AITA for refusing to babysit my sister’s kids after she called me “lazy” for working from home?

A Redditor who works full-time from home was recently asked by their sister to babysit her kids during work hours, as daycare was too expensive. When the user refused due to work commitments, the sister called them “lazy” and accused them of not having a “real” job. Now, the family is divided, with some siding with the sister and others understanding the user’s stance. Was refusing to babysit selfish, or is the sister’s request and reaction unreasonable?

‘ AITA for refusing to babysit my sister’s kids after she called me “lazy” for working from home?’

I (30F) work a full-time job from home. My work isn’t just about being online whenever I feel like it; it’s structured, demanding, and comes with tight deadlines. Working from home allows me flexibility, but it doesn’t mean I’m free to do whatever I want during work hours.

Recently, my sister (33F) approached me with a request. She has two young kids, and due to the rising cost of daycare, she wanted me to babysit them during the day. While I empathize with her situation, I had to turn her down because I simply can’t manage two kids and my job at the same time. My work requires focus, and distractions could risk my performance—or worse, my job.

When I explained this to her, she got upset and accused me of being “lazy.” She said working from home isn’t a “real” job and implied I was making excuses to avoid helping her. That comment stung because I work hard to maintain my career and provide for myself.

The situation escalated further when she told other family members about my refusal. Some of them now think I’m being selfish for not helping her out. They argue that “family helps family” and that I should find a way to make it work, even if it’s just part-time.

I’m frustrated because I feel like my boundaries and responsibilities aren’t being respected. I understand that childcare is expensive, and I truly sympathize with her struggles as a mom. But I don’t think it’s fair for her to dismiss my job as unimportant or call me lazy when I’m simply trying to protect my livelihood.

Am I the asshole for refusing to babysit, even after the backlash from my sister and some family members?

See what others had to share with OP:

Itchy-Raspberry-4432 −  Tell her to get a WFH job & she can look after her children herself.

silvergiltsky −  Your sister is an entitled b. If she really thinks insulting your job is the way to get a huge, long-term favor from you, she needs to learn otherwise. Don’t back down, no matter what flying monkeys she sends or smear campaigns she launches. It will die down eventually–and if it doesn’t, you’re well rid of people who have no respect for anyone’s time or life requirements but their own.

lychigo −  I don’t even know why this is a question. When you are at work, you are at work. Work isn’t paying you to watch her kids. Those are HER kids, HER responsibility. Not your’s. HERS. You shouldn’t even hesitate to say no. And your other family members can watch the kids for her for free.

ilnaturista −  NTA. Working from home doesn’t mean you’re free to babysit—it’s still a real job with responsibilities and deadlines. Your sister’s comment about being “lazy” is unfair and dismissive of the hard work it takes to manage a full-time remote job. It’s understandable that she’s stressed about daycare costs, but that doesn’t mean her solution should come at the expense of your job and livelihood.

You’re not being selfish; you’re setting reasonable boundaries. Perhaps you could offer to help in a different way, like assisting her in finding more affordable childcare options, but you’re absolutely within your rights to prioritize your work during your work hours.

Fioreborn −  Tell the family who are agreeing with her that they are more than welcome to babysit for her.

NoExplanation7119 −  NTA- many companies my own included have strict guidelines on childcare in the home while you are at work. It is a total no-no on a day-to-day basis, although in case of emergencies like the occasional child home sick from school they will allow it if it doesn’t interfere with your work. Tell your sister you’re not putting your job at risk.

writing_mm_romance −  She sounds like a peach. Tell her if her “real job” doesn’t pay her enough to afford to live, then maybe she should stop being lazy and get a second “real job”.

Krasnian −  I wfh and my wife says Im the laziest person she knows. The job is intense and every day I’m spent. To me the job is the same whether in the office or at home just wfh I save money by not commuting and adding extra expenses to our lives.

RantyMcThrowaway −  NTA obviously.

Clean_Factor9673 −  NTA. You’re being paid to work during the day. Babysitting a couple hours in an emergency would be one thing but you’re being paid to work. Your employer expects you to get the work done.