Entitled Mom Expects Friend To Deliver 3 Kids to Her Doorstep After Babysitting Them On Short Notice For Two Weeks
"I don't see how you could possibly be an a**hole for caring about her children more than she does."
A 28-year-old woman refused to hand over her sleep schedule and instead drew a hard line when her friend expected her to babysit three kids and then deliver them right to her doorstep. It sounds like a small favor at first, until you realize the parents treated the whole thing like a delivery service, not a real human commitment.
The OP agreed to watch three children for two weeks on short notice because the original babysitting plan fell through while their parents went overseas. The kids apparently behaved, played fine with the OP’s children, and the days passed without drama.
That’s when the “can you just bring them” conversation turned into a full-on boundary test, and the friend’s entitlement got loud fast.
Redditor asked if she's an a**hole for refusing to leave a friend's children home alone.
Reddit/EphemeralPirateShe explained that she agreed to babysit her friend's three children for two weeks while the parents went overseas after their original babysitting arrangements fell through.
Reddit/EphemeralPirateThe OP says the children were no trouble, and they played well with her kids, so everything went smoothly.
Reddit/EphemeralPirate
The situation described in the article showcases a troubling trend in parenting where entitlement takes root due to a lack of boundaries. The expectation that a friend should deliver three children after being asked to babysit on short notice for two weeks speaks volumes about the parents’ failure to instill a sense of responsibility and reciprocity in their children.
When parents do not model or teach these essential values, children may grow up believing that their needs should always come first, regardless of the impact on others. This reinforces a culture of expectation where individuals feel entitled to assistance without consideration of the effort involved.
Moreover, research underscores the necessity of teaching children about give-and-take in relationships. Without this foundation, they risk becoming adults who expect others to meet their demands, leading to a cycle of entitlement that can strain friendships and community ties.
The original plan was for the parents to come and collect the kids after they had landed, so the OP suggested they stick to that plan.
Reddit/EphemeralPirate
The Redditor refused, as she had to get up early the next day.
Reddit/EphemeralPirate
She told them they could collect their kids anytime, even during the night, or alternatively, she would be happy to drop them home in the morning.
Reddit/EphemeralPirate
The whole babysitting stretch went smoothly with the kids playing well with OP’s children, so it’s extra wild that the friend still acted like pickup was optional.
This scenario illustrates a common issue in adult relationships where one party expects others to fulfill their obligations without reciprocation.
Understanding this entitlement can help individuals reassess their expectations and develop healthier relationship dynamics.
The OP's friend said she really missed her kids.
Reddit/EphemeralPirate
But she was too exhausted to drive 30 minutes to come and pick them up.
Reddit/EphemeralPirate
The OP stated she would not feel comfortable leaving the kids home alone at night.
Reddit/EphemeralPirate
When the parents landed and were supposed to come get the kids, OP pushed back because she needed to get up early the next day.
Reciprocity is a fundamental principle in maintaining healthy relationships, and its absence can lead to resentment and burnout.
This is also how tension turns ugly when friends bail last minute, and OP refuses to split the vacation costs evenly.
Security cameras are not a good enough replacement for an adult.
Reddit/EphemeralPirate
In the end, the OP's significant other agreed to take the kids home and stay with them until their parents returned.
Reddit/EphemeralPirate
Now the OP is wondering if she was the a**hole here.
Reddit/EphemeralPirate
To address these dynamics, open conversations about expectations and responsibilities are crucial.
Therapeutic interventions can help individuals articulate their needs and develop a clearer understanding of each other's perspectives.
Here's how people reacted.
Reddit/okilz
"She's questioning your parenting choices, not the other way around."
Reddit/MythologicalRiddle
The audacity of these people!
Reddit/Cheeseburgers_
That’s when the friend missed her kids and still expected OP to drop them off at night, like this was a scheduled shuttle.
Parenting is a key area where expectations can become distorted, particularly when caregivers fail to model healthy boundaries.
"She should be kissing OP's feet."
Reddit/21stCenturyJanes
"This lady sounds insane."
Reddit/No-Abies-1232
"I would lose her number."
Reddit/Hairy-Dark9213
OP offered a morning drop-off or said they could collect anytime, but the friend’s “you should just deliver them” attitude made it clear the rules only applied one way.
Creating a culture of reciprocity requires intentional efforts from both parties.
"The audacity of this mother is insane."
Reddit/msplace225
"That woman is not your friend. She's a user."
Reddit/Emotional_Bonus_934
"You did the right thing."
Reddit/DesperateinDunharrow
What are your thoughts on this situation? Do you think the OP should have just done what the parents asked, or did she do the right thing by refusing to leave the kids alone?
We would love to hear your opinions on this. You can share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
The situation presented in the article underscores the critical need for open communication and mutual respect in friendships, especially when it comes to parenting responsibilities. The expectation of having a friend deliver three children after a two-week stint of babysitting reveals a troubling lack of reciprocity. This not only places an undue burden on one party but also indicates a deeper issue of entitlement that can strain relationships. Fostering a sense of mutual support is vital for maintaining healthy connections, particularly when the care of children is involved. The dynamics at play here serve as a reminder that friendships should be built on understanding and shared responsibility, rather than one-sided expectations.
Nobody wants to be treated like a free, nighttime babysitter with a built-in delivery route.
Before you judge, see why the 30-year-old friend was “upset” after you refused the parrot travel request.