I won't commit to school runs that just suit you, sorry

"Don't apply for the same school on the basis that I will be taking your daughter and mine on your working days."

2 min read

November 24, 2023 - 2:26PM

Mum hits back at parents who shamed her outfit at school drop-off

Primary School

Don't miss out on the headlines from Primary School. Followed categories will be added to My News.

They say it takes a village to raise a child - but sometimes, someone in the village can take things a bit far, and you can end up feeling a tad taken advantage of.

That's how one mum was left feeling when she worked out that a school drop-off/pick-up routine with another mum was not in her own favour, at all.

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this.

"I don't want them to apply for the same school"

She wrote in a parenting group for advice:

"My daughter has a friend who has little other social contact except her. We have had a few play dates at soft play etc.

"The girl's parents want to apply for all the same schools as us even though they are way out of catchment and would never have even thought of them if we weren't applying. Recently, there's been lots of hints being dropped about sharing drop off and pickups if they get into the same school.

"It won't benefit me as I have a flexi job and my mum to do the days I can't, but it would work for them for two days a week.

"Could I say don't apply for the same school on the basis that I will be doing the school runs on her working days? Also they live about 20 mins in opposite direction to school so would add about an hour on to my school run due to traffic.

"Lastly, I am not keen on their child at all as she is rude and doesn't like my kid to play with any other kids. It's all about what benefits them and their child and nothing about us or our child. Wtf do I say?"

Image: iStock

"Don't rely on me"

The comments section was full of advice on how to handle the situation.

"Just say, 'No, that won’t work for us'. Simple and to the point, though admittedly easier said than done. If you give any reasons, they’ll find excuses," wrote one.

Another suggested: "I think you have to be honest and say it sounds like they are expecting some help from you regarding getting their girl to school. I would point out that it is very very unlikely to happen, and they shouldn't rely on you for any lifts, if that's what they are thinking."

And a third said, "If she's dropping hints ask her to clarify what she means. Then make it clear it will not be happening. Nip it in the bud before it becomes more difficult."

But another mum said she would take things further: "Agree with asking the other mum to clarify her hints the next time she brings the topic of school runs up. Then you can just look puzzled and say ‘I’m afraid that doesn’t work for us.’

"Ordinarily I agree with the Mumsnet philosophy of stopping there. However as this would add an hour to the school run, I think it is compelling to add that you just don’t have the time in the morning to make this work."