AITA for refusing to babysit when my parents asked because they wouldn’t pay me?

A 16-year-old teenager (16M) is frustrated with their parents for not paying him for his chores, unlike his younger siblings who receive an allowance. He has multiple responsibilities like making beds, doing laundry, cooking for the family, and cleaning lunch boxes. Despite his efforts to balance a job with chores,

his parents insist on him babysitting for free while paying his younger siblings for simpler tasks. The teenager refuses to babysit unless he is paid, leading to a heated argument with his parents who accuse him of being a brat. read the original story below…

‘ AITA for refusing to babysit when my parents asked because they wouldn’t pay me?’

My parents have me (16M) and my younger siblings (12F, 10M and 7F). My younger siblings get an allowance for the chores they do which is one chore each and for that they get $20 a week. While I never got an allowance for doing my chores and I have five chores; making four beds every morning,

keeping the kid living room tidy, doing laundry twice a week, cooking for the family once a week and cleaning my siblings lunch boxes after school. I always had multiple chores. This list has been the same for five years. Before that the only difference was cooking since I didn’t cook one night a week.

But laundry was added when I was like 7 or 8. My siblings chores are; carry dishes to whoever washes up (7F), start the robo vacuum (10M) and make sure the fridge always has bottled water (12F). I asked my parents why my siblings get paid but I don’t even though I do more.

They told me it was the responsibility of being the oldest and they shouldn’t need to pay me to be a good brother and son. Then they hated when I got a job because some of my chores were done at different times than they used to be.

I told them I wanted money and since they decided I wasn’t worth paying like my siblings were I got a real job instead. To be clear I still do my chores. But instead of the lunch boxes being done right after school on Friday it happens after work. The kid living room is messier longer because I’ll be at work while my siblings are making a mess.

My parents want to go on an overnight date night and they asked me to babysit. I asked them what they were paying and they said nothing, it would be another chore. I told them I won’t babysit then and I’ll only babysit if I get paid.

They told me they can’t afford to pay me and I replied that I was tired of being screwed over by them while they pay my younger siblings. They told me I was being a b**t and they can make me babysit. I reminded them that they get what they pay for.. AITA?

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

Which_Tangerine8982 −  So in theory, when you leave home at 18 for college or whatever, 12F is going to be shocked that she is suddenly the oldest and has all the responsibility.

You are actually fortunate that you are learning real life skills, and you will be prepared for adulthood much more than your siblings. But, NTA for being resentful for the way you are treated differently. 

Yes-GoAway −  NTA They have the money for the overnight date but not childcare. Your siblings are old enough to take on more responsibility, like making their own bed, cleaning up after themselves, etc. The division of chores and allowance is unfair. Your parents are taking advantage of you.

I wouldn’t have a problem babysitting 3 kids those ages if they were well-behaved. But I can see how you feel they are treating you unfairly and that makes you not want to help. We do favors for people we like. These are the kind of decisions parents make, that make their children cut ties with them.

maleficentwasright −  NTA Tell them you didn’t ask to be or want the responsibility of being the oldest sibling. You had NO say in their family planning. If they can’t afford a sitter, they can’t afford a date night. Older siblings aren’t ready-made free ones. You were absolutely 100% correct in your response.

Also, why is 10ms job just starting the roomba when 7f is carrying plates and 12f is restocking the fridge? That seems unequal too, he literally just pushes a button. Your siblings are going to revolt when you leave for uni or just move out and all the extra chores will need to be split between them.

Any_Dragonfruit4130 −  NTA. Your parents are ridiculous. Did they have you so you could parent the other children. They are not your responsibility and it’s crappy parenting giving them an allowance and not you. How about no allowances then they can pay for a REAL babysitter

Only-Ingenuity7889 −  Sounds like that evening is a good night to sleep over at a friend’s house, just in case.  . NTA.  This is b**lshit.

glenmarshall −  NTA. You are being emotionally and financially abused by your parents. Refuse to do any chores unless you are paid. Set the hourly rate at whatever your job pays, as that’s what your time is worth. This may cause you some difficulty in the short term, but you are old enough to establish boundaries and insist on them being honored.

LotsofCatsFI −  NTA being the oldest does not make you responsible for taking care of the younger ones. That’s always your parents responsibility 

Comfortable-Bug1737 −  If they say they’ll make you, tell them you’ll leave and phone the police. Get them done for a**ndonment.

Ok-Listen-8519 −  Parentification is abuse. Show your parents this thread. Im a parent & i pay my kid a monthly salary in return for the chores that I normally would hire someone including dog walking.🤷🏻‍♀️ NTA. For context its the chores that I normally have to hire someone anyways.

The normal dishes, laundry, trash, basic grocery shopping I dont pay them. The „salary“ a normal allowances as the child needs it for buying things she needs, some snacks when she doesnt have time to pack lunch, or if she goes to events she has money for, she still has a part time job – babysitting. Thats extra for her.

Physical_Dance_9606 −  NTA, and while I’m at it I would absolutely be refusing to make the beds and clean the lunchboxes of siblings that are perfectly old enough to do that for themselves

The teenager feels unfairly treated by his parents, especially as he does more work than his siblings but is not compensated. While his parents insist that his chores are part of being the oldest, he believes that he should be paid for his extra efforts. What do you think? share your thoughts below!