32-year-old childless woman refuses to free babysit for 35-year-old sister short notice, sister accuses her of being selfish: '[You're] just going to be home anyway'

Author image for Briana Viser
Briana Viser • Writer and Editor
Aug 8, 2025 1:00 PM EDT

When a family member has a kid, it's a joyous celebration that deserves all kinds of attention and commitment. It's not just exciting, it's life changing. If you're close with the relative who had the kid, it's important to show you care. My sister just had a baby about a year ago. I love this little potato with my heart and soul, I would see her every single day if I could. If my sister wants to talk to me nonstop about babies, then so be it. If she needs me to comfort my niece while she goes and runs errands, I'm there. If she wants a random babysitter so she can have date night with her husband, she knows she can call me. Not everyone is as generous with their time and energy though. 

Some people grow up in families where love is conditional, where if you give something, it means you have to get something in return. Read the full story below. 

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  • 01

    AITAH for telling my sister I won't watch her kids during my only free weekend?

    HAPPY
    via studioroman / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 02
    So a bit of background: I'm 32 and work full-time with pretty long hours during the week. I don't have kids, but my sister
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  • This woman has every right to want a weekend to herself! When you really get into 30s of adulting, a weekend doesn't mean activities and going out anymore. Fun takes on a new mentality, which means rest and not babysitting your sister's kid. 

  • 03
    (35F) has three under the age of 10. She's a single mom, and I try to help when I can. I've babysat
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  • 04
    for her multiple times over the past year, sometimes on short notice.
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  • 05
    This coming weekend, I had plans to just relax. Nothing special, just sleep in, maybe see a movie, and catch up on some stuff at home.
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  • 06
    It's been a rough couple of weeks and this is literally my first weekend with nothing scheduled in months.
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  • 07
    A few days ago, my sister texted asking if I could take the kids Saturday to Sunday because she "desperately needs a break." I get
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  • 08
    that parenting is hard, especially alone. But I told her I couldn't this time and explained that I really need the downtime.
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  • 09
    She responded with a long message about how I "don't understand what tired really is" and how it's selfish of me not to
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  • 10
    help family when I'm "just going to be at home anyway." She hasn't responded to my texts since.
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  • 11
    I feel bad because I know she's struggling and I do help when I can. But I also feel like I'm allowed to take time for myself. AITA?
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  • 12
    Edit: Thanks for the replies! I feel kinda better now!
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  • 13
    Edit 2: I didn't expect this to blow up like it did, a massive thanks to everyone who responded. I'll keep all your reactions in mind! Thanks all!
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  • 14
    Flashy-Funny8096 • 10h ago NTA. You're 32 and work and support yourself. You definitely DO know what
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  • 15
    Cheezburger Image 10539163136
    via studioroman / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 16
    tired is. We all do. They aren't your kids, they aren't your responsibility. End of discussion.
    via u/Flashy-Funny8096
  • 17
    MJBeachsand ⚫ 10h ago No is an answer! Don't be bued
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  • 18
    Odd-Coast-8520 • 10h ago Mom is just going to be at home anyway so that will save her a drive!
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  • 19
    Big_lt⚫ 9h ago NTA If I ever got a response like this i would respond with
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  • 20
    Okay <siblings name> consider my free baby sitting no longer an option. You bit the hand that feeds. I
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  • 21
    didn't pop out 3 kids without a father and it's not my responsibility to find rest for you. Good luck in the future
    via u/Big_lt
  • 22
    Cheezburger Image 10539163648
    via studioroman / Canva

    This image is for illustration only, and the subjects are models; the image does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 23
    Singleepomyy • 10h ago Its not every time you have to say yes. You also need time for yourself let her understand that too.
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  • 24
    Mistress_Anissa ⚫ 10h ago • NTA you have a right to your own free life and free time. Her bad decisions are not your responsibility. Unless
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  • 25
    responsible adult. Not to mention her emotional blackmail! Edit:typo
    via u/Mistress_Anissa

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