Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you decide to buy a product or service we recommend.
Having a supportive family is great, especially when we experience unexpected setbacks.
A woman recently found herself facing an unexpected setback, but she may have crossed a line by expecting too much help. Users on a popular online forum are now calling her many things.
Let’s explore this controversial issue.
Drama Unfolds
The original poster (OP), who we’ll refer to as Ella, is 35. She found herself alone after her husband passed away in a fatal accident.
Now it is only Ella and her seven-year-old son.
Adaption Is Required
Losing a loved one is never easy.
Ella’s husband was the main breadwinner, so his loss meant she had to adapt quickly. As with most single mothers, it was admirable how Ella tried to move forward alone.
She found a job that kept her occupied till eight at night.
Is It Fair to Charge a Family Member for Babysitting Services?
The problem is that Ella’s son gets out of school at 3 in the afternoon.
Fortunately, Ella’s sister-in-law, Grace, is a stay-at-home wife, and her husband owns a successful business.
Because of this, Grace is able to help out Ella. Grace picks up Ella’s son from school every day while Ella is at work and takes him back to her house to “hang” and finish his homework until Ella picks him up.
But here’s where things start to take a turn for the worse.
Woman Demands Payment From SIL for Babysitting
On a Wednesday morning, Grace called Ella to let her know she wouldn’t be able to pick up her son from school.
On a whim, Grace and her husband had snagged last-minute concert tickets and wouldn’t have time to pick up Grace’s son.
She’s Not a “Free Service”
Ella was upset: “She just sprung it on me.”
She now had to figure out how she was going to pick her son up from school.
Ella asked Grace to reconsider and reminded Grace that “she made this commitment.” However, Grace didn’t budge.
Generosity or Exploitation?
Grace ended up going to the concert with her husband.
With no other alternative, Ella left work six hours early to be able to pick up her son. Frustrated with what just happened, Ella sent a Venmo request to Grace requesting money for the hours she’d lost.
Shortly after, Ella received a not-so-pleasant response from Grace stating that she wasn’t going to pay.
What People Really Think
“Your SIL is not your personal slave,” one user commented. “Your kid is YOUR problem, but you sure seem to have dumped so many parental responsibility on your SIL that you somehow think now that she is a parent, and she owes you money to take care of your own kid? That’s not how it works.”
A Closer Look at Public Opinion
“You need to take responsibility for your own child. You should have found another sitter. You can’t expect your SIL to always be there to help you out.”
More Truth From the Trenches
“Your SIL watches your kid for free? And you’re going to punish her the one time she has to cancel? I would never watch your child again. You can hire a babysitter.”
How to Set Boundaries When Providing Free Babysitting Services
It’s frustrating to encounter entitled behavior from those who believe they deserve free services, even if they’re our family members.
In Ella’s case, she expected her sister-in-law to always be available to take care of her son. Eventually, Grace couldn’t commit and was put in an awkward situation.
Regardless of who’s right, hopefully, both family members will find peace after this argument.
More articles from Financially Well Off:
10 Big Things That Will Die Out With the Baby Boomers
As the baby boomer generation enters retirement, many cultural touchstones they grew up with are becoming obsolete. From cell phones to debit cards, here are 10 things that are likely to die out with the baby boomers. Discover which once-iconic items are on their way out and what’s taking their place in modern society.
10 Big Things That Will Die Out With the Baby Boomers
From Social Media to Diamonds: 10 Things That Millennials Are Leaving Behind
As the millennial generation ages, so do the cultural touchstones that define their youth. From multiplayer games to landline phones, here are the top 10 things that are likely to die out with the millennial generation. Find out what’s here to stay.
From Social Media to Diamonds: 10 Things That Millennials Are Leaving Behind
The Dark Side of Winning the Lottery: What No One Tells You!
We all dream of winning the lottery and having unlimited funds to fulfill our desires. But what if we told you that there’s a hidden dark side that nobody talks about? Winning the lottery can leave you feeling isolated, alone, and even depressed. Buckle up and get ready to have your eyes opened to the realities of winning the lottery.
The Dark Side of Winning the Lottery: What No One Tells You!
I Quit! The Real Reasons Why Some People Walk Out of Their Jobs Without Warning
Quitting a job impulsively is a drastic move, but sometimes, it’s the only option. Life’s too short, right? Here are real reasons employees leave their jobs, from toxic work environments to unmanageable workloads. Discover the warning signs so you can avoid being in this awkward position.
I Quit! The Real Reasons Why Some People Walk Out of Their Jobs Without Warning
10 Honest Ways People Respond to a Homeless Person Asking for Money
When a homeless person asks for money, it can be a difficult situation to navigate. Here are 10 honest ways that people respond, from giving money to politely declining. Each approach has its pros and cons, so find out which one works best for you and your values.
10 Honest Ways People Respond to a Homeless Person Asking for Money
This thread inspired this post.
The internet has influenced the ideas presented in this article, and it does not necessarily align with the views or opinions of the Financially Well Off.
This article originally appeared on Financially Well Off.
