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

I have the same problem and find it hard to say no. I hate letting people down but have recently realised if I don’t stand up for myself I’m just allowing it to happen and people will take advantage. Good luck and stay strong!

You need to say NO, I have got to the age now where if no favour is returned then I just say no. You can give and give with some people and the older I get I have learnt to be strong.

If it is bugging you I think it is time to sit down with the mum and work out things so you don’t feel like you are doing all the transport.

My reply to anonymous and feeling used and taken for granted but thought I should do
I too when young was a lot like you and think I tried to be like wonder Mom it is true
With age comes wisdom and better friends too, it is about learning to say no and not feeling guilty too
Ask if they can share the jobs with you as you feel so tire it is true. No and meaning it is OK to say. They do not seem to be pulling there way. Give and take is fairest way
otherwise you will crash or rage at them and thoughts you will say!!
Done that too lost friends too but eventually bottling things up gets too much to do
all the best
Nanny Jean

You are a good friend, could you arrange a play date on the weekend at your friends place so you can have some time for some catch up and maybe suggest next week she can pick up the kids or something?