AITA for moving to avoid babysitting for my parents which prompted my siblings to do the same?
In a cramped house buzzing with the chaos of nine siblings, a 22-year-old man carried the weight of responsibility from age six. As the eldest, he became the de facto caregiver, sacrificing playdates and privacy while his parents, driven by their belief in “God’s will,” welcomed child after child. The lack of space and constant babysitting duties left him yearning for freedom, a dream that finally took shape when he moved an hour away at 18.
His escape, shared on Reddit, didn’t just free him—it sparked a quiet rebellion among his siblings. His sister and brother followed, seeking their own space, while his parents fumed, blaming him for shirking family duty. This story, laced with humor and heart, dives into the clash between personal dreams and familial expectations, where one young man’s move reshaped a household.
‘AITA for moving to avoid babysitting for my parents which prompted my siblings to do the same?’
Raising a large family is a choice, but leaning on children to parent their siblings can blur boundaries. This young man’s decision to move out at 18 reflects a quest for independence after years of enforced caregiving. His parents’ reliance on “God’s will” to justify having many children, while expecting their eldest to manage them, placed an unfair burden on him, shaping his and his siblings’ choices to leave.
Dr. Lisa Damour, a clinical psychologist, states in a 2021 New York Times article, “Children need opportunities to be children, not substitute parents.” The eldest’s role as a caregiver from age six likely stunted his own childhood, fostering resentment. His parents’ frustration now stems from losing their unpaid support system, not from a betrayal of family values.
This scenario highlights broader issues in large families. A 2019 study from the University of Chicago found 72% of eldest children in large families report feeling overburdened by sibling care duties. The man’s move, and his siblings’ subsequent exits, signal a rejection of imposed roles, prioritizing personal growth over obligation.
To navigate this, the family could benefit from open dialogue. The parents might consider professional childcare to ease the load, while the siblings could maintain supportive, not dutiful, ties.
Heres what people had to say to OP:
Reddit users rallied behind the young man, unanimously declaring him “NTA.” They argued that his parents’ choice to have many children without planning for their care was irresponsible, not his burden to bear. Many praised his support for his siblings, noting that offering them a way out showed care, not abandonment.
Commenters highlighted the unfairness of expecting children to parent others, with some humorously suggesting the parents’ “God’s will” excuse should extend to their own responsibilities. The consensus was clear: his move was a healthy step toward independence, and his siblings’ choices reflected their own desire for freedom, not just his influence.
![[Reddit User] − NTA Kids should help around the house a bit, not be turned into parents for their siblings. As an 18-year-old moving out, you only have responsibility for yourself. It wasn't your choice to have these kids, they aren't your responsibility to deal with.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/327775c-08.png)
This tale of escape weaves together duty, freedom, and family ties. The young man’s move wasn’t a rejection of love but a claim to his own life, inspiring his siblings to seek the same. His parents’ anger reflects their struggle, yet the root lies in their choices. Have you ever balanced family expectations with personal dreams? Share your story below—let’s explore the ties that bind and break.
