My neighbor frequently asked me to babysit her child, but when I asked her to watch mine just once, she declined — so I came up with a creative solution

My entitled neighbor expected free babysitting for months, but the one time I needed her? Radio silence. That’s when I realized kindness has limits. So, I got a little too creative and drew the line with a twist she never saw coming.

Motherhood is a beautiful journey, filled with ups and downs, laughter and tears. But what happens when someone sees your maternal instincts as an opportunity to exploit? When they assume that just because you’re a stay-at-home mom, you’re available 24/7 to be their personal, unpaid nanny? Hi there, I’m Annie, and boy, do I have a story for you…

Picture this: a quaint suburban neighborhood where tranquility reigns supreme. You know the kind? Pristine lawns, friendly waves from passing cars, and block parties that wrap up by 9 p.m. sharp.

That was my slice of paradise, quiet and drama-free. Until Hurricane Megan blew in next door.

From day one, Megan strutted around like she owned the place. Head held high, designer purse swinging, she was the walking definition of “extra.”

Don’t get me wrong. I’ve got nothing but respect for single moms. It’s a tough gig. But Megan? She wore her single mom status like a badge that entitled her to everyone’s time and energy. Especially mine.

Apparently, I was Megan’s personal target for FREE childcare.

“Hi there! I’m Megan,” she chirped, flashing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “And this is my daughter, Lily.”

I bounced my son Tommy perched on my shoulder. “Nice to meet you! I’m Annie, and this little guy is Tommy.”

Megan’s eyes lit up. “Oh, you’re home during the day? That’s fantastic! I’ve been looking for someone reliable to watch Lily. My work schedule is just crazy, you know!”

I felt a twinge of unease but pushed it aside. “Well, I’m usually pretty busy with Tommy, but if you need help in an emergency, I can try.”

Megan’s smile widened. “That’s so sweet of you! I’m sure we’ll be great friends.”

As she left little Lily with me and walked away, I turned to Tommy. “Well, buddy, looks like we’ve got new neighbors. What do you think?”

Tommy gurgled and reached for my hair. If only I’d known what I was getting myself into.

Weeks rolled by and I was at my wit’s end. Megan’s “emergencies” had become a near-daily occurrence.

Despite my growing unease, I brushed it off. We moms gotta stick together, right? But one favor turned into two, then ten, and then I lost count.

The doorbell rang, and I groaned. “Tommy, want to bet who that is?”

I opened the door to find Megan, perfectly coiffed, with Lily in tow. “Annie, you’re a lifesaver! I’ve got this important meeting. You can watch Lily, right?”

I hesitated. “Megan, I’ve got a lot on my plate today and I can’t—”

“It’ll just be a few hours,” she interrupted, already ushering Lily inside. “You’re the best!”

Before I could protest, she was gone, leaving me with two kids and a growing sense of frustration.

Lily looked up at me with big eyes, holding a drawing of red and pink hearts. “Can we play dress-up, Annie?”

I sighed, forcing a smile. “Sure, sweetie. Let’s go find some costumes.”

As I watched the kids play, I couldn’t help but wonder how long I could keep this up.

Picture this: You’re knee-deep in diapers and alphabet songs, cherishing every moment with your little one. Then your neighbor knocks on the door again, flashing a smile and making the same monotonous request.

“Oh, Annie, would you be a sweetheart and babysit Lily for a few hours? I’m sure you wouldn’t mind watching her while I get my nails done.”

Spa days, shopping sprees, hair appointments… you name it, I was babysitting through it all. FOR FREE.

Now, don’t get me wrong. I love kids. But there’s a fine line between being neighborly and being a doormat. And folks, I was starting to feel like I had “Welcome” printed on my forehead.

The last straw came on a Tuesday. I was in the middle of a virtual doctor’s appointment when Megan burst in, Lily trailing behind her.

“Annie, emergency! I’ve got to run to the salon. Watch Lily, okay?”

I gaped at her, my doctor’s voice still coming through my earbuds. “Megan, I’m in the middle of—”

“Thanks, you’re a doll!” And just like that, she was gone.

I turned back to my screen, where my doctor looked confused. “Everything okay, Annie?”

I laughed humorlessly. “Just peachy. Now, where were we?”

That night, I vented to my husband, Dan. “I can’t believe her! She just assumes I’m always available.”

Dan frowned. “Honey, you need to set some boundaries. This isn’t fair to you or Tommy.”

“You’re right. Next time she asks, I’m putting my foot down.”

Little did I know, my chance would come sooner than expected.

The following week, Dan and I had a doctor’s appointment. I figured it was the perfect opportunity to ask Megan for a favor.

