A fed-up mum has taken to social media to vent her frustration after her sister-in-law repeatedly demanded free babysitting – sparking a fierce debate about family boundaries.
'I'm Not Your On-Call Nanny!'
The anonymous mother shared her story on Mumsnet, revealing how her husband's sister expects her to look after the children whenever she fancies a night out. "She'll text last minute saying 'Can you have the kids tonight? We're going for drinks'," the exasperated parent explained. "When I say no, she acts like I've committed some unforgivable sin."
The Breaking Point
Tensions reached boiling point when the auntie asked the mum to cancel her own plans to provide childcare. "She actually said 'Your dinner with friends isn't as important as my anniversary' – as if my time has no value," the poster revealed. The final straw came when the relative suggested she should be "grateful" for the opportunity to spend time with her nieces and nephews.
Internet Backs Mum's Stance
The online community overwhelmingly supported the mother's position:
- "Your kids, your responsibility" – Top-voted comment
- "Family doesn't mean free labour" – Second most popular response
- "The entitlement is staggering" – Another user's take
Childcare experts warn that such expectations can damage family relationships. "Clear communication about availability and compensation prevents resentment," says family therapist Dr Emma Preston. "Assuming family members are automatically available devalues their time."
The viral post has ignited wider discussions about modern parenting pressures and the often-unspoken tensions around informal childcare arrangements within families.
