Single Dad of One Refuses to Babysit Sister's Multiple Children On Her Every Whim, She Belittles Him in Retaliation: 'You're not a real parent'

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  • 01
    r/AITAH u/Plenty-Blood1526 • 12h AITA for refusing to babysit my sister's kids after she said I'm "not a real parent"?
  • 02
    I (33M) am a single dad to my daughter (6F). Her mom passed away shortly after she was born, so I've been raising her on my own for her entire life. It's been hard, but I've done everything I can to provide for her and make sure she's happy and healthy.
  • 03
    My sister "Claire" (35F) has three kids (10M, 8F, and 5F) and is married to a great guy. They're both wonderful parents, but they often ask me to babysit their kids because they know I have a lot of experience with my own daughter. I don't mind helping out when I can, but lately, it feels like they're asking me more and more, often with little notice. I've had to cancel plans, juggle my own schedule, and rearrange things to accommodate them.
  • 04
    A few days ago, Claire called and asked if I could babysit for the weekend because she and her husband wanted to go on a couples' retreat. I told her I couldn't because I had already made plans with my daughter for a special daddy-daughter weekend. Claire got upset and said that I should be willing to help her out since she has "real responsibilities" as a mother of three and that I "only" have one child.
  • 05
    That comment really hurt me, and I told her that just because I have one child doesn't mean my responsibilities are any less important than hers. She brushed it off and said I wouldn't understand what it's like to be a "real" parent because I've never had to deal with multiple kids or juggle a full household.
  • 06
    I was really offended and told her that if she thinks I'm not a real parent, then maybe she shouldn't rely on me so much for childcare. I refused to babysit, and now she's furious. She's been texting me non- stop, saying I'm punishing her over a small comment and that I'm being selfish for not helping her when she needs it. Even my mom has chimed in, saying I should just let it go because Claire has a lot on her plate.
  • 07
    But I don't think I should be treated like a free babysitter, especially when she clearly doesn't respect my role as a parent. AITA for refusing to babysit after what she said? 11.6k 1,810 1
  • 08
    salted caramelcookie 12h NTA she literally said you aren't qualified as a real parent and don't know how to take care of multiple children, while trying to leave multiple children in your care. She's an ingrate and not in entitled to your help. Tell your parents to watch her kids. 6 12.3k Reply
  • 09
    P1cklesniffer • 12h On top of that, she tried to manipulate him on multiple levels. Hard pass. ... Д 4.3k
  • 10
    Pride of Capetown • 11h And got mommy involved to help pressure OP. tel us "Let it go". What a pile of sh. Gosh mom, which one's your favourite without telling us which one's your favourite. Since OP's mom felt the need to involve herself, she can babysit Golden Claire's 3 from now on. ... 14k
  • 11
    Available-Repeat3600 • 11h Right? She's out here with 'multiple kids, multiple standards' energy, but wants that single-parent discount on babysitting. Sounds like the real solution is Grandma's Babysitting Services - where apparently all 'real' parents are welcome! 430
  • 12
    NTA. Own Lack_4526 • 12h If she doesn't think you understand how to deal with multiple kids, then obviously you shouldn't take responsibility for multiple kids. Enjoy your weekend! ... Reply 2k
  • 13
    Cheezburger Image 10422885120
  • 14
    _--Marko--_ • 12h Dont let it go. She has been taking advantage of your good nature. You are a single parent and she is off-loading her 3 kids off onto you. Why must you juggle your life, for her responsibilities Not Cool At All Reply 1.1k
  • 15
    Flysa Minelly ⚫ 12h this she is actively making your life harder OP, it's already difficult to be a solo parent and you let her make things harder by making you constantly rearrange your schedule and disrupting your daughters plans 266
  • 16
    Automatic-Quit1426 • 11h This. Honestly it sounds like SHE'S the one who doesn't know what it's like to juggle the responsibilities of multiple kids. Also I do not like that she's literally telling him his daughter is less important than her children.
  • 17
    Her children should not come first for you. Yours should. Maybe she should prioritize her children over her "couples retreat." A "real parent" would put their children first 218
  • 18
    CharlotteLucasOP • 10h Or budget for a paid nanny/sitter while they're budgeting for their vacay. 50
  • 19
    CakePhool • 12h NTA. Talk to your brother in law and ask why they need so much of your time and also why they never ask in advance. It could be interesting to hear what she is telling him. ... Reply 433
  • 20
    LovelyxLark ⚫ 9h • Absolutely agree. It's important for your sister to recognize that you're doing your best as a single parent, and taking on three more kids isn't fair or feasible for you. She shouldn't disrespect your role as a parent while expecting you to step in as a free babysitter OP. NTA ...
  • 21
    pineboxwaiting • 12h Parents typically hire babysitters. Real parents with lots of children hire them. Imaginary parents with only one child hire them. Grandmothers who stick their noses in their children's business often end up babysitting.
  • 22
    Your sister has options. You might back off from the "never babysitting again" bit, but it's completely reasonable for you to tell your sister that you'll only babysit when it doesn't require that you reschedule any part of your life, empty and pathetic though it is. Your sister's really selfish. Don't fall for her crapola. Reply 159

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