AITAH for not buying a car just so I can pick up my sisters kids?
In a small town with no bus routes, a broken-down car sparked a family feud over childcare duties. The OP, jobless and fond of biking, agreed to pick up their sister’s kids from summer camp—until their car gave out. Faced with their single-mom sister’s plea to buy a new ride, the OP stood firm, unwilling to shell out for a favor they didn’t choose.
This Reddit tale pedals through duty, guilt, and boundaries—did the OP brake too hard, or steer clear of unfair demands?
‘AITAH for not buying a car just so I can pick up my sisters kids?’
Family favors can skid into resentment when expectations outpace fairness. The OP’s sister, a single mom, relied on them for childcare, but her demand for a new car to continue the favor ignores the OP’s financial reality. The OP’s refusal protects their independence, while the sister’s frustration stems from real childcare struggles. Both have valid stakes, but the sister’s entitlement tips the scale.
Family therapist Dr. Susan Newman, author of The Book of No, says, “Helping family is generous, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your own stability.” Single parents face childcare gaps, with 30% citing unreliable support as a top stressor, per surveys. The OP’s biking lifestyle and lack of income make a car purchase impractical.
This reflects a broader issue: setting boundaries in family support. The OP could offer alternatives, like coordinating with other parents for pickups, while the sister explores camp extensions or subsidies. Open talks could ease guilt.
Let’s dive into the reactions from Reddit:
Reddit’s crew revved up with sass and support, cheering the OP’s stand and roasting the sister’s car-buying demand. From snarky quips to practical jabs, the comments are a lively pit stop. Here’s what the community churned out:
![[Reddit User] − NTA. She can buy you a car if it’s that important to her](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/205732c-01.png)
These Reddit takes are a zippy mix, but do they hit the road right? Is the OP a boundary-setting champ or too quick to bail?
This childcare clash shows family help has limits, like a car running on empty. The OP’s refusal to buy a new vehicle for their sister’s kids prioritizes their financial freedom, but it leaves their sister in a bind. A frank chat about other solutions—like shared rides or camp adjustments—could shift gears. What would you do if family expected you to foot the bill for their needs? Drop your thoughts below!
