Alpha - the future is now!

[alpha99]

Thanks toots for your helpful comments.

I did say that my phone had been on silent hence why I didn't answer the calls. W was fine with that.

she has actually just called back yet again. This time in a very narky manner saying how it's not fair, I'm messing her about, she's going to lose X amount in wages etc.

I was calm and clear throughout. I said I can't be an on call babysitter. You have given me less than one hour's notice.

She then said she would have to let the kids go to one of her friends from the school. This women is hopeless with her own child. In fact, in the 18 months we've known her she has lost her own child at school on two occasions. I said, if you have so little respect for our children that you're going to leave them with XXX then God help us all.

W said she wouldn't do that (errr what did she just say a moment ago?) and that she would have to call in work. She ended with a stream of this is not fair, you're only doing this to make me suffer, S6 has been asking to spend time with you and you won't let him etc.

I reiterated it was last minute and also said that I had plans. She said that's all you had to say. I said, OK, well see you soon, bye.

I think the fall out from this will be that she is very angry over the next day or two, and no doubt if I see her parents again they'll chime in with you should be doing this and you should be doing that, it's very for our D and you're not helping at all, but ultimately I think this is going to mean that we get a childcare plan in place. That will be a start.

Edit: just to add, this is the first time that I've really put my foot down on something. I think only a short time ago I would have rushed up there straight away to try and be helpful, without realising that I'm just being a doormat for her. It feels good to know that I can be strong, independent, and do what's right. This is definitely a turning point. I am no longer in shock mode, no longer infatuated with the idea of getting her back and responding in an emotional manner. I feel like that has lifted. I want things to work out, I really, really do, but I'm not held hostage by the idea that they won't anymore.