I knocked on her door, my hopes soaring. Megan answered, looking annoyed at the interruption.

“Hey, Megan. I hate to ask, but Dan and I have a doctor’s appointment. Could you watch Tommy for an hour? I’d really appreciate it.”

Megan’s face twisted. “Oh, Annie. I’m really not comfortable watching other people’s kids. It’s just… stressful, you know? And I need my ‘me time.’ You understand, right?”

I stood there, STUNNED. After everything I’d done for her, she couldn’t spare ONE HOUR?

“Sure! I understand completely.”

As I walked away, something inside me snapped. It was time for a little creative problem-solving.

My opportunity came a few days later when Megan knocked on my door, Lily in tow.

“Annie, I’ve got a hair appointment. You can watch Lily, right?”

I smiled sweetly. “Actually, Megan, I’m glad you’re here. I’ve been meaning to tell you about my new babysitting business.”

Her eyes lit up. “Babysitting business?”

“Yep! I figured since I’m home anyway, why not make some extra money? And since we’re neighbors, I’d be happy to give you a discounted rate.”

Megan leaned in, intrigued. “That’s amazing! How much?”

Tom Brady’s Son Jack, 17, Steals the Spotlight with His Stunning Looks – Is He America’s Next Top Model

Photos of Tom Brady’s son with actress Bridget Moynahan have caused a debate online. People are discussing whether Jack looks more like his mother, his father, or his stepmother as he grows older.

Tom Brady recently went out in public with his two sons, John Edward Thomas “Jack” Moynahan and Benjamin Rein, and it got social media users talking.

The former NFL star posted a casual photo on Instagram, where he is standing with his arms around his sons. In the picture, both Tom and Jack are wearing white T-shirts, while Benjamin is in black.

The strong bond between them is clear. Tom captioned the post, “The gang does @taylorswift. I think I learned I’m a Reputation guy ,” referring to Taylor Swift’s album *Reputation*.

Tom Brady’s latest Instagram post not only showed their family time but also put the spotlight on Jack, whose appearance caught the attention of many online.

One user commented, “Jack is a handsome young man, looks like his mother,” referring to Jack’s mom, actress Bridget Moynahan. Another called him “America’s next top model.” Some said Jack resembles his stepmother, Gisele Bündchen, with one person writing, “Can’t help but think the older boy looks like Gisele.”

Source: Instagram.com/tombrady

Jack’s height also got attention, with someone saying, “He’s taller than you!” Another joked, “I think Jack passed you! Ha ha.”

Fans also commented on the family’s looks, with one writing, “The jawlines are no joke!” and another saying, “Lock Jack up! He’s one of the most beautiful people in the world… What a blessing.”

Source: Instagram.com/tombrady

Even Tom received compliments. One fan wrote, “Sons are so handsome, dad’s not bad either.” Actor Donnie Wahlberg also chimed in, calling Jack the “coolest kid ever.”

In August, Tom celebrated Jack’s 17th birthday with a post featuring photos of Jack, Benjamin, and their sister Vivian. In the post, Tom praised Jack, saying, “You are a blessing in my life, and I’m so grateful to watch you grow into a young man.” He highlighted Jack’s love for family, sports, and his hard work.

Source: Instagram.com/tombrady

Tom also playfully mentioned that Jack now beats him in basketball. Being part of a family with ties to sports and modeling, Jack has many options for his future, and Tom supports him fully.

Source: Instagram.com/tombrady

In a 2023 interview, Tom shared that while Jack played football last year, he prefers basketball and lacrosse, with basketball being his favorite. Tom said he would be happy with whatever Jack chooses and praised his academic success, calling him a “very good student.”

Source: Instagram.com/tombrady

Tom has mentioned that Jack lives in New York City and continues to impress him with his dedication. The proud father is amazed by who Jack is becoming.

Gisele Bündchen, Tom’s ex-wife, has also spoken about her relationship with Jack. In a 2015 interview, she shared how she learned Bridget was pregnant with Jack while she and Tom were dating, which was difficult at first. But over time, her love for her stepson grew, and she now calls him a “sweet bonus child.”

Source: Instagram.com/tombrady

Despite their 2022 divorce, Tom and Gisele continue to co-parent their kids. Tom recently shared his thoughts on fatherhood, saying he wouldn’t pressure his kids to follow in his footsteps in football, but he will support them in whatever they choose.

Source: Instagram.com/tombrady

In an interview last year, Tom acknowledged that his kids face unique challenges because of who their parents are. He expressed his hope that they find their own passions and build strong connections as they grow.

Source: Instagram.com/tombrady

As Jack Moynahan grows up in the public eye, whether he follows his famous parents’ paths or chooses his own, his future will be closely watched.

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