I was so stressing over this Girl Scout product sale. I figured I wouldn't have time to do all the paperwork needed in time. They were supposed to come and drop it off tonight. Did anyone show up? Only one person. My co-leader didn't even bring me hers. I was SOOO tempted to tell her she'd be SOL because it was due TODAY in order for me to get the paperwork done. So we ended up having this "discussion". Where she asked if I had called the parents to remind them to bring the stuff. HUH?? Since when are we babysitters to these parents? She's used to doing that stuff. I refuse. I told her nope, I didn't. She said if she had known I didn't have time she would have called. I told her it had nothing to do w/time and everything to do with refusing to. I'm not going to follow behind them and make sure they're on track. She went on to say we've just shot ourselves in the foot because that means we have less in the checkbook than we could have had. I told her we shot THEM in the foot because THEY'RE the ones that are, in the end, going to have to pay if they want their daughter to go on outings and such. I told her nobody calls ME when my bills are due, I bet nobody calls THEM when THEIR bills are due. So why is this any different. I was so ticked I got in my car and left. I'm the type of person that when I get REALLY ticked off I could just cry--or scream. I have commited to being co-leader and it goes against everything I am to back out. But I don't...HONESTLY don't think I can continue being her co-leader. And to think, I'm supposed to be cookie mom. There ain't NO way I can do that. Not the way things are run. She wants to baby them and I just cannot function that way. I absolutely HATE confrontation and I feel one coming on. And THAT ticks me off. It's not like I'd be leaving her in the lurch. She has her daughter (one of her older ones) as co-leader also.
So how do I live with myself if I quit as co-leader? What would YOU all do?
I should mention---oldest daughter really doesn't want to be in GS anyway.

Brenda,

You live with yourself just fine. Politely tell the woman that since you have such obviously different leadership styles, that you feel it would be best to step down as co-leader. Then, go on with your life. Trust me, girl scout cookies are not worth the aggrivation of having to deal with difficult people. Also, if your DD wants to leave girl scouts, let her, and find an activity that she would really enjoy. Life's too short to put up with silly stuff. Just think of guilt cookies as "illegal foods" and refuse to eat them.

Nikki

I never thought of explaining it like that.
Well, I best get used to being talked about cuz she likes to complain about how this person's done this or that person's done that. I'll be on her list now.

Thanks for the tips!!

Brenda - Being a leader myself, I have already informed my parents that I will be a leader as long as DD is wanting to participate in GS. I can totally relate to your parent issues! if you want to talk off line.. PM me me! I have been going around and around with this with my parents too!

Just be honest B, you can never loose with that. I agree if DD doesn't want to do it anyway find her another activity, kids have short attention spans maybe GS for her is all played out.

Brenda, you don't need this stress, just be honest and tell her its just not for you.
We all can't be what others want us to be, heavens no.

Things will be fine, you'll see.

Update on this situation. I had told her I was going to stop after work and pick up her stuff. It takes about 20-25 minutes to get there. took me about 30 because there was a detour. I got there and SHE WASN'T HOME!!! So I talked to her daughter. Told her I'd sit and wait for 10-15 minutes. I waited 20. Then I left. I did my paperwork w/out HER stuff. Now she left a message on my answering machine w/some excuse and probably expects me to be able to process her stuff already. Too late!!! So let's just say is going to hit the fan!!! I'll call her later tonight.

She sounds like a flake, it is just better for you to move on if she is gonna be that way.

Well, having my mom years and years ago as a leader, then me as one of her co leaders for my little sisters group (ok, not GS, but Camp Fire Girls, Inc. ...still, same with all the same, but candy, not cookies...LOL)

Anyway, as I was reading your post, I was thinkng ALL along, "Where is this other lady's commitment?" Then you mention your commitment.

That's the key right there. How can you be commited if the other one is not going to make an effort?

I say let her alone for a while. And maybe there is even someone out there who would REALLY appreciate the hard work you do, and you may just need to move on to better places with it--and only if you want to. much luck in your decision. Sonnet

The chicken strikes again. Ok, so I didn't actually talk TO her. I left a message w/her daughter (the one that's the co-leader also). I know, it's the chickens way out. But after all the stress I put on myself over this I just had to get it out no matter WHO answered (even if it had been the answering machine). So now she knows the product sale is done. The oldest DD doesn't want to be in GS anymore and I won't be there for leader (or cookie mom, either). You know what?? I feel SO relieved!! I still have to see her Saturday, but hey, I can deal with that. It'll be ok!!! I never realised how uptight I was about this! Just goes to show the mind is a mysterious thing!!!