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'

Author image for Emma Saven
Emma Saven
Oct 31, 2025 1:00 PM EDT

As a recently graduated college student, I know just how important those few days of vacation can be. A time to unwind, spend quality time with those who often feel miles away, and if you're lucky enough, have a few days where you no longer have to do every little thing yourself! Sorry, I'm getting a bit carried away here, but what I'm trying to say is that it's the one moment we can allow our brains to go on airplane mode. So during that time, certain things are a big no-no. These include: Looking at laundry detergent, engaging with one more microwave meal, or having to listen to your toddler step-siblings scream, while you sit at home alone looking after them…Wait, did things just get a bit personal? Well, for this college student, it certainly did! 

This 18-year-old girl has 4 very valuable days off from college, days she has allocated for fun with her family and closest friends. That is, until her dad requests that she look after her step-siblings one night, while he goes off on a date night with his new wife…So much for quality time. As expected, she refuses, as she has no desire to live out a Home Alone film during one of her limited nights off! 

Surely, her father would understand…?

Advertisement

  • Well, no. He wasn't as understanding as we would've hoped. Instead, he is calling his daughter selfish when really he's the one who would easily afford a babysitter for the night, but wants to avoid the costs …or worse, take a raincheck on his romantic date night, and actually spend quality time with his daughter. For a man who preaches ‘You should prioritize time with family,' he's certainly looking like a hypocrite, right now! 

  • Tired babysitter on a phone call.
    via pixelshot

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 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.
    via wellurabirdnow
  • I haven't seen my mom or home for 2 months and want to spend what time I have at my childhood home.
    via wellurabirdnow
  • 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.
    via wellurabirdnow
  • 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.
    via wellurabirdnow
  • I love my half siblings, but I don't want to be used for my dads poor planning.
    via wellurabirdnow
  • Students packing up after class.
    via gettysignature

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 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.
    via wellurabirdnow
  • Also, as a note, he does have a babysitter, but doesn't want to spend the money.
    via wellurabirdnow
  • 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?
    via wellurabirdnow
  • Available_Escape9186 Does he help you out financially with school?
    via Available_Escape9186
  • OP wellurabirdnow he doesn't no
    via wellurabirdnow
  • 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.
    via lihzee
  • 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.
    via Select-Negotiation87
  • Young couple on a romantic date night outside.
    via gettyimages

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 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
    via swillshop
  • OP wellurabirdnow thank you for this
    via wellurabirdnow
  • 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
    via 1962Michael
  • OP wellurabirdnow yes, they are toddlers :)
    via wellurabirdnow
  • 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
    via IllustriousBowler259
  • 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
    via aeronauticalingrid
  • BGS2204 If it's about family and you only have 4 days, why isn't he spending it with you aren't you family?
    via BGS2204
  • 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.
    via raisanett1962
  • coffeetalkcafe NTA. What is wrong with your dad? He should understand your situation. Can't he just find a babysitter or something?
    via coffeetalkcafe

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

family drama manipulative romantic dinner babysitter Home Alone days off step siblings quality time friends askreddit parenting babysitting step-mother family Parenting Fail college free vacation
Scroll Down For The Next Article