“They Call Me Evil And Rude”: Woman In Labor Is Mad At Neighbor Who Won’t Take Her Kids At 3am
Going into labor can be a crazy experience for parents. Especially when it’s unexpected, it can suddenly flood Mom and Dad’s minds with a million thoughts. Where is the hospital bag? Do we have a babysitter to watch our older kids? Did I remember to put on shoes?
While expecting parents can’t know the exact moment when labor will begin, it’s important to have a plan in place for when it does. Otherwise, you might end up banging on your neighbor’s door at 3am, only to be told that she won’t watch your children. Below, you’ll find the full story that one mother posted on Reddit detailing how she almost got stuck watching her neighbor’s kids, as well as some of the replies invested readers left her.
It’s important for expecting couples to have a detailed plan in place for when labor finally strikes
Image credits: cottonbro studio / pexels (not the actual photo)
Because when this mom awoke to neighbors banging on her door at 3am, she was not interested in watching their kids
Image credits: Polesie Toys / pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: MART PRODUCTION / pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: No-Pumpkin5167
Most people know some of their neighbors, but that doesn’t mean they’re actually close
How well you know your neighbors depends on many factors. If you live in a suburban neighborhood where everyone walks their dogs each day and waves hello while driving by, you might be able to name every single resident. If you live in a tall apartment building in a crowded city, however, you might not even acknowledge a single other person who you encounter in the stairwell.
According to a Pew Research Center survey, 57% of Americans say they know some of their neighbors, while only about a third say they know most of them. But about two thirds of those who do know their neighbors say they would be comfortable asking to leave a spare set of keys with them in case of an emergency. Being friends with those who live around you can be greatly beneficial in moments when you need another cup of sugar or a ride to a doctor’s appointment.
But just knowing your neighbors does not mean you’re entitled to demand assistance from them at all hours of the day (or night). Problem Neighbors reports that the most common conflicts that arise between residents are over noise, boundary disputes, maintaining shared facilities, trees and gardens and issues with children. For example, kids may vandalize property, trespass, make too much noise, etc. And of course, they require proper supervision at all times.
Image credits: Askar Abayev / pexels (not the actual photo)
Childcare for older siblings is an important factor for parents to consider before giving birth
Being a parent requires constant planning, especially when you’re expecting another addition to your family some time soon. Prior to going into labor, Northwestern Medicine says couples must have their gear ready (usually a hospital bag packed full of essentials), know the first signs of labor, know when it’s time to go to the hospital, recognize red flags, and have a plan but be flexible.
And if you’re a parent already, it’s crucial to consider where your older ones will be while you’re at the hospital. NCT explains on their site that it would be unusual for moms and dads to bring their little ones along while going to the hospital for labor. They recommend instead finding a close friend or family member to act as a babysitter while you’re giving birth.
And it’s always wise to have a plan B and C just in case the labor happens unexpectedly. Unfortunately, most hospitals do not offer on-site childcare to patients, so parents must consider the best options for their children before the big birthday arrives.
Image credits: Lina Kivaka / pexels (not the actual photo)
It’s wise to have several babysitters lined up in case labor occurs unexpectedly
Lamaze also notes that there are many factors to consider before choosing who will be watching your new baby’s siblings while you’re in the hospital. For example, will the babysitter(s) be available for several days? In case there are complications with the birth or the labor lasts an incredibly long time, it’s important to make sure your kids won’t be left alone.
If your little ones have any allergies, dietary restrictions, etc. it’s important for the babysitter to know and understand how to take care of your children appropriately. This time can be stressful for kids, as they might have to be away from their parents for a few days, so it’s crucial that they feel comfortable with their guardian. If they won’t be staying at home, make sure they have their favorite books, toys, etc. to allow them to be as relaxed as possible.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this story in the comments below, pandas. Do you think this mom was right to refuse to babysit on a whim for her neighbors? Feel free to share, and then if you’re interested in reading another Bored Panda article discussing entitled neighbors, look no further than right here.
Image credits: cottonbro studio / pexels (not the actual photo)
Some readers took the mother’s side, and she joined in on the conversation
Others continued assuring the mom that she had done nothing wrong
However, some called her out for not taking in the kids, and she responded to several comments
Other readers continued calling out the mom for refusing to babysit
Later, the mother shared her thoughts on comments she received and provided an update on the situation
Image credits: cottonbro studio / pexels (not the actual photo)
Image credits: No-Pumpkin5167
This is not something you can just spring on a neighbor in the middle of the night (unless it's true emergency like a premature birth maybe). At the very least they should have asked well in advance would they be willing to mind the kids in that case. But they didn't, probably deliberately so they couldn't be told no, and tried to just guilt them into it. Absolutely no way.
