IT’S one-way traffic as far as my sister-inlaw is concerned.

Whenever she wants to go away and needs a free babysitter service, she calls us.

We go and collect our nieces, who we adore, and treat them to anything they want. Yet my husband (her youngest brother) and I are aware that we never get invited to the barbecues and parties that take place at her house.

I was round at her place helping to decorate the bathroom and she actually asked me to leave because she had friends coming round for a big meal.

She and her brood often come to us for Christmas and Easter, so why are we always snubbed when we’re OK to be used by her?

JANE SAYS: Your sisterin-law needs to hear how you feel.

She’s happy leaving her children in your care, but doesn’t invite you to a simple meal as a thank-you.

Just why is that? How come her friends attend her social gatherings but you don’t?

You don’t need to be confrontational, but you do need to state your case. If you feel your help isn’t appreciated and you are being taken for granted, then maybe you and her need to discuss rules and boundaries.

Obviously you love your nieces, but she can’t employ emotional blackmail.

Who would provide free babysitting care if not you? Doesn’t she appreciate how much you do?