Family Wants Me To Give Up My Free Time To Babysit For Free, AITA For Refusing?

It's normal for families to expect support due to their circumstances. People often struggle to balance their own needs with the demands of family obligations.

In some cases, individuals may feel guilty for prioritizing their own well-being over family responsibilities. This guilt can stem from societal expectations or family duties where members are expected to make sacrifices for one another.

Looking out for one's own needs is essential for maintaining mental and emotional health. Also, establishing clear limits helps individuals protect their time and energy, allowing them to nurture healthier relationships and prioritize their own well-being.

This approach can lead to more balanced and fulfilling relationships in the long run. In today's story, OP’s family members feel obligated to support each other, but the extent of that support is the point of contention fkr the OP.

OP has one leg in and the other out in his father's house due to some scenes that have occurred. His stepsister and stepmom, along with his dad believe he should help out but with what exactly?

Well, the OP has been asked to take care of his stepsister's child, and he's done so many times but he is not willing to anymore. OP's reluctance is rooted in past experiences that have led him to feel taken advantage of.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that OP's decision is not just about babysitting.

And here, we have the headline...

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OP's step sister is a teen mom living with the dad and stepmom

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The OP does not want to give up their free time to not get anything out of it

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She's struggling and OP's dad is struggling and her mom is struggling

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As usual, the comments rolled in and we've gathered some of the most upvoted ones for you to read through below

You shouldn't expect someone to watch your child for free

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Helping her once in a while would be good to give her a break

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It's not the OP's baby and it's not OP's responsibility

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OP's step sister doesn't get to make a decision on her own

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The OP added this edit later on to further clear the air about things

I haven't had a place of my own to crash there since she was 6 months pregnant when my dad kicked me out of my room and sold my bed and some other stuff for the nursery and delegated me to the couch. He hasn't funded my education in any way since then, not even a pen. And when I did move in here I got no help so... I'll keep on expecting nothing and give nothing in return.

She is the one who has a child, not the OP

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They are shocked OP refused to act as a babysitter

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The child is the responsibility of OP's step sister

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The OP should keep a distance from them

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OP's decision to prioritize his own needs and set limits with his family may spark a range of reactions. Some Redditors see the OP's actions as selfish, while others view it as a necessary step towards self-preservation.

As already stated, OP has a complicated relationship with his family, especially his dad and stepsister. The OP has every right to say that he doesn't want to give up his free time without getting anything out of it.

OP's dad and stepsister seem to think he is selfish, but given OP's past experiences, it's understandable that he feels this way. Drop your thoughts about this story in the comments section and share as well.