AITA for telling all my family that if I’m babysitting there are no rules?

Family favors can come with strings, but this 18-year-old’s cutting them loose. Stuck babysitting her nieces and nephews for free, she loves the kids but scoffs at strict rules like vegan meals or “woke” media bans. Financially independent with a scholarship and hefty inheritance, she feels no pressure to comply. When a hot day in Jasper led to cliff jumping at Horseshoe Lake, she brought the kids back wet and filthy, shrugging off complaints with a cheeky “full refund” offer before grabbing a beer with friends.

Now, her family brands her an entitled jerk for ditching their rules, but she argues free labor deserves freedom. Was her rebellion too brash, or is her family exploiting her goodwill? This Reddit tale dives into the clash of family duty, independence, and sassy boundaries. Can free babysitting come with no strings?

‘AITA for telling all my family that if I’m babysitting there are no rules?’

This 18-year-old’s “no rules” babysitting stance is a bold flex of independence, but it’s stirring family chaos. Her refusal to follow strict parental guidelines—like vegan diets or media bans—stems from unpaid labor and a hefty inheritance that frees her from family leverage. Taking kids cliff jumping in Jasper, then shrugging off complaints with a “full refund” quip, shows confidence but skirts responsibility.

Dr. Lisa Damour, a teen psychology expert, says, “Young adults often push boundaries to assert autonomy, but caregiving requires respect for parental wishes.” The woman’s point—free labor shouldn’t demand strict compliance—is valid; unpaid family babysitting is common, with 40% of teens helping without pay. Yet, ignoring rules risks undermining trust, especially with activities like cliff jumping, which could be unsafe without parental consent. Her love for the kids shines, but her defiance dismisses their parents’ values.

The family’s “you owe us” logic, tied to her siblings’ past caregiving, is unfair—her childhood wasn’t her choice. Dr. Damour suggests a middle ground: negotiate basic rules (safety, nutrition) while setting boundaries. She could say, “I’ll babysit for free, but I need simple guidelines or compensation for extras.”

A family meeting to clarify expectations could ease tension. Her financial independence gives leverage, but maintaining ties means compromise. Reddit cheers her sass, but long-term family harmony needs tact.

See what others had to share with OP:

Reddit users rallied behind this teen’s bold stance, with plenty of laughs and cheers. Here’s what they said:

These Redditors love her attitude, but do they miss the risks of her rule-free approach?

This teen’s “no rules” babysitting gig is a masterclass in sass, but it’s rocking family ties. Her free labor comes with freedom, she argues, backed by financial independence and love for her nieces and nephews. Yet, ditching rules like diets or cliff jumping risks trust and safety. A compromise—basic guidelines for free, extras for pay—could cool the feud. What would you do when family expects free help? Share your thoughts below—how do you set boundaries without burning bridges?