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Family Drama Ensues After Man Doesn’t Ask Sister To Babysit His Baby After Her Constant Complaints
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Family Drama Ensues After Man Doesn’t Ask Sister To Babysit His Baby After Her Constant Complaints

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Parenting is often a rollercoaster ride, packed with sleepless nights, countless messes, and those priceless moments that make a parent laugh and cry simultaneously. Navigating through piles of dirty diapers or sidestepping Lego pieces scattered on the floor becomes the norm for many moms and dads. It’s definitely not easy, especially for younger parents, like the protagonist of our story, a 19-year-old single dad living at home with his parents and sister.

More info: Reddit

19-year-old shares his daily struggles as a single dad living at home, working and taking care of a baby

Image credits: nappy (not the actual photo)

The man’s sister was not fond of her little nephew, constantly complaining about his existence

Image credits: babysmomisgone

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Image credits: Zen Chung (not the actual photo)

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Image credits: babysmomisgone

Image credits: Andrea Piacquadio (not the actual photo)

The young man had received a job offer and was in need of a sitter for his son, asking for help outside of his family

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Image credits: babysmomisgone

The sister got offended when her brother didn’t ask her to babysit the little boy, causing a family drama

For the OP (original poster), life was especially challenging. He was juggling the chaos of parenthood while working early shifts at a gas station. With his son’s mother out of the picture, it was just him and his little boy. Adding to the stress, he was living with his parents and a sister who was less than thrilled about the new baby in the house.

Living at home, he paid a bit of rent and tried to keep his head above water. But his 21-year-old sister was not fond of her little nephew. She complained about everything – baby clothes in the laundry, the baby crying – you name it. “She once told me she thinks he’s an annoyance and hindrance. Basically, the baby exists, and that pisses her off,” the dad recalls.

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One day, our OP received an amazing opportunity: a friend offered him a gig that paid $400 for four hours of work. It felt like hitting the jackpot, so he jumped at the chance. The only problem? He needed a babysitter. After making a few calls, he finally found someone willing to work for free.

But here’s where it gets juicy. The sister who was lounging in the living room had overheard her brother’s conversations with the potential babysitters. She asked why she wasn’t asked to babysit. The OP was speechless. Given her constant complaints and general attitude, he didn’t think she’d be interested. She claimed this was different since it was work-related and she’d have been willing to help out. Our dad, justifiably skeptical, reminded his sister of all the times she had complained about the baby and how she had never offered to help. He told her straight up that he didn’t trust her with his son.

It’s hard enough being a parent, but it’s even harder finding a safe caregiver for the young ones. According to experts, a safe caregiver is someone who has experience caring for children, is patient and mature enough to be able to handle an overexcited or crying baby, and understands the critical importance of constant supervision to ensure the child’s safety and well-being. This doesn’t really describe the OP’s sister, right?

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Justifiably skeptical, OP reminded his sister of her complaints and how she’d never offered to help before. He told her straight up that he didn’t trust her with his son. This truth-bomb led to tears and a family blow-up. His parents were furious, accusing him of implying the sister would harm the baby.

Image credits: SHVETS production (not the actual photo)

First off, trust is earned, not given. OP had every right to be cautious about who looks after his baby. Considering his sister’s behavior, it was understandable why he was hesitant. Trust plays an essential role in our lives, whether in personal connections or work relationships. However, trust doesn’t just happen overnight. It takes time, even with family members. Experts agree that open communication is key in building trust and strong family relationships.

According to an article on building relationships, “strong families allow all family members to talk about their thoughts and feelings. This does not mean that members are not respectful of one another, but rather that feelings and ideas are respected.” This approach could have helped OP and his sister understand each other better before things blew up.

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The good news in this story? OP finally caught a break when the babysitter he found through his mom’s church came through. She arranged for his son to attend a church nursery school for free two days a week and found additional childcare help. Plus, his mom offered to step in to cover some gaps. This was a huge relief and meant he could take more side gigs without as much stress.

In the end, the OP was just a young dad doing his best under tough circumstances. His honesty might have stung his sister, but it was necessary. Hopefully, it was a wake-up call for her to step up and support her brother more positively.

What are your thoughts on our OP’s story? Do you think he was a jerk for telling his sister the blunt truth? Let us know in the comments.

Netizens agree with the young dad, saying that his instincts were correct, and he is not a jerk for not asking his sister to babysit

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Monica Selvi

Monica Selvi

Writer, BoredPanda staff

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Hi! I'm Moni. I’m a globetrotting creative with a camera in one hand and a notebook in the other. I’ve lived in 4 different countries, an visited 17, soaking up inspiration wherever I go. A marketer by trade but a writer at heart, I’ve been crafting stories, poems, and songs, and creating quirky characters since I was 7.

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Monica Selvi

Monica Selvi

Writer, BoredPanda staff

Hi! I'm Moni. I’m a globetrotting creative with a camera in one hand and a notebook in the other. I’ve lived in 4 different countries, an visited 17, soaking up inspiration wherever I go. A marketer by trade but a writer at heart, I’ve been crafting stories, poems, and songs, and creating quirky characters since I was 7.

