Roommate Wants Payment for Watching My Kids - AITA?

A 27-year-old mom planned a simple night out, just a few hours on March 4, and she thought she was asking for a quick favor. She has four kids, two are old enough to handle themselves, and the younger two will be tucked in before she even leaves.

But her roommate, a man who moved in back in December specifically to help with the kids after her husband passed away, suddenly wants payment. Not a “thanks for watching them” situation, a $20 an hour bill, even though he does not pay rent or utilities, uses her car daily, and barely contributes to living expenses.

What should have been an easy babysitting swap turns into a messy roommate breakup in the making.

Original Post

So I'm (27F) planning on going out for a few hours the evening of March 4th. I have 4 children, I asked my roommate if he would be okay with watching them.

I'd be putting my younger two to bed before I leave that night and my older two are self sufficient so he'd be just making sure everyone is safe for a few hours. Here's where I may be the a*****e.

He wants me to pay him $20 an hour to watch them. He doesn't pay any rent, utilities, uses my car daily and just overall doesn't contribute to living expenses.

Now he is a bit upset that I'm going to an event that he "wants us to go to together." But as i said two of my kids will be in bed and the other two would be not long after. So for most of the night he'd be hanging out while the kids are sleeping.

AITA for not wanting to pay him? Edit to add: My roomate moved in with me in December.

He moved in specifically to help me with my kids since my husband passed a way a few months prior. I did tell him not to worry about any rent until he was able to find a job.

He has confessed he has feelings for me, but we talked about it and he is aware that I am not interested and he has respected my boundaries on that. Also, some have asked if we have slept together or been romantic.

No, we have not, nor will we be. And yes he is aware of that.

I spoke with him just a few moments ago, he is planning to move out in the coming weeks. He did admit it was upsetting as this didn't go the way he had hoped.

Thanks everyone for the input and help

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This sounds like the dad’s tools going to an estranged half-brother, and the resentment that followed.

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The night of March 4 starts with OP putting the younger two to bed, and her roommate already acting like it comes with a price tag.

Then he brings up that he “wants us to go together,” even though the kids will be asleep for most of the evening.

OP points out he moved in to help after her husband passed, and he was told not to worry about rent until he found a job.

After the argument, he admits he is planning to move out, and OP is left wondering if she really is the a-hole.

We'd love to hear your take on this situation. Share your thoughts below.

Nobody expects to pay $20 an hour to be “helped” while their roommate also uses their car and pays zero bills.

Still debating money and family duty, see the AITA about whether to share an inheritance with aunts.