Imagine you’re 22, about to become a father, and still expected to babysit your 9-year-old brother. That’s the predicament our protagonist, affectionately known as ‘Reluctant Big Bro’, finds himself in. His parents, despite their advancing years, insist he should continue to shoulder the responsibility of caring for his little brother, even as he prepares to welcome his own child into the world. Let’s delve into this family drama that’s got everyone talking.
The Unplanned Little Brother
The Reluctant Babysitter
The Constant Caretaker
The Move Out, But Not Quite Free
The Baby Bombshell
The Unbelievable Expectation
The Hard Truth
The Parental Backlash
The Tough Stand
The Emotional Blackmail
The Looming Future
The Big Move
The Adoption Suggestion ♂️
Caught Between Brotherly Love and Fatherly Duties: Who Wins?
Our ‘Reluctant Big Bro’ finds himself in a quandary. He’s been a surrogate parent to his little brother Tyler, but now he’s about to become a father himself. His parents, however, still expect him to continue caring for Tyler. Despite their demands, he’s standing his ground, insisting they need to step up as parents. With a move and a baby on the way, he’s preparing for a new chapter in his life, but the guilt of ‘abandoning’ Tyler weighs heavily on him. It’s a heart-wrenching situation, and it’s got the internet buzzing. Let’s see what the world has to say about this…
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NTA. OP should have a conversation with Tyler about the changes coming and reassure him of his love. Parents need to step up and be active in his life.
Parents’ disinterest in brother’s activities: Could age be a factor?
NTA: Communicate with your brother and set boundaries with parents.
NTA – Focus on your own family and life!
NTA. Parentification is abuse. Tyler will understand and forgive.
NTA op, seek guidance to ease out of parenting role.
Commenter wonders about the age gap between siblings.
Parents shirk responsibility for new sibling, OP not the a**hole
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NTA. Parents shouldn’t expect you to parent your sibling.
NTA. Your parents need to step up and stop being dicks.
NTA. Sit with Tyler, discuss baby responsibilities, maintain contact if needed.
Parents expect OP to co-parent brother, but OP refuses.
NTA. Not your kid, not your responsibility.
NTA shares experience of being forced to co-parent younger sibling.
Parents guilt-tripping OP to co-parent sibling. NTA.
NTA. Seek therapy for deep family issues. Invest in future.
Parents expect OP to co-parent brother, but live hours away
Parents abused OP by making them co-parent brother. NTA.
NTA – Cruel parentification. Have a word with your brother.
Parents expect him to co-parent brother, but he’s not the a**hole.
Standing up to sucky parents and setting boundaries.
NTA, but don’t abandon your brother. Find time for him
Engaging comment about sibling dynamics and parental neglect.
“NTA
This is parentification. They turned you into a single parent. If they can’t handle it, they should get a babysitter. “
Parents are lazy as f**k, OP is NTA for refusing.
Age shouldn’t prevent good parenting. OP’s parents are being unreasonable!
NTA- Parentification is abuse. Ask them to go to therapy
NTA, but talk to your brother. Show him you care
NTA suggests asking parents if they want you to adopt brother
NTA. Your parents are being selfish and abusive. Focus on your own family
NTA Your family should raise their own child. Focus on yours
NTA, parents expect OP to co-parent brother. Unfair and out of line.
“NTA – Don’t be their scapegoat. Move on with your family!”
Parents should take responsibility for their own child. NTA
NTA OP, a**hole parents treating your brother like a burden
Parenting at 50: NTA, these people are bananas!
NTA. Dad’s got the energy to raise us both!
NTA – Set boundaries with your parents and prioritize your own family.
NTA, it’s not your job to parent. Enjoy family time
NTA. Set boundaries with your parents and prioritize your own family.
Assertive response to parents’ unreasonable expectations.
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Congrats on the baby! It’s their son, not yours. Move on!
Man not expected to co-parent brother after becoming a father!
NTA: Setting boundaries with family while still showing care
NTA: Parents should prioritize brother’s well-being, not burden you.
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Engaging with a preteen sibling is important for their well-being!
NTA: Set boundaries with your parents. Don’t back down!
NTA: Parentification trauma is real and can have lasting effects!
NTA. Parents shouldn’t rely on you to raise your brother!
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Encourage brother’s independence, make him excited about being an uncle!
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NTA: Your parents are the ones letting their son down
Parents need to step up or let Tyler move in
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NTA, but talk to your brother soon and reassure him
NTA. Your parents’ ‘parentification’ robbed you of a real childhood. They’re lazy and irresponsible. Report them anonymously to CPS!
NTA but consider taking brother away from incapable parents!
NTA. Stand up for yourself and prioritize your own family.
Concerned about neglect and abuse, can he live with relatives?
NTA – Brother is not your responsibility. Explain the move.
NTA – Setting boundaries with family can be challenging
Engaging response to NTA comment about setting boundaries with brother
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NTA: Your girlfriend and child should be your priority
Age isn’t an excuse! Congrats on the energetic AF baby!
Parents should take responsibility for their own child.
NTA. Parents expect too much. Your future matters too!
NTA. Stand up for yourself and your own child!
NTA. Set boundaries and expectations for co-parenting with clear terms.
Family loyalty vs personal boundaries. NTA for setting limits.
Demanding parents expect help with baby, but won’t reciprocate.
NTA. Parentification is a form of abuse.
Time to spread your wings and leave the nest!
NTA: Parents are being hypocritical and neglecting their other child.
NTA, your parents are. Hope they don’t poison his mind. Try face timing him whenever you can.
Engage Tyler directly, explain parentification, don’t blame, emphasize love and change.
Putting your child first is always the right decision!
NTA, but explain to your brother why you can’t be main caregiver
NTA. Your parents are neglecting Tyler. Have a heart-to-heart with him.
Parents checked out, now they have to step up!
