Unappreciated Woman Stops Free Babysitting For Demanding Brother After His Kid Has a Tantrum, He Starts Spreading Rumors About Her: ‘She can’t deal with real responsibilities’

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Briana Viser • Writer and Editor
Sep 11, 2024 2:00 PM EDT

Welcome back internet enthusiasts. Sometimes family expects too much of us. There are lines drawn in the sand, but we're the only ones who can see it. It makes sense that in times of trouble or loneliness, we turn to family members for support. We still need to remember that they're human too, they have their own feelings, boundaries, and preferences. 

In this particular Reddit thread, the woman is feeling unappreciated by her entitled brother. She's been babysitting her nephew for a while now, and she doesn't mind. He threw a bad tantrum one day, and his father didn't take it seriously. Not only did he completely disregard what she told him, but he downplayed the situation and smack talked her to their mutual friends. It's extremely disrespectful, and she has every right to stop babysitting if she chooses to. Enjoy the piece till the end, and let us know whose side you're on. 

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  • 01
    A couple of days later, I found out through a mutual friend that my brother had been telling people I'm "too soft" and that I "don't know how to handle kids." He even joked that I was probably making it up because I "can't deal with real-life responsibilities."
    via Canva
  • 02
    r/AITAH ⚫ 15 hr. ago BabyFoxxxxx AITA for not wanting to babysit my nephew anymore after what my brother did?
    via u/BabyFoxxxxx
  • 03
    Ok, so this has been bothering me for a while, and I'm at my wits' end. I (28F) have been babysitting my nephew (5M) for the past year or so, a few times a week. I work from home, and my brother (34M) and his wife asked me if I could help out because they both have demanding jobs. At first, I didn't mind because I love my nephew, and he's generally well- behaved.
    via u/BabyFoxxxxx
  • 04
    But recently, my brother did something that has me fuming. Last week, I was babysitting, and my nephew had a total meltdown. He didn't want to go to bed, and when I tried to calm him down, he threw his toys all over the place. I told my brother about it when he came to pick him up, and he
    via u/BabyFoxxxxx
  • 05
    brushed it off, saying "he's just a kid." I told him I understand that, but it was out of control, and he should talk to him about it. My brother basically ignored me, took my nephew, and left.
    via u/BabyFoxxxxx
  • 06
    A couple of days later, I found out through a mutual friend that my brother had been telling people I'm "too soft" and that I "don't know how to handle kids.” He even joked that I was probably making it up because I "can't deal with real-life responsibilities."
    via u/BabyFoxxxxx
  • 07
    I was so hurt. I've been helping them out for free, rearranging my schedule for them, and this is how he talks about me behind my back? When I confronted him about it, he acted like it was no big deal and said, "It was just a joke, don't be so sensitive."
    via u/BabyFoxxxxx
  • 08
    Since then, I've been seriously reconsidering whether I want to keep babysitting for them. I feel like my effort isn't appreciated, and now I'm being mocked for trying to help. My brother is mad because he thinks I'm overreacting, and my mom said I should just let it go, but I feel like I deserve more respect than this.
    via u/BabyFoxxxxx
  • 09
    So, AITA for not wanting to babysit anymore after what my brother said?
    via u/BabyFoxxxxx
  • 10
    No-Table2410 • 15h ago NTA. "I've recently been told I should toughen up and be more assertive, so I'm not doing you any more favours. by babysitting"
    via u/No-Table2410
  • 11
    Amazing-Wave47... • 14h ago The only one you're too soft with is your brother. Tell him the free ride is over, youre done. NTA
    via u/Amazing-Wave47
  • 12
    srkaficionada65 • 15h ago LOL @"too soft". Respond back with "yeah because I dont have kids" and next time he asks, remind him of talking and pull a his "your kid, your responsibility” card and walk away.
    via u/srkaficionada65
  • 13
    I love my nephews and niece but I get paid to babysit them. Because they're not mine and if I said no, the parents would hire a babysitter
    via u/srkaficionada65
  • 14
    Don TakeMeFi-Idiat • 15h ago Suddenly become busy. And let the drama unfold.
    via u/Don TakeMeFi-Idiat
  • 15
    jadepumpkin 1984 • 14h ago Nta. "Clearly, I don't know how to handle kids. I advise you to find better suited childcare with professionals."
    via u/jadepumpkin
  • 16
    Novel-Sprinkles3... 15h ago The free babysitting program is over. Definitely a FAFO moment for your brother.
    via u/Novel-Sprinkles3
  • 17
    • A... 15h ago • Edited 14h ago NTA.. Not your kid, not your responsibility. Of course, it's nice and generous to help family matters out and if you care about your nephew, I don't see why it would have been a problem. BUT not only are they not addressing his behavior, he's talking
    via u/A
  • 18
    negatively about you behind your back. That's some opp The reality is that any facility that takes care of children are not only hella expensive but are NOT tolerating this behavior. Your brother should be thanking you everyday and stand on your boundaries.
    via u/A
  • 19
    JustForKicks36 • 15h ago NTA his comments are incredibly disrespectful considering you're doing him a favor, and I don't think you'd be wrong in choosing to refuse to babysit if he refuses to parent properly.
    via u/JustForKicks36
  • 20
    While tantrums are a part of raising kids, so is teaching your children that it's not. the appropriate way to communicate. One without the other means ensuring the child will grow up unable to manage their own emotions and will constantly be taking what they feel out on others.
    via u/JustForKicks36
  • 21
    Madmattylock • 14h ago . NTA. He should find a free babysitter that knows how to handle kids.
    via u/Madmattylock

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