“I Am Childfree By Choice”: Mom Gets Offended After Sibling Calls Her Out On Her Cheap Behavior

Family comes first… but sometimes, they take that a little too literally. We’ve all heard wild family requests, but some demands cross the line into unreasonable or just plain absurd.

Take this story, for example. A woman revealed how her sister, struggling with childcare, suggested she move states to become her full-time nanny. The catch? She wanted her to do it for less than a livable wage. Being childfree by choice, the sister didn’t hesitate to shut that idea down, instantly. Keep scrolling to see how she handled the situation and why so many people online are siding with her.

Babysitting is a time-consuming responsibility that often feels like a full-time job

Woman babysitter playing with three children on floor, surrounded by wooden train tracks and toy vehicles in a home setting.

Image credits: Andrej Lišakov / Unsplash ( not the actual photo)

A woman shared how she laughed off her sister’s unreasonable request to become her nanny

Woman thinks babysitters don’t deserve a living wage, gets a reality check from sibling about childcare challenges.

Woman thinks babysitters don’t deserve a living wage, sibling challenges her views on fair childcare pay.

Woman thinks babysitters don’t deserve a living wage, sibling challenges her perspective with a reality check conversation.

Young woman in polka dot blouse talking on phone, appearing frustrated while discussing babysitters and living wage.

Image credits: RDNE Stock project / Pexels ( not the actual photo) 

Text excerpt showing a conversation where a woman laughs and refuses to agree during a babysitter wage debate with a sibling.

Text on white background describing how woman was deflated until changing subject, then found a babysitter.

Text image displaying a statement about choosing to be childfree and refusing to work as a nanny for any wage.

Text excerpt from a conversation about babysitters and opinions on their living wage, addressing misunderstandings.

Text on a white background reading about the cost of childcare and the need to pay babysitters a living wage.

Image credits: FreeToFeelGood

She went into detail about the entire situation and why she refused to take on the role

Reddit discussion text about babysitters’ living wages and the challenges they face balancing multiple jobs.

Screenshot of a Reddit conversation where a woman argues babysitters don’t deserve a living wage, challenged by her sibling.

Screenshot of a discussion about whether babysitters deserve a living wage, featuring sibling disagreement on childcare fairness.

Reddit comments discussing babysitters and grandparents providing full-time childcare and living wage issues.

Screenshot of a Reddit conversation about babysitters and the debate over their living wage and childcare costs.

Reddit conversation about babysitter wages with user questioning pay and original poster mentioning $15 per hour rate.

Screenshot of a Reddit conversation discussing the value of babysitters and caregivers in family roles.

Reddit discussion about babysitters and nannies, addressing fair wages and childcare arrangements in the United States.

Text conversation about babysitting challenges and why some women think babysitters don’t deserve a living wage.

Man stressed working on laptop while child plays on his back, highlighting babysitters and living wage discussion.

Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash ( not the actual photo)

Working parents often struggle to find the right childcare solution that balances trust, affordability, and availability for their kids

It’s no secret that raising a child can quickly become expensive. From the very first stage, parents are faced with the costs of diapers, formula, and baby gear. As children grow, these expenses shift to school fees, extracurricular activities, and clothing. While the joy of raising a child is priceless, the financial reality is something every parent must face head-on. These ongoing costs can put immense strain on a household budget if not planned carefully in advance.

The challenges increase significantly when both parents are working full-time. Beyond managing careers, they also need to figure out childcare arrangements. This often means hiring babysitters, enrolling children in daycare, or relying on after-school programs. These services, while necessary, can add thousands of dollars annually to a family’s expenses. Balancing work demands with parental duties is a tightrope walk, and without adequate support, many parents find themselves constantly stretched thin both emotionally and financially.

When parents don’t have family or friends to help, they often rely on babysitters or nannies. While necessary, daily babysitting can quickly become one of the largest household expenses. In some cities, the cost of childcare rivals that of rent or a mortgage, creating financial stress. But beyond the cost, many forget that babysitting itself is far from easy: it demands patience, creativity, and constant attention.

To better understand the challenges of babysitting, we spoke with Violeta Carvajal, an engineer by profession who once worked as a babysitter throughout high school and college. “When I was younger and just starting out, I babysat for free for friends and family,” she recalls. “As I gained experience, I began charging for my time and eventually took it on professionally.” Violeta emphasizes how babysitting shaped her sense of responsibility and problem-solving skills, lessons she still applies to her career today.

