I was just about at the end of my rope this morning--we've been cooped up for nearly the entire Christmas vacation, as the kids and I have been passing illnesses to one another. This morning my friend offered to take my oldest (the healthy kid) to the zoo with her and her 2.5 yr old daughter. She knows that my son is "energetic" and "willful" but offered anyways. I was not totally at ease with it, because I KNOW how trying he can be, and, honestly, I didn't want it to be a bad experience for her. I put my control-freak nature aside and accepted her kind offer, and off to the zoo they went.
I know he wasn't an angel for her--she said he was pretty well behaved "for him" LOL, which, in my mind, means that he was challenging. I know that in the car he kept using potty words, which her daughter joined in on (monkey see, monkey do). I imagine it was a very annoying car ride, since it takes almost 30 min to get to the zoo.
Anyways, she really saved my sanity today, and I was able to go grocery shopping and get some cleaning done. SO thankful for it. Only a few more days til he goes back to school--whew! :)
What'd be a nice way to thank her?
First, say so! This friend is a keeper.
Then look for a way you can reciprocate. She may need you to look after her daughter some time. Or there may be an illness at her house and she may need a meal or a shopper (or a laundress).
Thank you for posting this! You've given a great example of the way friends show love for one another.
(P.S. Wouldn't it be great if kids shared their toys as readily as they do their germs?)
Offer to do the same for her to give her a break as well. I have a couple of friends that we exchange kiddos every once in a while so that everyone gets a small break every few weeks. It's great!
How about reciprocate when she needs a sanity break? :)
How about some sinful chocolates! Godiva's are first on the list!
And a heartfelt hug!
Dawn
I would just offer to return the favor somesday and take her kid(s) so she can have a break. Oh, and most of the time it seems kids are better behaved when they are with someone other than their parents...so it probably wasn't too bad for her. =)
Give her a coupon to return the favor someday. I'm sure she has her days, too.
she has a little one how about returning the favor and maybe babysit so her and whoever she has in her life can have a date type night
Return the favor absolutley. When I watch a friends children it would make me uncomfortable if they did something for me. I'd much rather that person did the same for me. Now, if she refuses keep it simple. "Thanks and if you ever need me, I owe ya big time." just leave it at that.
I think a very sincere thank you, or a thank you note. I dont think you need to give any sort of gift. You cant really compensate her.
Do say that you would always be happy to return the favor.
How about a gift from your son to her daughter. This is what I did recently for a close friend, and then it saved her feeling awkward that I was trying to "pay" her. Have your son give her daughter a card wtih a gift card to Target (or any store where they can buy diapers, food, household necessities, etc.) and a nice note thanking she and her mom for including him on the trip to the zoo.
I'd return the favor. You are indeed blessed to have a friend like that!!
I agree with Dawn. Godiva!!!! I would put up your child times three for a few bars of the dark chocalate Godiva!
BTW, also moms another good chocalate but less expensive is Ritter Sport--dark chocalate with nuts. It is very good! R
"I LOVE YOU!! You are the BEST friend ever! You totally saved my sanity today. Anytime I can save yours, PLEASE let me know.
You are AWESOME!!!"
Definitely return the favor. Throwing in a chocolate bar would be a nice addition too.
I am with Rhonda w/the cheaper chocolate: Ritter Sport
and
a nice heart felt thank you spelling out how she "restored" your sanity.
Then return the favor if and when you can!
All you do, is personally thank her and tell her.
Directly.
She knew how your son is and still took him. To give you a break.
She wanted to. You did not have to twist her arm and force her.
She is nice and did it out of thoughtfulness.
So, just thank her.
With heartfelt words. Or a thing of cookies.
She is your friend. She knows you are appreciative because she knows you.
However, some people do nice things for others, and then they expect the other person to be SOOOOOOO grateful and demonstrative of it and they want to hang it over the other person's head and want to keep hearing "thank you so much for..." all the damn time.
So with people like that, they are not being helpful out of thoughtfulness, but to assuage their own, sense of ego over others.
I only say this because I know someone like that.
Anyway, in your case, all you have to do is say thank you to her. She is your friend. You don't have to do any favors for her to thank her. Just saying a heartfelt thank you, is enough.
A friend, understands.
Tell her you're going to return the favor and then make sure to do it soon. Just think - it could turn into a regular thing. There's a little girl who's so tough we know but her mom is great about taking my girls sometimes so I do the same for her and it's been a mutually beneficial thing for ages. It's worth taking her hellion... I LOVE chocolate but would much rather she take my girls bc they're happy and I can always buy myself chocolate. That's a nice thought of course but playdates are priceless. :)
You could reciprocate by taking her daughter out with you & your children one day (thereby giving her a day to herself). If you are feeling extremely grateful & generous, you could also give her a spa/salon gift certificate.
Do the same for her. Any mom will appreciate some time alone - even if it means cleaning the house with no one running through. Call and say thank you again and offer to take her little one for a few hours one morning.
Glad you have a friend who can do that for you.
