AITA for calling the police after my brother dropped off his two kids at my workplace?

We’ve all been in situations where family asks for a favor that we’d rather not do. Sometimes it’s an inconvenient errand, other times it’s babysitting on short notice. But what if your sibling dropped off their kids at your workplace without asking and expected you to figure it out?

That’s exactly what Original Poster (OP) went through when his brother, a widowed father, decided his lunch date was more important than making sure his children were properly cared for. Was OP’s reaction extreme, or did his brother push him too far? Let’s dive into this bizarre situation.

‘AITA for calling the police after my brother dropped off his two kids at my workplace?’

Expert Opinion: The Ethics and Legal Implications of Forced Childcare

The Problem With Forced Childcare

At its core, this situation is about parental responsibility—and a complete disregard for it. OP’s brother is not just asking for help; he’s demanding it, without respect for OP’s time, job, or well-being. Dr. Deborah Gilboa, a parenting and family expert, notes, “Healthy parenting involves ensuring that your children are in safe, stable environments—not simply offloading them on the nearest available person.”

By abandoning his kids at OP’s workplace, OP’s brother put not only OP’s job in jeopardy but also his children in an inappropriate and potentially unsafe environment.

Legal Implications of Child Abandonment

While OP’s brother may argue that “leaving kids with family” isn’t child abandonment, legal definitions vary. Many states define abandonment as leaving children without appropriate care or supervision that could endanger their well-being. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, parents must ensure proper supervision at all times, and knowingly placing children in inappropriate care situations could have legal consequences.

While OP had no obligation to call the police, his response was not irrational. He was placed in a high-stress situation where he had to choose between his job and his nephews’ safety. His brother’s actions showed a shocking level of entitlement and irresponsibility.

How OP Should Navigate This Moving Forward

Set Clear Boundaries: OP must establish a firm stance with his brother: dropping off the kids without consent will never be tolerated.
Document Everything: If this behavior continues, OP may need to take further steps, especially if the children’s well-being is at risk.
Involve Other Family Members: OP’s brother needs to understand that this is not about refusing to help—it’s about respecting boundaries and responsibilities.
Consider Mediation: If OP values his relationship with his brother, professional mediation could help rebuild trust while setting clear expectations.