Do grandparents have an obligation to babysit their grandchildren? It’s a hot topic that sparks passionate debates. One grandmother recently shared her story on Reddit, revealing why she refused to watch her grandkids, even though it might cost her daughter-in-law (DIL) her job. Her decision has left the internet divided.
The grandmother explained that her DIL had just landed a well-paying job after being a stay-at-home mom for four years. However, the joy of her new role quickly turned stressful when she couldn’t find a babysitter for her two kids. As a last resort, she turned to her mother-in-law, asking her to babysit for just one week.
But the grandmother said no—and her reasons weren’t exactly simple.
According to her Reddit post, the DIL’s babysitting expectations were, in her words, “unreasonable.” She wanted vegetarian meals prepared for the kids but didn’t provide the ingredients. TV was off-limits, and the children had to be kept entertained 24/7 with activities like educational worksheets for the four-year-old. To top it off, the grandmother wasn’t allowed to have her friends over during the week.
For the grandmother, these demands felt more like a full-time job than a favor. She shared her concerns with her son, explaining that the DIL’s strict rules and lack of flexibility made her reluctant to step in. She clarified that she’s more than happy to babysit her other son’s children—because, in her view, they’re less demanding.
The internet had a lot to say about this.
One commenter sympathized with the grandmother, writing:
“I’m so tired of people treating grandparents like free childcare. Kids are just kids, and it’s okay if the rules are relaxed for a week… that’s why they love spending time with grandparents! You should make it clear you’d love to help if the DIL is willing to compromise.”
But not everyone agreed. Some thought the grandmother should have put her family first, with one person commenting:
“It’s just a week. Sure, the rules might be a bit much, but you’d rather see your DIL lose her job than inconvenience yourself for five days? Do the right thing and help out.”
Now the internet is left wondering: who’s in the wrong here? Is the grandmother justified in setting boundaries, or should she have stepped up to help her family during a tough time?
What do you think? Was the grandmother right to refuse, or should she have made an exception? Share your thoughts—and this article—with your friends and family!
