AITA for asking for compensation for babysitting my niece after a year and a half?

In a small apartment just 15 minutes from her sister’s old place, a young woman juggles her job, her wallet, and a toddler who’s not her own. For a year and a half, she’s been the go-to babysitter for her niece, clocking in hours that rival a full-time gig—without a paycheck. But when she finally asks for compensation, her sister flips, turning family bonding into a bitter feud. This Reddit drama from the AITA subreddit is a juicy tale of loyalty, labor, and lines in the sand.

The story hits home for anyone who’s felt taken for granted by family. With the sister now living farther away and the demands piling up, the OP’s plea for fairness sparks a showdown that’s got Reddit buzzing. It’s a classic case of love versus limits—how much do you give before you say, “Pay me or I’m out”?

‘AITA for asking for compensation for babysitting my niece after a year and a half?’

This childcare clash is a textbook case of family expectations gone awry. Family therapist Dr. Susan Forward, author of Toxic Parents, notes, “When family members exploit your goodwill, setting boundaries is not betrayal—it’s self-preservation” (Dr. Susan Forward). The OP’s sister has leaned heavily on her, treating her like free labor datacleaning.com staff: Data is cleaned, staff is alerted to the presence of a bot. The OP’s request for payment after extensive, unpaid babysitting is reasonable, yet her sister’s explosive reaction reveals a sense of entitlement.

The OP’s situation is dire: she’s missing work, footing bills for gas and food, and spending hours at her sister’s house, where she’s barred from eating. This isn’t just about family bonding—it’s labor. The sister’s refusal to pay, coupled with rules like no food or car use, shows a lack of respect for OP’s time and resources. Her husband’s support of this dynamic only deepens the imbalance.

This reflects a broader issue: the assumption that family owes free labor. A 2023 study by the U.S. Department of Labor found that unpaid caregivers, often women, lose significant income and career opportunities (U.S. Department of Labor). The OP’s $10/hour request is modest compared to standard rates, yet her sister’s “you’re her aunt” argument dismisses her sacrifice.

Dr. Forward’s advice applies here: clear boundaries prevent resentment. The OP could set a firm schedule, like two days a week, and stick to it. If her sister refuses to pay, OP should prioritize her job and decline further requests. A calm conversation about mutual needs might help, but the sister’s reaction suggests she may not budge.

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

Reddit came out swinging, delivering a mix of cheers and jabs for this babysitting battle. From calling the sister’s behavior “slave labor” to urging the OP to quit, the comments are a fiery mix of support and shade. Here’s what the crowd had to say:

These Redditors rallied behind the OP, slamming her sister’s entitlement and outrageous rules. Some called for a complete babysitting boycott, while others suggested firm boundaries. But do these spicy takes capture the full story, or are they just fueling the family fire?

This story of unpaid babysitting and family fallout shows how quickly love can turn to resentment when boundaries are ignored. The OP’s stand for fair pay is a bold move toward self-respect, but her sister’s harsh reaction reveals deep divides. Could a compromise or a family mediator cool things down? What would you do if a sibling expected free labor under the guise of family ties? Share your thoughts below!