn’t even seen him since Friday.

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Teslin · M

I feel bad for the baby !! I can't imagine someone not wanting their child. I hated when I was away from mine

sree251 · 41-45, M

@Teslin You can't imagine? Come on, let's not go overboard with this parental bond made in heaven.

Teslin · M

@sree251 So based on that comment you would give up your child for a week or so and pawn them off on a friend and take advantage of them?

sree251 · 41-45, M

@Teslin

So based on that comment you would give up your child for a week or so and pawn them off on a friend and take advantage of them?

There are times when you have to get someone to take care of your child. You may have a deep attachment to yours, and that's ok. Separation anxiety is not uncommon.

Teslin · M

@sree251 You're missing the point.

sree251 · 41-45, M

@Teslin

You're missing the point.

What is it? I have a feeling you don't have one.

Teslin · M

@sree251 I see you like copying previous messages 😅

But, the point is, she is pawning off her responsibilities on someone else. It's her child and she (as well as the father) need to step up.

CharityRae · 36-40, F

@sree251 yes and believe me I have a wonderful aunt who babysits whenever I need a break - but being away from your toddler from Friday, until Thursday… is insane lol

sree251 · 41-45, M

@CharityRae

yes and believe me I have a wonderful aunt who babysits whenever I need a break - but being away from your toddler from Friday, until Thursday… is insane lol

Toddler? He must be beast-feeding still. I can understand the attachment.

CharityRae · 36-40, F

@sree251 he isn’t breastfed. :)

CharityRae · 36-40, F

@Teslin the father is an incredible dad and gets him every single weekend btw… He works Monday-Friday, only has off on the weekends but yet still gets the baby Friday night until Sunday night. He is wonderful. She thinks he’s a piece of crap. He isn’t — most fathers wouldn’t want to get their kid every single weekend. No free time for him whatsoever.

sree251 · 41-45, M

@CharityRae

the father is an incredible dad and gets him every single weekend btw… He works Monday-Friday, only has off on the weekends but yet still gets the baby Friday night until Sunday night. He is wonderful. She thinks he’s a piece of crap. He isn’t — most fathers wouldn’t want to get their kid every single weekend. No free time for him whatsoever.

So, you are part of a broken home the baby has to live in. You love the kid, his father loves him. What the matter with you?

CharityRae · 36-40, F

@sree251 excuse me? You are a troll.

sree251 · 41-45, M

@CharityRae No, I'm not. I came from a broken home. My mom took me to live with her when I was three. There was a horrible tug of war over me. It went on for years till I was in high school. I have to say that my dad was an absolute ass even though he pampered me and won't let my mom have me outright.