I have a young neighbour who is very kind and helpful, we are on very good terms and I value her friendship.
Occasionally, I have kept an eye on her young daughter while my neighbour is at work. She’s a dear little girl, and not much trouble, but obviously needs attention, meals and amusement.
Now my neighbour has more or less assumed that I will provide childcare throughout the school holidays, and I don’t know how to politely refuse.
I would like to help, but I already look after my own young grandchildren, who are also nicely behaved, and of course I adore them, but I am exhausted.
At 71 years, and being very arthritic, a houseful of young children to feed and amuse all through the working week, and often at weekends, is just an overwhelming prospect.
How can I politely cut down on these commitments? I don’t want to appear unhelpful, but people seem to think that being retired I have nothing whatever to do. In fact I would love a day out, a leisurely shopping trip, lunch with friends, a weekend away, but all these things are impossible because of all the jobs which are found for me.
I know it’s my own fault for finding it hard to say ‘no’, but I do value my kindly neighbours and dear family, and don’t want to upset or inconvenience them!
Gary Glitter programme Tuesday
To think that London, or anywhere else for that matter, does not belong to any one demographic