I Refused to Babysit My Half-Siblings—And Chaos Ensued

A 17-year-old Reddit user recently shared a story about refusing to babysit his younger half-siblings, which forced his stepmother to cancel her doctor’s appointment. The teen explained he was already scheduled to work and didn’t want to risk losing his job. What unfolded next was a tense family showdown over responsibility, priorities, and what it really means to “be there” for your family.

His letter.

This happened on Saturday. I’m 17M. On Thursday, Heather (my dad’s wife) told me to call out of work because she had a doctor’s appointment and needed someone to babysit my three half-siblings (all under 3). I told her no and that she’d have to find someone else. My dad, who works Saturdays, said his job was “more important” than mine and that I should “enjoy” a day of being a big brother instead of focusing so much on work and school. I told them I was still going to work.

On Saturday, Dad left early. Heather said she was leaving at 8 for her appointment, so I was expected to watch the kids. Instead, I skipped breakfast, left for work early, and ate elsewhere. She tried calling me as I left, but I ignored her.

By lunchtime I had about 10 missed calls from her and several from Dad, saying I’d made her miss her appointment. I ignored them all. When I got home, Heather yelled that I’d known she had an appointment. I reminded her she knew I wasn’t calling out of work. She tried to take my phone, but I refused.

Later Dad came home angry, lecturing me about “family responsibilities” and saying my half-siblings didn’t deserve to be “walked out on.” He said Heather missed her appointment because I’m “spiteful” about their marriage and warned that I’d ruin family relationships if I kept this up. The next day they expected an apology, but I have none.

The truth is, I focus on work and school so I can move out as soon as possible. I’m saving every penny to go no-contact once I’m 18. Dad knows but doesn’t think I’m serious. I am.

What people think.

• Please make sure your money is in a safe place that other people cannot access. If they are aware you are saving up to leave, they may try to sabotage you. Have your cash somewhere else. Have your bank locked to only you, and DO NOT use an obvious PIN number. © Odd_Knowledge_2146 / Reddit
• One being you were clear you were not babysitting, as you already had plans. Rather it be work or something else doesn’t matter, cause you already had plans. Another reason is that they never asked you to babysit, they told you that you were. It doesn’t work that way. You don’t just get to tell someone they are doing you a favor. Your parents could have arranged for a babysitter. They both knew they had things to do, work for you dad, and the doctor for you step mom, but neither planned on child care, just assumed you would cancel your plans and do it for free. © evilcj925 / Reddit
• I think this is a power trip on their part. You told them that you were working at that time and that they need to get a different babysitter. They chose to disregard that. That is a “them” problem. Why on earth did she push it? You don’t seem like a doormat, so what made her think you would cave? Or is she compiling a grievance list? © Viciousbanana1974 / Reddit
• They are your step siblings, not your children. As parents, it is up to your dad and Heather to arrange child care for their children. She knew on Thursday which meant that she had time to arrange it. For your own father to say that you shouldn’t be locked in on work and school? Unacceptable. Best of luck! © glzq / Reddit
  

Here, you can read the story of another person who suddenly discovered a shocking family secret as an adult.