Family responsibilities can sometimes blur the line between help and obligation.

In this story, a young woman was asked to babysit her younger siblings for several days.

She requested compensation since it affected her schedule.

Despite already covering many of her own expenses and helping around the house regularly, her request was denied.

When she refused to do it for free, her parents reacted strongly and made her feel guilty.

Read the full story below to find out more.

AITA for not babysitting while my parents are out of town?

For context, I am 19. I am home from college for the summertime.

I have two little siblings (11 and 9). I love them more than anything.

My parents were planning on driving back to our hometown for 3 days in the middle of the week.

They wanted to see their friends. They asked me to babysit. I do not mind.

This young woman asked to be paid $60 to babysit her siblings.

I asked if they would compensate me. I would not be able to work or go to my (unpaid) internship. I asked for them to give me $60. I also asked for a tank of gas or to pay one of my bills.

They said no.

So I said I will not be babysitting for free. I can’t work those days. If it was the weekend or something, it would be a different story.

I pay for my own gas, insurance, tuition, groceries, and phone bill.

While she still lives with her parents, she also does a lot around the house.

I do eat dinner at home once a day. My parents pay for that. I also live in their house and use the utilities. My father also just put new tires on my car. It was not cheap.

However, I have been helping out around the house.

I do things like cleaning the bathrooms, dishes, everyone’s laundry, and just cleaning in general.

I also often take my siblings out places. I pick up groceries and takeout for my family.

Her mother started guilt-tripping her and saying she was selfish.

Gas is not cheap. I have enough money.

At the end of the day, I am a broke college student. They are much better off than I am.

My mother is guilt-tripping me, saying that I am selfish and making me feel bad about my dad not being able to go.

He has to stay home and watch the kids now.

Now, she feels bad that her dad could not go to their hometown because he has to watch the kids.

I do feel bad about that. My father does a lot for me. I do feel selfish that I am the reason he cannot go.

If anyone has a solution, please let me know.

If anyone thinks I should just suck it up and do it for free, please let me know.

Also, am I the jerk?

Never Miss a Story

Sign up to get our BEST stories of the week straight to your inbox.

OP has a good argument, saying she has work that day. Staying home to watch the younger kids will mean she has to miss out on her daily pay.

I think asking her parents to compensate for the lost wage is only fair, especially for multiple days.

The fact that she felt guilty also meant she really wanted to help but also needed the cash.

If you were in her shoes, what would you do? Let’s read other people’s responses on Reddit.

This person agrees that $60 is reasonable.

This person makes a valid point.

Here’s another honest opinion.

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about a sister who let her brother maintain a shared car for years, and doesn’t want to start doing it herself now that he has his own car.

People are all siding with her.

Finally, short and simple.

Free babysitting isn’t always part of the family package.