AITA for telling my brother’s kids I don’t believe in god?

Tiana Garrett Hours
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The living room was a battlefield of toys and tantrums, with a 6-year-old orchestrating chaos like a tiny tyrant. Tasked with babysitting their brother’s kids, one person found themselves in an unexpected theological tussle when the boy wielded “hell” as a threat. A casual admission of atheism turned a tense day into a family feud, with parents fuming and alliances fraying.

This saga of belief and babysitting captures the clash of personal views in a religiously charged household. With a dash of humor and raw honesty, it dives into the messy reality of family expectations and unsolicited childcare. It’s a tale that resonates with anyone caught between personal truth and family drama, making us wonder: when does honesty cross the line with kids?

‘AITA for telling my brother’s kids I don’t believe in god?’

My brother's two kids (boy, 6, and girl, 4, who we will refer to as 6 and 4 from here on) are homeschooled. This means that they are home all day while both of their parents work. My mother drives 50 miles (one way) to his house 5 days a week to babysit them (without pay, might I add.

They rarely even pay her for gas). They refuse to hire a 'real' babysitter, because the mom doesn't trust anyone to watch her kids (personally, I think this is an excuse so they don't have to pay someone). However, a bit over a week ago, she had a doctor's appointment, so I was volunteered (without being consulted,

or told more than 24 hours in advance) to babysit in her place. 4 is a decent kid, but 6 is a holy t**ror who I swear gets off on causing trouble. After several hours of 6 demonstrating top form in causing mayhem, I threatened to take his tablet away if he didn't start behaving.

Given that his parents let him use the tablet constantly as a way to keep him quiet, this was most disagreeable to him. He did settle down to a dull roar after that, but after a bit, he came up to me and said, 'God's going to send you to hell for being so mean to me.' I replied, rather casually, 'That doesn't bother me.

I don't believe in god.' A short conversation followed:. 6: What do you mean?. Me: I mean I don't believe in god.. 6: You have to believe! God is real!. Me: No, I don't.. At this point, 4 had overheard and joined in.. 4: I believe in god.. Me: That's fine. I don't.. 6: You won't go to heaven if you don't believe in god!. 4: Yeah!. Me: I don't believe in heaven either.

Or hell.. 6: \*while beating my legs with his fists\* YOU HAVE TO BELIEVE!. 4: \*less than 8 inches away from my left ear, at the top of her lungs\* BELIEVE! BELIEVE! BELIEVE! At this point, I'm just staring into the camera like I'm on The Office.

They quickly got bored of screaming at me and went off to do their own things. Eventually my mother came back, and I went to go pick up the kids' mom from work. Then I went home. Now, over a week later, my brother called me up, ranting and raving, demanding to know why I told HIS children that they're not allowed to believe in god.

Their mother overreacted (as she does with most things), informing me that I am never allowed to see her kids again (an absolute win, if I ever heard of one). I tried to explain that I did NOT tell the kids they couldn't believe in god,

but the parents were having none of it. Now my mother is angry with me too, because she has another appointment coming up and might have to cancel because, again, the parents refuse to hire an actual babysitter.. So, AITA?

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This babysitting blow-up highlights the delicate dance of discussing beliefs with kids. The OP’s blunt atheism, sparked by a child’s threat, was less about malice and more about reflex. Yet, it ignited a firestorm, showing how deeply religion can shape family dynamics. The parents’ overreaction suggests a fear of their kids questioning their faith, while OP’s honesty reflects a personal boundary.

Dr. Deborah Serani, a psychologist quoted in Psychology Today, notes, “Children benefit from exposure to diverse perspectives, but delivery matters.” OP’s casual tone was age-appropriate, but engaging in theological debates with young kids risks confusion, especially in a sheltered homeschool environment. The parents’ refusal to hear OP’s side escalates the conflict, rooted in their rigid beliefs.

Religious diversity is common. A 2020 Pew Research study shows 26% of Americans identify as religiously unaffiliated, often clashing with traditionalists. Broader issue? Sheltering kids from differing views can breed intolerance. Advice: OP should set firm boundaries on unpaid babysitting, while parents should expose kids to diverse beliefs gradually. Communication, not bans, resolves this.

