Man Says No to Sister’s Last-Minute Babysitting, Says She Doesn’t Respect Time

A man seeks advice from the Reddit community after a family disagreement leaves him questioning whether he did the right thing. He posts about his experience with his sister, Laura, who has a 3-year-old daughter named Mia.

He writes in his post, “Yesterday, she called me around 5 PM asking if I could watch Mia for the night because she had ‘something important’ to do. I had plans I couldn’t cancel, work deadlines and a dinner I promised my girlfriend months ago.” The man explains that he refused, which led to tension with his sister and their parents.

According to him, Laura reacted badly. “She got upset, started guilt-tripping me, saying I never spend time with Mia, and that I’m selfish for not helping family,” he recalls, describing the emotional pushback he received.

He acknowledges the importance of family, but notes a recurring problem. “This isn’t the first time she’s done this. I’ve missed work, canceled plans, and rearranged my life more times than I can count for her, and it always feels like I’m being taken for granted,” he confesses.

Despite the confrontation, he tried to compromise. “I offered to help another day, when I’m free, but she just said ‘It’s tonight or nothing,’ and then hung up,” he shares, underscoring the ultimatum that left him feeling trapped.

The situation has left him feeling conflicted. “Now I feel bad, like I’m the bad guy. But at the same time, I have responsibilities and a life outside of my family,” he explains, showing the struggle between personal obligations and familial pressure.

He sought input from friends, who reassured him. “My friends say I did the right thing,” he writes, though his parents disagree and believe family should always come first.

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Commenters on Reddit have largely supported his position. One user writes, “Poor planning on her part does not consist of an emergency on your part. You’re not selfish for having your own commitments and needing to respond to those first.”

Another commenter humorously points out the unrealistic expectations of last-minute requests. “If she wanted a babysitter on speed dial, she should’ve booked you a month in advance. Life isn’t a last-minute buffet, and you’ve got your own plate to fill,” they argue.

For this man, the experience is a reminder that boundaries are necessary, even with family.