Dear Queenie,
I babysit often for a neighbour. The problem is the mother has the habit of calling me at a moment’s notice, or saying something like “I’ll need you tomorrow, but I don’t know what time.”
The children are well-behaved and I enjoy taking care of them and I certainly can use the money she pays me, but I don’t like having to change my plans at the last minute.
Queenie, how do I get her to be more considerate?—Fed up
Dear Fed up,
Do not be so accommodating. If she calls at the last minute, tell her you are sorry, but you have other plans and are not available, and next time she should give you advance notice.
And if she gives notice, but is vague about the exact time, you can tell her you need to know exactly when to be available, or that you will be available from x-o’clock on and expect to be paid from that hour (I assume she pays you for your services), no matter when exactly you actually arrive at her house.