Woman counting money at table, illustrating babysitters earning a fair living wage discussion and reality check moment.

Image credits: Sincerely Media / Unsplash ( not the actual photo)

It’s important to pay babysitters fairly, not only because of the effort involved, but also to value the responsibility they take on when caring for children

According to Violeta, many people underestimate the demands of babysitting. “It looks easy on the surface, but it isn’t,” she explains. “You’re not just sitting around while a child plays. You need to engage them, entertain them, and sometimes even calm their fears.” Keeping a child occupied is no small task, especially with kids who have short attention spans or boundless energy. It requires patience, quick thinking, and a willingness to adapt to changing moods and situations on the spot.

Another challenge babysitters face is ensuring children are fed properly. “Parents often have specific dietary restrictions, allergies, or routines, and you need to follow them closely,” says Violeta. “Some kids throw tantrums about eating, others spill or refuse food altogether, and you have to get creative to keep them nourished.” These mealtime struggles can be exhausting and require not just patience but creativity. Babysitters quickly learn that every child is different and that what works for one may not work for another.

Of course, there’s also the never-ending cycle of cleaning up after children. Toys are scattered, spills happen, and sometimes chaos seems like the norm. “You can’t just let the mess pile up, you’re responsible for maintaining a safe and comfortable environment,” says Violeta. On top of this comes nap time, which is rarely as peaceful as it sounds. Some children fight sleep altogether, while others wake up cranky. Babysitters must juggle these situations with patience and consistency.

Ultimately, Violeta emphasizes that patience is the most important skill for anyone caring for children. “Babysitting isn’t just about watching kids, it’s about problem-solving, staying calm under stress, and adapting to whatever comes your way.” While it can be rewarding, it is also emotionally and physically draining work.

In this particular case, it seemed like the author’s sister wasn’t fully prepared to handle all the costs and realities that come with childcare. This raises the question: was it fair to expect others to carry that burden?

People online supported her and even shared their own stories of family expecting free childcare

Reddit post discussing the challenges of unpaid babysitting and the value of babysitters’ living wage.

Text excerpt discussing a woman’s harsh view on babysitters’ wages and her sibling’s critical response.

Screenshot of an online comment discussing the financial challenges of childcare and the value of babysitters’ living wages.

Comment describing a woman running a home daycare and the challenges babysitters face earning a living wage.

Comment discussing a woman’s sibling responding to her undervaluing babysitters and their living wage.

Commenter questions the value of babysitters earning a living wage, expressing a childfree perspective on care work.

Text post discussing a mother's low wage live-in housekeeper and babysitters deserving a living wage reality check.

Text excerpt discussing undervaluing babysitters and the importance of fair living wages for caregivers.

Screenshot of a social media comment discussing babysitters and the debate over their living wage.

Comment from drfury31 explaining willingness to accept a live-in nanny role despite the low pay debate about babysitters' wages.

Screenshot of a comment defending babysitters deserving a living wage and supporting standing ground in a family dispute.

Text post about people claiming children mean everything while refusing to pay babysitters fairly, expressing amazement.

Comment saying you think you can do these things but you cannot, discussing babysitters and living wage opinions.

Comment discussing a woman’s opinion on babysitters’ wages and comparing childcare to fast food work.

Commenter shares experience on babysitters’ living wage, childcare costs, and undervaluing caregiving work.

Text excerpt about babysitters and family childcare, discussing perspectives on babysitters deserving a living wage and family support.

Comment discussing babysitters earning six figures and the need for fair wages in childcare jobs.

Text post describing a sibling refusing to babysit without pay, highlighting debate on babysitters’ living wage.

Comment text discussing how a nanny is a luxury service and likely underpaid, related to babysitters and wages.

Comment discussing a man reconsidering childcare costs after realizing babysitters deserve a fair living wage.

Text post about someone refusing to babysit without fair pay due to past experience with unfair treatment.

Comment about sibling pressuring disabled father to babysit, showing a reality check on babysitters deserving a living wage.

Comment discussing babysitters and the debate over whether they deserve a living wage from a sibling's perspective.

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