In the suburban dance of neighborly niceties, one woman finds herself at a crossroads between kindness and personal boundaries. A 38-year-old teacher and mother of two, enjoying her well-deserved school break, faces an unexpected challenge: her neighbor, Sara, seems to assume that her “time off” from school equates to free childcare for Sara’s two boys.
OP, a 38-year-old teacher and mother of two girls (8 and 11), lives next door to Sara, who has two boys (8 and 12). Sara’s husband travels frequently, and she works from home. During winter break, Sara’s kids often came over because they were bothering their mom. OP’s children and Sara’s kids no longer have much in common and often fight. Sara asked OP to watch her boys during spring break, but OP refused as they would be on vacation. Sara, upset, assumed OP would babysit over the summer. OP clarified that being home doesn’t mean free childcare, leading to tension between the neighbors.
Scroll down below to read the story in OP’s own words.
1. OP told her neighbor she won’t babysit over summer. Neighbor got upset, and her oldest called OP a bad person. AITA for setting boundaries?
2. OP (38F) has a neighbor, Sara (38F), with two boys. During OP’s school breaks, Sara sends her kids over to play, disrupting OP’s time off.
3. OP’s kids and Sara’s kids were friends but have drifted apart. Now, they fight frequently when together, and have little in common anymore.
4. During winter break, OP told Sara’s son her kids couldn’t play. Sara texted needing a break, so OP caved and told her girls to entertain him.
5. Ten minutes later, OP’s oldest cried about a boy’s nasty comment. OP told the boys they could leave if bored since Xbox access was restricted.
6. Sara asked OP to watch her boys during spring break. OP declined due to a vacation. OP firmly stated they would not babysit over summer.
7. OP told Sara that not being at school in the summer doesn’t mean free childcare. OP takes online classes and teaches summer school, also working from home.
8. OP refused to be responsible for Sara’s kids without compensation. Sara argued she needed help since her kids are older and harder to entertain.
9. OP explained the kids’ differences and declined to babysit without pay. Sara’s upset and her oldest called OP a bad person. AITA for setting boundaries?
Now that you have read the story, it’s time for you to see what Redditors had to say about this. Read till the end to see what are other people’s opinions on this. Don’t forget to share your own opinion at the end of this article.
10. Setting boundaries with neighbors about childcare is reasonable, especially when it affects your own family dynamics.
11. You’re NTA. It’s your time and space, not free childcare. Your neighbor needs to respect that.
12. Your neighbor shouldn’t expect free babysitting.
13. OP’s neighbor’s entitlement to your time doesn’t override your need for personal space and family time.
14. It’s important to prioritize your own family’s needs and boundaries. Your neighbor should find alternative arrangements.
15. OP has every right to decline babysitting requests, especially if it doesn’t align with your own plans and priorities.
16. Definitely NTA. Your neighbor’s reaction is uncalled for. You’re not obligated to provide free childcare.
17. Why are people so entitled?
18. It’s your summer too, and you’re entitled to spend it as you wish without being guilted into babysitting.
19. It’s your decision how you spend your time and energy, especially during your break from work.
20. OP’s neighbor needs to find a more appropriate solution for her childcare needs.
What are your thoughts on this story? What would you do, or how would you react if you were in OP’s position? You know that your feedback means a lot to us; therefore, we want you to share your thoughts in the comment section below. For more such articles, keep visiting our website. Have a nice day!