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Heres what people had to say to OP:

The Reddit posse rolled in with pitchforks and popcorn, dishing out a mix of cheers for OP’s honesty and side-eyes at the parents’ meltdown. From calling out the kids’ indoctrination to urging OP to dodge future babysitting gigs, the comments were a spicy blend of support and snark. Here’s what they had to say:

mayfly2131 − NTA. If they weren’t homeschooled they’d probably already have had that convo in school lmao.

[Reddit User] − NTA, you weren't arguing with the kids, you simply stated you believe differently and in life they're gonna have to meet people of different Faiths or lack of it. Growing up Catholic I had the fear of eternal damnation and for others around me,

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and them yelling at you to believe likely came from a place of concern for you since being sheltered their beliefs have never been challenged before and because they're young misunderstood what you were saying. It's wrong of the parents to not hear your side out and just straight up yelling at you for sure though what the heck.

bananapantspalmtree − Here's a crazy idea, you mum goes to her appt and your SIL gets a babysitter in to watch the kids. You have NO obligation to watch anyone's kids OP, especially if you're going to be berated for it

inquisitoralora − NTA. They need to learn that not everyone has the same beliefs, otherwise they are going to end up being total dicks to anyone that doesn't believe in their religion. Also, the fact that your brother/SIL is believing what a 6 and 4 y/o are telling them in recounting a convo that happened a week ago over you speaks to how they view you imo.

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[Reddit User] − NTA. Refuse to babysit in the future.

HeatherAnne1975 − I’m confused? You say they are homeschooled but who is actually teaching them? You say the parents work and your mom usually babysits but who is giving instruction? Maybe the four year old is too young, but the 6 year old (at least in the US) would be in first grade and is required to be schooled?

That said, light NTA. In all honesty, you should not have engaged a little kid in a theology discussion, just ignore it and let it roll off your back. There’s nothing to gain in that discussion, but it’s not a huge deal.

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But your brother and his wife are overreacting, and are slight assholes. They are getting free childcare and are acting quite entitled. If they have a problem they need to shut up and pay for a sitter. But seriously, who is educating their kids!?!?

JudgeJed100 − NTA - honestly call CPS. I’m not sure if they can do anything but....come on. A 6 year sitting smacking their own legs while screaming “ believe!” Is not normal

Fruit-Additional − NTA.. All children need to realise that different people have different beliefs. The parents don’t get to police other adults.. This is a clear example of how the indoctrination in America has lead to such intolerance.. As you say being told you can’t be around them sounds like a win.. I’d just reply saying thank you!

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Francogerman030 − My partner has just clarified that I might only think this way because I'm a teacher but as a general rule, I think it's best to inform parents about situations where they get rilled up/take a deep interest. I would rather have my side of the story told rather than going up against the version of the kid.

That being said, it doesn't sound like you want to be the person they call (which I can fully see why) and so... well... no loss here for you. I do think it's important for children and people on general to speak to people with different viewpoints. Its valuable to them to meet peoplr who don't share theor beliefs.

Especially someone who put it so respectfully to them. You didn't tell them they were wrong, you merely stated you didn't share their beliefs. Lastly, you need to sit your mom down and tell her she deserves better.

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If she wants to accept this positioj unpaid, that's up to her but she should still be allowed to go to an appointment, especially when notice is given to the parents. That is something I would really recommend discussing with her.

Oden_son − Your whole family sound like assholes but you're not. Brainwashing kids into thinking their way is the only way is child abuse

These Redditors backed OP’s right to their beliefs, slamming the parents’ overreach and entitlement to free childcare. Some saw the kids’ reaction as a red flag for their upbringing; others chuckled at OP’s Office-style stare. But do these online roasts capture the full family fallout, or are they just fanning the flames?

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This tale of atheism and angry kids serves up a raw slice of family friction, where a single comment can unravel ties. OP’s honesty clashed with a household steeped in faith, exposing the challenge of balancing personal truth with family expectations. The parents’ ban may feel like a win for OP, but it begs the question: how do you handle beliefs with kids without sparking a war? Share your stories and let’s unpack this drama together!

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