AITA for “losing” my passport to avoid babysitting on my vacation?

A 17-year-old shared their unconventional way of avoiding being an unpaid babysitter during a family vacation. Despite being told the trip to Disneyland would be just for them and their parents, they discovered at the airport that their sister, brother-in-law, and two young children were joining.

Anticipating being tasked with childcare, the user pretended to lose their passport and stayed home. While they enjoyed a peaceful week, their family faced challenges during the trip and accused them of ruining it. To understand the ethical dilemma and family dynamics, read the full story below.

‘ AITA for “losing” my passport to avoid babysitting on my vacation?’

I (F17) still live at home. My sister (28) is married and has two kids (5/3). Whenever she comes over to visit my parents and her stick me with the kids. This wouldn’t be a problem except she doesn’t visit for an evening. She will come for a week. And for that week I’m an unpaid nanny.

If we go out to a restaurant I have to entertain them because my mom needs to talk to my sister and BIL.. You get the picture. My parents decided that since this was my last summer before I became an adult we would be going to Disneyland to celebrate my graduation. I asked who was going and they said it was just the three of us.

But when we got to the airport my sister and her family were there. Strangely enough they were also going to Disneyland. I went into my backpack and grabbed my passport. I put it in my sock. When we got to the international security I couldn’t find it. We looked everywhere. I had to Uber home and I missed my flight.

Oh well. I get to stay home by myself for a week of peace and quiet. My parents were very mad at me for losing my passport. The money they spent on my flight and entrance was wasted. Darn. My mom and sister have both been posting about how hard it is to be at Disneyland with two little ones.

They both posted that I ruined the vacation by being so thoughtless. My dad says he knows why I did and he understands. But he says I should have let him know so he didn’t waste money. He said he would have gone along with my ruse. I feel bad about wasting money but I have been to Disneyland before. And I will go again later by myself or with friends.

Here’s the feedback from the Reddit community:

poorladlemonadestand −  NTA. But if they posted on social media say “wait. I ruined the vacation because I was supposed to help with the kids or take care of them myself? So this wasn’t about me?”

Gladtobealive2020 −  NtA But if your dad figured out what you did and understands why, he should advocate for you and tell your mom& sister that your function on earth is not to serve as your sister’s babysitter and that you are done babysitting and not to ask you to anymore

GungHoStocks −  My dad says he knows why I did and he understands. But he says I should have let him know so he didn’t waste money. He said he would have gone along with my ruse.. Huh?!?!?! If you only found out at the airport, then how could you have warned him?. Smart move of you, though.. NTA

sorahatch −  NTA. Was going to Disneyland for your graduation even your idea? Or was it some kind of way for your sister to take her kids when she could have free babysitting? I’m honestly really disgusted by the way people take advantage of others, especially girls and women, for free babysitting.

[Reddit User] −  NTA My dad says he knows why I did and he understands. But he says I should have let him know so he didn’t waste money. He said he would have gone along with my ruse. It would have been easier if he had warned you your sister would be there… They taught you how to lie to get your way. Can’t blame you for learning what they show you.

Obsidiannight2010 −  NTA. Next time dear old sis shows up on your doorstep, have a bag packed and ready to go and see if you can go to a friend’s or family members house while she’s there. If that isn’t possible, lock yourself in your room and only come out to use the restroom and eat then immediately lock yourself back in…they’ll get the hint…

Opposite_War9100 −  NTA and your dad didnt tell you your sister will be there and he paid for that🤷‍♀️

FeedbackCreative8334 −  NTA. They tried to trick you into something unpleasant and it blew up in their faces. Maybe next time they won’t lie to you to manipulate you into being their unpaid nanny.

Or they can stop pretending they want you to be part of the family hire the onsite help they need to provide for their favorite. It will be funnier still if you tell them you found your passport after you got home, and it was in your sock.

pixie-ann −  NTA I love your work. Keep saying no. Simply refuse to perform any unpaid childcare.

SnooPets8873 −  NTA he never stood up for you in the past, why would you think he’d be any different now?