Monika Pašukonytė

Monika Pašukonytė

Author, BoredPanda staff

Read more »

I am a visual editor here. In my free time I enjoy the vibrant worlds of art galleries, exhibitions, and soulful concerts. Yet, amidst life's hustle and bustle, I find solace in nature's embrace, cherishing tranquil moments with beloved friends. Deep within, I hold a dream close - to embark on a global journey in an RV, accompanied by my faithful canine companion. Together, we'll wander through diverse cultures, weaving precious memories under the starry night sky, fulfilling the wanderlust that stirs my soul.

Read less »

Monika Pašukonytė

Monika Pašukonytė

Author, BoredPanda staff

I am a visual editor here. In my free time I enjoy the vibrant worlds of art galleries, exhibitions, and soulful concerts. Yet, amidst life's hustle and bustle, I find solace in nature's embrace, cherishing tranquil moments with beloved friends. Deep within, I hold a dream close - to embark on a global journey in an RV, accompanied by my faithful canine companion. Together, we'll wander through diverse cultures, weaving precious memories under the starry night sky, fulfilling the wanderlust that stirs my soul.

What do you think ?
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POST
ᑎIᘜᕼTᗷIᖇᗪ
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My ex-sister in laws baby had SBS and is severely brain damaged. Not by a family member but a “TRUSTED” babysitter. She got less than 3 years in jail.

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MR
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. Look, she doesn't like the kid around. Totally get it. I even get voicing your displeasure but that gets old quick. But you don't get to turn around and complain that you aren't included in the baby's life "just because you're 'family'" when you've made it clear you already feel the baby is a burden without you even getting directly involved.

ᑎIᘜᕼTᗷIᖇᗪ
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He had a baby while they were babies!! Are all of your actions and “things you spoke” things you meant ? Do you stand by everything you said to your brothers & sisters? Did you talk to all of your family with forethought & kindness? Well I am closer to my siblings than most I would blindly hand my bank account info & never worry but when young we all said stupid s**t and yelled things we didn’t mean.. no apologies were family.That is what life is about learning & growing & excepting everyone is growing too we’re all just in diff places.

Load More Replies...
Little Miss Lady
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OP, I hope your parents tell you how proud they are of you for doing everything you can to provide a good life for your child considering the circumstances. As a single parent myself, I know firsthand how important it is to have a good support system. It looks like you found that with your church community. Good for you! Hopefully, your sister will come around. I do not blame you one bit for not trusting her with your child after the way she has behaved. You are not the AH for doing what you feel is best for you child. That is literally the job of a good parent. I know it's tough right now, but continue jumping at opportunities and you will reap the benefits! Judging from your post, you're already a great dad. Keep it up! Your child is lucky to have you.

Coco Loco
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm filled with awe, admiration and amazement at this young man. This just reinforces my opinion about maternal and paternal instinct; it's a hit or miss. Neither the baby's birth mom nor paternal aunt are the kind of women one ought to have around a baby. The dad exhibits such wonderful qualities. I would love to follow their story for years to come.

Load More Replies...
Load More Comments
ᑎIᘜᕼTᗷIᖇᗪ
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My ex-sister in laws baby had SBS and is severely brain damaged. Not by a family member but a “TRUSTED” babysitter. She got less than 3 years in jail.

Load More Replies...
MR
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. Look, she doesn't like the kid around. Totally get it. I even get voicing your displeasure but that gets old quick. But you don't get to turn around and complain that you aren't included in the baby's life "just because you're 'family'" when you've made it clear you already feel the baby is a burden without you even getting directly involved.

ᑎIᘜᕼTᗷIᖇᗪ
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He had a baby while they were babies!! Are all of your actions and “things you spoke” things you meant ? Do you stand by everything you said to your brothers & sisters? Did you talk to all of your family with forethought & kindness? Well I am closer to my siblings than most I would blindly hand my bank account info & never worry but when young we all said stupid s**t and yelled things we didn’t mean.. no apologies were family.That is what life is about learning & growing & excepting everyone is growing too we’re all just in diff places.

Load More Replies...
Little Miss Lady
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OP, I hope your parents tell you how proud they are of you for doing everything you can to provide a good life for your child considering the circumstances. As a single parent myself, I know firsthand how important it is to have a good support system. It looks like you found that with your church community. Good for you! Hopefully, your sister will come around. I do not blame you one bit for not trusting her with your child after the way she has behaved. You are not the AH for doing what you feel is best for you child. That is literally the job of a good parent. I know it's tough right now, but continue jumping at opportunities and you will reap the benefits! Judging from your post, you're already a great dad. Keep it up! Your child is lucky to have you.

Coco Loco
Community Member
5 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm filled with awe, admiration and amazement at this young man. This just reinforces my opinion about maternal and paternal instinct; it's a hit or miss. Neither the baby's birth mom nor paternal aunt are the kind of women one ought to have around a baby. The dad exhibits such wonderful qualities. I would love to follow their story for years to come.

Load More Replies...
Load More Comments
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