AITA for refusing to babysit my sister’s kids after she embarrassed me at a family dinner?

Family dinners are supposed to dish up warmth and laughs, but for one Reddit user, a recent gathering served a cold plate of humiliation. At just 17, she’s been the go-to free babysitter for her older sister’s three kids, only to have her sister mock her as a dateless, friendless math nerd in front of everyone. The sting of those jabs pushed her to say “no more” when the next babysitting text rolled in.

This isn’t just about skipping diaper duty—it’s a showdown over respect, gratitude, and a teen’s right to draw a line. Her sister’s calling her childish, and mom’s nudging her to play nice, but that dinner left scars. Is she wrong to shut the nursery door, or is this a lesson her sister needs to learn? Let’s carve into this family fracas and see what’s cooking.

‘AITA for refusing to babysit my sister’s kids after she embarrassed me at a family dinner?’

Family ties can fray when respect gets tossed out like yesterday’s leftovers. The Reddit user, barely out of high school, poured love into babysitting her sister’s kids, only to be roasted as a loner at a family feast. Her sister’s “jokes” weren’t just tasteless—they were a public slap, devaluing her time and worth. Shutting down the next babysitting ask wasn’t petty; it was a teen staking claim to her dignity.

This spat shines a light on a broader issue: unpaid family labor often falls on young women. A 2020 study from the Journal of Youth Studies found 60% of teenage girls in families with young kids take on heavy caregiving roles, often feeling pressured to comply (source: tandfonline.com). The sister’s reliance on free childcare, paired with mockery, exploits that trend, ignoring the user’s school stress and personal life.

Psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour, an expert on teen development, notes, “Boundaries are how teens learn self-respect; dismissing them breeds resentment”. Damour’s insight backs the user—her “no” isn’t rebellion; it’s growth. Her sister, a decade older, should’ve known better than to bite the hand that rocks the cradle. Mom’s “bigger person” plea skips over who really needs to grow up.

A path forward could mean a calm talk—when the user’s ready—where she spells out the hurt and sets terms, like an apology or paid gigs. For now, focusing on school and friends rebuilds her confidence. The sister might scramble without her nanny, but that’s a lesson in valuing family, not using them.

Heres what people had to say to OP:

Reddit’s crew crashed this family dust-up like it’s a potluck gone rogue, tossing out cheers and zingers with equal spice. Picture a lively game night, folks picking teams—most high-fiving the user’s spunk, some cackling at her sister’s fumble. Here’s the raw buzz from the comments, dripping with fire and a pinch of shade:

Redditors dubbed the user a boundary-setting champ, though a few grinned at her “finding a life” quip stealing the show. These takes swing from fierce support to sly jabs, proving this tale’s got juice. It’s Reddit at its boldest—sassy, sharp, and all-in.

This Reddit saga serves up a tangy lesson in standing tall. The user’s babysitting boycott wasn’t about grudge-holding—it was a teen demanding respect her sister didn’t give. Maybe the sister learns to zip it, or maybe mom steps in with a reality check. Either way, it’s a nudge to value those who help us most. Ever had to push back when family crossed a line? Share your take below—what’s your read on this dinner-table drama?