Picture this: you’re happily married and have made the decision to remain child-free. Your mother-in-law, however, has been dying for some grandbabies. When your sister-in-law finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, your MIL sees an opportunity to fulfill her dream. But is it fair for her to expect you to help raise the child? ♀️ In this story, we follow the journey of a woman who’s caught in the middle of a family drama involving her husband, his sister, and their overbearing mother.
The Baby Pressure Begins
Child-Free and Loving It
Dan’s Sister, Anna, Enters the Scene
Anna’s Big News
Seeking Advice
MIL’s Influence
Anna’s Decision
The Baby Arrives
Setting Up the Nursery ️
MIL’s Struggles
Standing My Ground
“A Child Needs a Village” ️
Even Dan Thinks I’m Harsh
Caught in the Crossfire of Family Drama
Our protagonist is happily married to Dan and they’ve chosen to remain child-free. However, Dan’s sister, Anna, finds herself pregnant and unsure of what to do. After seeking advice from our protagonist and her mother-in-law (MIL), Anna decides to keep the baby, with MIL offering to help raise the child while Anna continues her education. But when MIL realizes she’s in over her head, she turns to our protagonist for help. Despite working from home, our protagonist stands her ground, insisting that her niece isn’t her responsibility. Anna and even Dan think she’s being harsh, but she’s worried about being taken advantage of and roped into regular childcare. Let’s see what the internet thinks of this sticky situation…
RELATED STORIES
Politely declining babysitting responsibility. NTA
Sassy response to Dan’s sudden volunteering for babysitting.
Enjoy your free time! NTA for not babysitting.
NTA. Suggestions for MIL to seek alternate childcare options.
NTA. MIL and SIL need to change their life plans. Time to involve the father and his village.
You’re in the clear! MIL and Anna face the consequences
Child-free commenter supports OP in setting boundaries with MIL
MIL’s plot backfires, NTA gets a weekend off
Savage comment shuts down mother-in-law’s plot
Dan is free to visit on weekends, MIL’s grandchild plot failed
NTA. MIL’s baby plot backfires, you won’t give up your life.
Husband should deal with MIL’s plot, not wife. NTA
Dan’s double standards exposed in NTA comment
NTA. Don’t be roped into their village. Hold your ground.
You’re not responsible for the ‘villagers’! NTA
User predicts future marital troubles in witty comment.
NTA – You’re not obligated to take care of the baby.
OP sets boundaries, not the village idiot. NTA
Raising a child is a serious commitment, not a possession
NTA stands up for child-free choice amidst MIL’s plot
Parenting is a responsibility of parents, not the village
MIL lied to Anna & expects OP to be main caregiver
Don’t be a doormat, let Dan deal with his family
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/14f00667-ea17-42c3-a9f3-7e5aa025a130.png)
SIL needs to step up, NTA suggests cutting MIL off
NTA. Husband is welcome to volunteer, but shouldn’t drag you. Anna can’t be mad.
Mother-in-law wanted grandchild, now stuck with niece. NTA.
NTA shuts down mother-in-law’s grandchild plot with sass
Should Anna give up her baby for adoption?
NTA shuts down mother-in-law’s baby plot ♀️
Choosing to be childfree is a reasonable choice
Mother-in-law’s plot to have grandchild backfires, commenter supports OP
Choosing not to have children doesn’t make you the a**hole
NTA, but why not get child support from father?
Maintaining boundaries is important. You’re not the a-hole!
Setting boundaries with in-laws without being an a**hole ♀️
Aunt’s advice saves OP from MIL’s grandchild plot
Setting firm boundaries when MIL persuades daughter to keep baby
MIL’s grandchild plot backfires and she learns a lesson
Gender bias in parenting roles. NTA and husband support.
NTA: MIL’s grandchild obsession backfires
Girls trip revenge plan for Dan suggested. NTA wins!
Supportive comment reminds parents to take responsibility and seek help
Empowering response to mother-in-law’s grandchild plot
Traditional parenting values defended in child-rearing debate
Mind your own business or face the repercussions
NTA, Dan can help at his mom’s house
NTA calls out MIL’s behavior, warns against babysitting duties.
Supportive comment to a woman standing up for herself
MIL’s plan backfires as commenters support daughter-in-law’s decision
NTA for not helping, responsibility was never agreed upon
NTA: Taking responsibility for childcare should not fall solely on you.
MIL gets what she wanted, but not a Toyota
Setting boundaries with in-laws, NTA for not signing up.
“Maybe you should’ve made sure that a village was available”
NTA but Anna needs to come home and care for baby or at least participate in caring for baby part of the time so MIL has some help. ♀️ ♂️
Child-free by choice, not obligated to help raise grandchild. NTA
Setting boundaries with family can be tough
MIL wants a do-over baby, but OP won’t bail them out. NTA
Childless couple shouldn’t be forced to help MIL raise grandchild
Stand up to your MIL and set boundaries with Dan.
Setting boundaries with in-laws is important
Coercing to keep grandchild – not cool, says child-free commenter
Grandma’s plan backfires, commenter says NTA for setting boundaries
Stand your ground and don’t let MIL manipulate you
Mother-in-law’s plan fails, commenter calls out husband’s ignorance.
NTA – Not your kid, not your problem.
Mother-in-law’s ‘do over baby’ plan backfires, NTA takes action
MIL’s grandchild plot backfires, commenter sympathizes and suggests help
MIL’s plot to raise grandchild backfires. Commenter questions logic
Dan can take the baby while she enjoys music festival. NTA!
Unapologetic response shuts down entitled MIL’s grandchild demands
“Stick to your NO.” Firm response to manipulative mother-in-law
Redditor advises being less polite with in-laws.
Misogynistic MIL fails to manipulate, commenter relieved OP not procreating
MIL’s grandchild plot backfires, commenters call out parentification
