Many people think being a parent is a huge joy, but grandparents find just as much joy in seeing their children become parents. However, one caring grandma discovered that not everything is as perfect as it seems. She had to take a stand when her daughter began treating her like a full-time babysitter for her grandson.
Keep reading to find out what happened when this grandma finally said “no”!
On Reddit’s ‘Am I the A*e‘ thread, a grandmother shared her tough choice between supporting her daughter and caring for her grandson. The 56-year-old woman, known as the Original Poster (OP), explained that she felt torn between relaxing and looking after her 14-month-old grandson during her planned break.
Her daughter, just 26 years old and a single mom since her partner left when their son was only three months old, had been living with her for support. OP usually watched her grandson from 6 PM to 8 PM while her daughter was at work.
“To support my daughter, I cover our home expenses while she pays for daycare and the baby’s needs like diapers and formula. She’s even saving money for a future move,” OP wrote. “I planned to take a month off next month to rest, without going anywhere.”
However, when OP’s daughter learned about her planned break, she saw it as an opportunity to save on daycare expenses and push her plan to become independent. “When my daughter heard about my time off, she suggested I could watch my grandson, helping her save money for our future move,” OP said.
Even though her daughter shared how hard single motherhood was, OP stood her ground. She refused to babysit beyond the morning hours, emphasizing that she needed time to rest and set limits. “She began to cry, saying she was trying to become independent and that being a single mom was really tough. She even begged for just three more hours of help, but I stayed firm,” OP recalled.
Despite her decision, OP felt guilty about her daughter’s struggles. “I adore my grandson, but I also need my rest,” she admitted.
The story sparked many discussions online, with people sharing their views on OP’s situation. Many understood her need for downtime. One commenter said, “If she pulls her child from daycare for a month, the spot will likely go to another family. The daycare can’t afford to keep the spot open unpaid; they have their own bills.”
They added, “Has she sued her ex for child support yet? That should be her priority, as it will help more with her finances than skipping daycare for a month.”
Another user chimed in, “And if you burn out from all the work, who will support her? Her circumstances are tough, but they could be worse without any daycare or support. You’re not to blame for her troubles; you’re doing all you can, yet she still wants more. Stick to your decision.”
Ultimately, OP’s choice highlights the challenge of balancing personal needs with family obligations—a struggle many can relate to.
