that's another thing we do - if we can't physically help (my dodgy wrist means heavy lifting can, at times, be totally out of the question), i'll offer to have kidlets over here. it's no big deal for me, but it can be a huge help for my friends.

the friend we moved is a single mum - her mum helps her out, but her brother (who lives local) seems to be a bit like mine. we work the same days at work, although she is working full time in a senior role at the moment, so has to organise care for Thursdays for her (almost) 3 year old. i've just said if her mum can't have him, drop him here. we're home anyway, so i'm not having to make big arrangements around him. it's not an inconvenience for us at all. but i know she won't because she feels like it's a huge deal - probably because of the song and dance members of her family make if they're asked to help at all kwim?

i'm glad there are some helpful people on BB

and I'm glad Astrid mentioned that different friendship "groups" seem to have a different ethos towards helping - was beginning to think i was the only one that noticed it!