Woman Refuses to Babysit Sister’s Kids After Sister Mocks Her for ‘Not Having Real Responsibilities’, Family Accuse Her of Pointlessly Punishing the Kids

Author image for Bar Mor Hazut
Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor
Jan 4, 2025 6:00 PM EST

As a childless aunt myself, I love the opportunity to babysit my three nieces as often as I can. They love it, I love it, and most of all, my sister loves it. If you ask my sister, having me is truly an asset, and she never lets me forget it. She always thanks me whenever I come to her aid, and she makes sure my nieces also show their love and appreciation. And although I don't help her out because I seek any type of recognition, I do admit that it's nice to have. 

If my sister behaved like the sister in this Reddit story, as much as I love my nieces, I might have also considered taking a step back. Nobody should take their family for granted, especially when they go out of their way to help you out. So if one has a sister who always helps out with babysitting, one should ensure they always say 'please' and 'thank you' to her.

Keep scrolling to read what happened when a sister failed to appreciate her kids' aunt and the fallout that followed. After you are done, check out this story of a mother-in-law who tried to take credit for Christmas gifts she didn't buy.

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  • 01
    She called me immediately, upset, and asked why I was being so "selfish." I told her I didn't appreciate being taken for granted or being seen as someone with "no real responsibilities."
    via anlomaja
  • 02
    AITA for refusing to babysit my sister's kids after she called me "just the fun aunt”?
    via ElsaAfterDark
  • 03
    My (28F) sister (34F) and I have always been close, or so I thought. She has three kids (9F, 6M, 3M) and a husband (36M) who works long hours, so naturally, I've stepped in to
    via ElsaAfterDark
  • 04
    help when I can. I adore my niece and nephews, and I've always tried to be there for them whether it's hosting sleepovers, taking them on fun outings, or just helping my sister get a break.
    via ElsaAfterDark
  • 05
    But lately, I've felt taken for granted. I work a demanding job, and although I don't have kids myself, my free time is limited. Despite this, I've rearranged my schedule countless times to babysit,
    via ElsaAfterDark
  • 06
    sometimes at the last minute, because my sister swears she "has no one else." I never ask for money or anything in return, because, well, family.
    via ElsaAfterDark
  • 07
    Last week, my sister called me in a panic because she had an unexpected work event. She needed someone to watch the kids, and once again, I stepped up. I left work early,
    via ElsaAfterDark
  • 08
    canceled dinner plans with my boyfriend, and drove 45 minutes to her house. When she got home later that night, I overheard her on the phone with her husband. She didn't realize I was still there,
    via ElsaAfterDark
  • 09
    didn't realize I was still there, cleaning up the tornado of toys her kids had left behind. She said something along the lines of, "Oh, don't worry about it. [My Name] will always help; she's just the fun
    via ElsaAfterDark
  • 10
    aunt with no real responsibilities. It's not like she has anything better to do." I froze. I waited for her to hang up, then asked her if she really believed that. She
    via ElsaAfterDark
  • 11
    laughed awkwardly and said I was overreacting, insisting she "didn't mean it like that." She said she was just stressed and "of course" she appreciated me, but it didn't feel genuine.
    via ElsaAfterDark

  • Fun Aunt should be a positive thing, a compliment, not a phrase that disrespects someone who puts a lot of effort and care into their loved ones. It is truly a shame the sister decided to mock OP (original poster), instead of showing her the appreciation she deserves.

  • 12
    I left shortly after and didn't bring it up again until she texted me a few days later asking if I could babysit the kids this weekend. I responded, "Sorry, I can't. You'll have to find someone else."
    via ElsaAfterDark
  • 13
    She called me immediately, upset, and asked why I was being so "selfish." I told her I didn't appreciate being taken for granted or being seen as someone with "no real responsibilities." She got
    via ElsaAfterDark
  • 14
    defensive, saying I was twisting her words and punishing her kids over something she didn't mean. Now my parents are involved. They think I'm overreacting
    via ElsaAfterDark
  • 15
    and should "forgive and forget," because "family helps family." But I'm exhausted. I love my niece and nephews, but I can't keep dropping everything to help someone who doesn't value my time.
    via ElsaAfterDark
  • 16
    My sister is now furious with me, claiming I'm "abandoning" her kids out of spite. AITA for standing my ground?
    via ElsaAfterDark
  • 17
    Used Clock_4627 • 3d ago. NTA. Top 1% Commenter Time to remind your sister that those are HER kids. And that hiring a babysitter exists. There are apps and the like for that sh available on the very phone she was talking to her husband on.
    via Used_Clock_4627
  • 18
    Also remind her that YOU have a life. Even if you don't have children. And that if you're always looking after her crotch goblins, how are you supposed to have a family of your own? Point this out to your parents too. They all need to remember that you are a person too. Not a service.
    via Used_Clock_4627
  • 19
    Melodic Policy765 3d ago • NTA. If it's convenient and you want to see the kids, great. If you are tired or have plans, "No" is a complete sentence.
    via Melodic_Policy765
  • 20
    blueberriNZ • 3d ago • H" no. NTA. It's selfish to expect someone else to drop everything (including impacting on your job, relationship) so she can do what she pleases, so to have the absolute cheek to then make fun of you.. I'd be furious.
    via blueberriNZ
  • 21
    She chose to have them, she's responsible for them. If she wants to be away from her kids she can pay a babysitter, and hopefully treat them with more respect than she has you.
    via blueberriNZ
  • 22
    Cybermagetx • 3d ago • Top 1% Commenter Nta. She can now pay for a baby sitter. Her being stressed is an excuse. He reaction to you doing this proces you don't need to baby sit anymore. P.s. your parents can help out.
    via Cybermagetx

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family drama aita baby babysitter kids mother siblings reddit story parenting babysitting aunt family sister Reddit women parents children Father
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