Dear Queenie,
I have a friend who is a single mother like me, but she has no other family here and not many friends and a lot of problems. I try to help her as much as I can, but sometimes it’s just too much for me to handle, like now.
I got a few days off from work to spend time with my family and when she found out I have the time off she asked me to take care of her kids for a day or two so they wouldn’t have to go to daycare. I would like to help her, but I have made plans with my family that I don’t think I can take her kids to.
Queenie, I don’t want to be mean to her and her kids. What can I do?—Overwhelmed friend
Dear Friend,
Sometimes you have to just say “No” even to a good friend. It does not mean you are being rude or mean to them, it is just the way things are.
Do you or anyone in your family know any community organisation(s) or other resource(s) where your friend might be able to get some help? If so, do your friend the favour of referring her to it or them, especially when her needs are more than you can handle.
