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Balancing university, work, and family responsibilities can become overwhelming.
The following story involves a young woman who rented a room from her aunt because the house was close to her workplace.
However, she soon found herself regularly babysitting her aunt’s twins.
What started as occasional 30-minute or one-hour babysitting turned into several hours, sometimes lasting until late at night.
With her exams fast approaching and her uncle dismissing her concerns, she decided it was time to find another place.
Do you think it was the right decision? Read the full story below for all the details.
AITA for moving out of my aunt’s house because of her kids?
I (20F) am a full-time university student and work part-time.
A couple months ago, my aunt offered to rent me a room because her house is much closer to my workplace.
I pay rent, utilities, groceries, etc., so I’m not living there for free.
She has 5-year-old twins. They’re great kids, but they are loud.
They’re constantly running around, arguing, yelling, and they suddenly get charged at midnight and start howling.
This young woman was often asked to look after the kids.
I knew what I was signing up for, so I wasn’t expecting library conditions, but it can get a lot sometimes.
The bigger issue is babysitting.
At first, my aunt would leave them with me for 30 minutes or an hour while she ran errands, which I didn’t mind.
Lately, “I’ll only be an hour” has turned into 3 to 4 hours, sometimes until 10 or 11 pm.
This is happening more than once a week, and my semester exams are coming up.
She refused to babysit the kids anymore.
My aunt is honestly lovely, and I know she needs a break.
My uncle, on the other hand, isn’t exactly winning any Father of the Year awards, but I try to stay out of their marriage.
I finally told them I couldn’t keep babysitting because I need to study.
My aunt offered to pay me, which I appreciated, but I said money wasn’t the issue.
I already pay to live there. I just don’t have the time.
She decided to move somewhere else.
My uncle said I was overreacting and needed to “learn to study with noise.”
Because “what are you going to do when you have kids?”
I really wanted to say, how’d he know, because he’s barely around. But I kept that one to myself.
I found another place near work and decided to move out.
Now, her aunt and uncle are upset with her.
They’re both really upset and say I’m being ungrateful and abandoning them when they offered to help me when I need it.
I feel guilty because I love my aunt and the kids.
But between uni, work, studying, and now regular unpaid childcare, I’m exhausted.
AITA for moving out?
Aww… That must have been a difficult situation to be in.
OP clearly didn’t mind looking after the children, but she also had to juggle studies and work.
I agree that moving out was the best move for her… no matter how much they try to guilt-trip her.
Do you agree? Let’s find out what others have to say about this.
This user shares their personal thoughts.
Another one chimes in.
You’re entitled to your space and time, says this one.
If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about a sister who refuses to give up her own holiday traditions to spend the day with her family at her brother’s cabin.
This one makes a valid point.
Finally, another sensible piece of advice.
A rented room should not come with babysitting responsibilities.