18-year-old girl refuses dad’s last-minute request to babysit half-siblings so he can go on date-night, as she only has a 4-day college break and doesn't want to sit home alone, knowing he can afford a babysitter instead: 'Now [he's] called me selfish'

Advertisement
  • Tired babysitter on a phone call.
  • AITA for not wanting to babysit my siblings?

    I (18f) have just come back home from college for the week, and only have 4 days before I have to go back.
  • I haven't seen my mom or home for 2 months and want to spend what time I have at my childhood home.
  • My parents are divorced, and my dad has his own kids. I am visiting him for one day, but he wants me to go in the evening on another day to babysit, because he wants to take his gf out for dinner.
  • I technically have nothing to do that night, but it means I have to travel across the city to sit on my own on an evening I could spend with family and friends if I want to.
  • I love my half siblings, but I don't want to be used for my dads poor planning.
  • Students packing up after class.
  • he has now called me selfish for not wanting to 'spend time with my family', even though I'd be alone most of the night because they are very young.
  • Also, as a note, he does have a babysitter, but doesn't want to spend the money.
  • Does this make me an asshole? Especially seeing as I have no concrete plans? I do become a bit of a pushover with my dad, and am trying to do more things for myself, but maybe this is me being selfish?
  • Available_Escape9186 Does he help you out financially with school?
  • OP wellurabirdnow he doesn't no
  • lihzee NTA. Your dad is being selfish and trying to manipulate you with that "not wanting to spend time with family" BS. Ask him why he isn't sticking around to spend time with y'all then. He needs to find another babysitter.
  • Select-Negotiation87 NTA. You just came back from college for 4 days. Instead of taking you out to dinner to spend time with you he wants to take his girlfriend and make you babysit. Let that sink in. Ignore his requests and go hang out with your friends.
  • Young couple on a romantic date night outside.
  • NTA swillshop I'm a mom of kids close to your age. Do NOT let your dad push you this way. If this is his normal way of treating you, then you can't start sooner than now learning to stand up to him. "Nope, Dad. that isn't 'spending time with family'. That is babysitting for free to save you a dime. I'm happy to see my siblings at a time when I can actually enjoy their company... or visit your home when you will actually be there to share time with." And please learn this lesson now and hold onto
  • OP wellurabirdnow thank you for this
  • NAH. 1962Michael You say your half-siblings are "very young" but it matters whether they are school-age, or infants/toddlers. If they are infants/toddlers then yes, you're just the "alternate babysitter." If they are school age at least, then your father may be genuinely wanting you to have some bonding time with the kids. Possibly they have even been missing you or asking about you. And even though you can't do what you would want to do, you can still have fun with kids that age. And you may ma
  • OP wellurabirdnow yes, they are toddlers :)
  • Illustrious Bowler259 He's going out! Pretty cheeky to say that you're the one not wanting to spend time with your family. I can see why your mother let him go. Don't fall for his manipulation. NTA
  • aeronauticalingrid NTA your dad is a grown ass man who should be responsible for kids which he chose to have with another woman What's worse is that he's not even asking cos it's an emergency or an important reason but cos he wants to take his girlfriend on a date smh
  • BGS2204 If it's about family and you only have 4 days, why isn't he spending it with you aren't you family?
  • raisanett 1962 Your dad didn't plan poorly. He saw that you would be around, and he's using that as a reason to manipulate you. "Sorry, Dad. I'm not able to babysit that night. But I'd love to spend some time with you and the kids. Does Saturday work?" Of course, then you run the risk that he'd decide to take the girlfriend golfing or something.
  • coffeetalkcafe NTA. What is wrong with your dad? He should understand your situation. Can't he just find a babysitter or something?

Tags

Scroll Down For The Next Article