AITA for making my younger sister watch my baby?

In a cozy apartment, a young mom scrambles to cover a rare weekend work shift, her deployed fiancé miles away. With daycare closed, she turns to her 18-year-old sister, who lives rent-free in her home, for help watching her 1-year-old son. What should’ve been a simple favor explodes into a family feud, with hurt feelings, angry texts from parents, and a sister crying foul.

This Reddit AITA post peels back the layers of family duty and personal boundaries, leaving readers buzzing. Was the mom wrong to lean on her sister, or is a one-time favor fair game?

‘AITA for making my younger sister watch my baby?’

Family dynamics can turn a small request into a big blowup. The young mom, stretched thin by work and parenting, asked her sister, who lives rent-free, to watch her son once. The sister’s refusal, citing schoolwork, and the parents’ accusations of “abusing power” reveal a clash: the mom’s need for support versus the sister’s claim to independence.

This highlights the strain of unspoken expectations in family arrangements. The sister benefits from free housing, yet resists contributing, framing the request as unfair. Dr. Susan Newman, a social psychologist, says, “Reciprocity strengthens family bonds, but clear boundaries prevent resentment.” The mom’s financial support created an implicit expectation of occasional help, unmet by the sister’s stance.

The broader issue is balancing family help with personal goals. The sister, focused on college, may feel overwhelmed, but her outright refusal overlooks the mom’s rare plea. A compromise—like watching the child for a few hours—could’ve eased tension. The mom might clarify expectations, like occasional babysitting, or set formal terms, like rent or chores. For readers, this underscores communication: discuss roles upfront to avoid guilt-tripping.

Here’s how people reacted to the post:

Reddit’s got some fiery takes, laced with humor and blunt advice. Here’s what users think about this sisterly showdown:

These opinions spark debate, but do they capture the messy balance of family support and personal freedom?

This tale of a desperate mom and a reluctant sister exposes the raw edges of family give-and-take. Was the mom out of line for expecting help, or should family step up in a pinch? Would you demand a favor from someone you support, or let them off the hook? Share your stories below!