Yeah, and to try to watch an 11 month old, a 1 year old, a 2 year old, and a 4 year old when you're not set up for it is a disaster waiting to happen. A kid could even get hurt. No way would I do it.
Load More Replies...It must be a cultural thing, where I come from in France if you can help someone you help, you don't have to know them, you don't worry about whether they 'deserve' help you just do what you can, it's what decent people do here
This. You don't keep tally of the pros and cons in an emergency. And it's much nicer that way.
Load More Replies...Birth is unexpected. It sometimes moves MUCH faster than you think. We have only have one persons side of this and no side from the mother in labour about who were supposed to be her backup people and why they (unsurprisingly) did not hear their phone at 3am. Everyone is just assuming the woman had no plan whatsoever and dumped her kids on the first neighbour who happened to answer. I took my neighbours kids in the middle of night when she went into labour two weeks early. I had them until thier grandparents arrived at breakfast time. My girlfriend went into labour hard and fast and left her kids with her neighbour until she got hold of me to arrive. When did we get so mean that we instead of actually helping a mother clearly in need, we turn her away and then blast her about being unprepared for something she has no control over? YTA. And I hope you never ever find yourself in that woman's shoes.
lenka, this woman will probably never find herself in those shoes because she actually thinks ahead and has a plan ready to go. Your lack of planning does not make an emergency for me, whether it's selecting plane seats or having babies. What is Miss I Need Help going to do in the days ahead when she doesn't get enough sleep, can't nurse, has a question? Did she plan for any of that? How does she plan on dealing with her previous two kids when she has a newborn? Does she expect all the neighbors to show up to cook her meals, clean her house, babysit her kids? My thoughts on all of this are, children don't happen on accident anymore and if they do, it's because you were stupid about birth control. It's not my fault or concern because you can't plan things better and I refuse to let you, your kids, and your lack of planning become MY problem. Get it together like in month three and have a d**n plan!
Load More Replies...This is not something you can just spring on a neighbor in the middle of the night (unless it's true emergency like a premature birth maybe). At the very least they should have asked well in advance would they be willing to mind the kids in that case. But they didn't, probably deliberately so they couldn't be told no, and tried to just guilt them into it. Absolutely no way.
Yeah, and to try to watch an 11 month old, a 1 year old, a 2 year old, and a 4 year old when you're not set up for it is a disaster waiting to happen. A kid could even get hurt. No way would I do it.
Load More Replies...It must be a cultural thing, where I come from in France if you can help someone you help, you don't have to know them, you don't worry about whether they 'deserve' help you just do what you can, it's what decent people do here
This. You don't keep tally of the pros and cons in an emergency. And it's much nicer that way.
Load More Replies...Birth is unexpected. It sometimes moves MUCH faster than you think. We have only have one persons side of this and no side from the mother in labour about who were supposed to be her backup people and why they (unsurprisingly) did not hear their phone at 3am. Everyone is just assuming the woman had no plan whatsoever and dumped her kids on the first neighbour who happened to answer. I took my neighbours kids in the middle of night when she went into labour two weeks early. I had them until thier grandparents arrived at breakfast time. My girlfriend went into labour hard and fast and left her kids with her neighbour until she got hold of me to arrive. When did we get so mean that we instead of actually helping a mother clearly in need, we turn her away and then blast her about being unprepared for something she has no control over? YTA. And I hope you never ever find yourself in that woman's shoes.
lenka, this woman will probably never find herself in those shoes because she actually thinks ahead and has a plan ready to go. Your lack of planning does not make an emergency for me, whether it's selecting plane seats or having babies. What is Miss I Need Help going to do in the days ahead when she doesn't get enough sleep, can't nurse, has a question? Did she plan for any of that? How does she plan on dealing with her previous two kids when she has a newborn? Does she expect all the neighbors to show up to cook her meals, clean her house, babysit her kids? My thoughts on all of this are, children don't happen on accident anymore and if they do, it's because you were stupid about birth control. It's not my fault or concern because you can't plan things better and I refuse to let you, your kids, and your lack of planning become MY problem. Get it together like in month three and have a d**n plan!
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