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Helping with a new baby is generous, but daily childcare can quickly become another full-time responsibility.

One 21-year-old already works six days a week, so when her sister wants nightly help, would you keep showing up or set limits?

Her refusal sparks a personal argument, even though other adults are available and the routine would leave her exhausted.

Read on to see how it all went down.

AITA for refusing to help my sister with her baby every day after work?

I (21F) work full-time, every day except Sundays.

My sister (36F) recently had a baby, who is now five months old.

I love my nephew and visit them whenever I can after work, but it’s usually a long trip, and I get home around 9 pm when I go there.

This young woman was asked to help with her older sister’s newborn baby.

I live with my mom, and she doesn’t like me taking showers after 9 pm because of the noise.

Even though I pay the water and electric bills, I try to avoid fights and respect that.

My sister just returned from maternity leave, and she asked me to come help with the baby every day after work, so she can shower and get things done.

She explained that this arrangement might not work for her for several reasons.

I told her that it’s difficult for me because of how late I get home and the problems it causes at home.

I also mentioned that I’m usually exhausted after work and that going there daily would be too much.

Her older sister started yelling at her.

She said it was fine but then got really upset and started yelling at me.

She brought up personal things, saying I can’t keep a job and making me feel like I’m unreliable.

I was just trying to explain my situation, but she seemed to take it as an attack.

Now, she dreads it more to visit and help her sister because of what happened.

Now, I don’t feel comfortable going to her house anymore even though I care about her and the baby.

She has a husband and in-laws who could help her too, so I don’t feel like it’s fair for her to expect this much from me.

Still, I worry that my family will think I’m being selfish or uncaring. AITA?

Is she being selfish or is her sister asking too much?

Let’s see the reactions of other people on Reddit to this story.

Her request is ridiculous, says this person.

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While this user thinks they are exhausting.

This person shares their thoughts.

Here’s another valid point.

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about a brother who is concerned about the trouble with splitting funeral costs equally between siblings.

Finally, people are calling out the sister.

She was already visiting when possible, but commuting there every night after work was simply not sustainable.

Her sister could have spread the help among her husband, in-laws, and other relatives instead of expecting one exhausted person to carry it.

Babysitting is a favor, not an automatic evening shift.

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Author

Chris Allen