Meet our 21-year-old electrician apprentice, who’s had enough of his parents’ constant requests to babysit his 9-month-old baby brother. Sharing an apartment with two roommates, he’s been trying to live his life independently. But his parents, both 46, are struggling to find affordable childcare and have been asking him almost every week to help them out. Finally, he snapped and let them know exactly how he feels. Let’s dive into this family drama and see if he was too harsh or just standing his ground.
The Struggle Begins
Parents in Need
The Weekly Request
Childfree by Choice
Babysitting Blues
Sibling Gap
The Breaking Point
Harsh Words ️
Setting Boundaries
The Aftermath
A Family Torn Apart by Childcare Struggles
Our 21-year-old protagonist is fed up with his parents’ constant requests to babysit his baby brother. He’s made it clear that he’s childfree and has no interest in taking care of kids. The breaking point came when he told them off, stating that he’s not responsible for their childcare needs and doesn’t want to be friends with someone young enough to be his son. Since then, he hasn’t heard from his parents and is worried he may have been too harsh. But what do people think about this situation? Let’s see the top responses from the internet!
RELATED STORIES
Adults shouldn’t be forced to babysit their siblings. NTA
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/5437d3a0-3afb-4027-9f6f-b866dbe3e593.png)
Setting boundaries and standing up for yourself.
Refusing to help family may have consequences. ♂️
NTA for not wanting to babysit, but deeper family issues present
Sibling advice: Don’t burn bridges, wait and see
A commenter shares their experience and advises OP to reconsider. YTA.
Setting boundaries: NTA for refusing to babysit baby brother
NTA stands up against parents who shirk their responsibilities
NTA, tactfully pointed out parents’ responsibility, exhaustion, and choices.
Sibling relationships are important, don’t let it go to waste
Don’t judge the parents for asking for help once in awhile
Suggests helping parents in other ways and building a relationship
Setting boundaries with family can be tough
User suggests fair solution for babysitting dilemma.
Standing up for boundaries and responsibilities. NTA.
User calls out OP for being cold and potentially damaging relationships.
NTA but immature Possible jealousy towards baby brother
Not responsible for a child. NTA if harassed. Disturbing requests.
Responsibility for siblings’ children debated. NTA wins.
Family loyalty questioned in heated comment section. YTA verdict.
NTA but setting boundaries is important to avoid future conflicts
Unwillingness to help parents with baby brother makes you TA.
NTA. Commenter sympathizes with the OP’s situation and suggests giving emotional leeway to the parents.
NTA. Babysitting for a break every week? Pay a sitter
Stand your ground! You’re not the a**hole here.
User calls out OP for being cold towards family
User defends 21-year-old’s decision not to babysit baby brother. NTA.
User argues parents shouldn’t have had another kid. NTA.
Redditor calls out OP for being selfish for not babysitting
NTA has the right to refuse babysitting, but overreacted
Mixed reactions on NTA’s decision to not babysit brother
User calls out OP for not wanting a sibling relationship
CF person stands their ground, NTA for refusing babysitting duties
NTA questions parents’ financial stability and decision-making skills.
Family expects 21-year-old to babysit baby brother, he refuses. NTA.
Sibling drama: 21-year-old refuses to babysit baby brother. NTA.
Sibling refuses to babysit baby brother due to parents’ irresponsibility. #NTA
Parenting is not for everyone, NTA.
NTA for not babysitting, but consider being there for your brother
Don’t let your parents guilt trip you into babysitting.
NTA, but beware of possible coercion. Call CPS if necessary
Choosing to have a relationship with siblings is personal
42yo father urges OP to compromise and not be self-centered
NTA for not wanting to babysit, but family dynamics seem complicated
NTA commenter argues against entitled parents demanding free labor.
NTA. Polite but firm response to unreasonable family expectations.
Boundaries set, family drama ensues. NTA wins with grace
Setting boundaries as a non-babysitting aunt
User calls out OP for being selfish and ungrateful
Setting boundaries with family , but be careful of future consequences
Taking responsibility for your own kids.
Redditor disagrees with NTA verdict, reminds OP of adulthood reality
Resentment towards a 9-month-old? NTA but what’s up?
YTA for being unwilling to compromise and not wanting to help.
Childfree commenter supports OP’s decision not to babysit
NTA, electricians work hard and deserve their RR.
Clear NTA response, boundaries respected. Good job setting limits
User calls out OP for being selfish and immature. YTA.
Electrician solidarity! Emergency rates for entitled family. NTA.
No obligation to babysit. Parents should have planned better
Choosing NTA but suggesting tact for better communication
Setting boundaries is important, but consider long-term effects
Family drama over babysitting. NTA suggests alternative solutions.
User calls out OP for poor behavior and predicts karma.
Parents shouldn’t expect a break if they have a baby. NTA
Sibling refuses to babysit baby brother, but won’t have relationship either
NTA: Parent’s poor financial planning shouldn’t burden older child.
User sympathizes with not wanting to give up free time, but advises against outright refusal to help family.
User calls out OP for refusing to bond with sibling
Family drama ensues as commenter calls out selfish behavior.
Boundaries set with grace. NTA wins the babysitting battle.
Boundaries set. NTA for refusing to babysit.
No obligation to babysit. Parents should have considered before having baby.
NTA comment shuts down family drama with Clue Stick™.
Sibling refuses to babysit baby brother, NTA prevails.
Don’t feel guilty for not babysitting. Offer help you’re comfortable with.
