Bitch Cafe - To Drive or Not To Drive

Question Posted by Teri @ http://snarkfestblog.blogspot.com/

My oldest offspring is 15 and basketball tryouts are this week. I work in town, the husband works in DC. Today is election day so the schools are all used as polling places, and therefore the kids are off from school today. 15's basketball tryouts are scheduled all week from 3:30 to 5:30, even today. Yes, that's right, somehow the kids are supposed to find a way to school at 3:30 in the afternoon, despite many of them coming from two-income households. Oldest arranges for a ride after yesterday's practice, but the girl says "I'll take you if I don't spend the night at Sally's house." At noon today I ask oldest child if she has heard from her ride. "No" she says. I ask if she can text or call said ride. "No, I put my number in her phone but I don't have HER number". God help me.



So now oldest child has not heard a word from her ride, and has frantically texted or messaged others to no avail. She texts me BEGGING me to drive her. This means I need to leave work, go home, pick her up, drive her to the high school and drive back to work. How many of your bosses would be totally cool with that? Mine sure isn't. And rightfully so, the man's not paying me to drive my kids all over when they need rides. He's paying me to work. In the office. Not on the road. I'm an office administrator, my job is at my desk. Why does it fall on my shoulders to ensure that my 15 year old daughter has a ride to try-outs?? Husband texts me that "she could get cut from the team! Can't you drive her or find someone who can??" Yes honey, and when she's 28 and still living in my basement I'm sure she'll thank me for all the valuable lessons I've taught her.

I did not drive her. I did call her at 3:25 to suggest several neighbors she can call but she says no, if she comes in late, he'll just tell her to turn around and leave. He doesn't want anyone showing up late. Did I mention she never got his contact information? She can't text or call him to explain why she's not there at tryouts.

At what point do I need to NOT hold her hand? Why does the burden ALWAYS fall on the mother? What would YOU do in this situation?