Many people think that being a parent is an amazing joy. But grandparents feel just as much happiness watching their children become parents themselves. However, for one caring grandma, things weren’t as perfect as they seemed. She found herself in a tough spot when her daughter started treating her like a full-time babysitter for her grandson!
Want to know what happened when this grandma finally said “no”? Keep reading!
In a post on Reddit’s ‘Am I the A*e‘ thread, a grandmother opened up about a difficult choice between her daughter and her grandson. The 56-year-old, known as the Original Poster (OP), explained that she felt pressured to choose between relaxing and taking care of her 14-month-old grandson during her planned break.
Her 26-year-old daughter had been a single mom since her partner left when their son was only three months old. She had been living with OP for support. OP usually watched her grandson from 6 PM to 8 PM while her daughter worked.
“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 explained. “I planned to take a month off next month to rest, without going anywhere.”
But when OP’s daughter found out about her break, she thought it was the perfect chance to cut daycare costs and speed up her plans for independence. “When my daughter heard about my time off, she suggested I could watch my grandson, helping her save money for our future move,” OP shared.
Even though her daughter emotionally appealed to her about the struggles of single motherhood, OP stood firm. She declined her daughter’s request to babysit beyond the morning hours, emphasizing her need for rest. “She began to cry, saying she was working toward independence and that being a single mom was tough. She even pleaded for just three more hours of help, but I remained firm,” OP recalled.
Despite making her choice, OP felt guilty about her daughter’s difficult situation. “I adore my grandson, but I also need my rest,” she stated.
The story sparked a lot of online discussion, with many people sharing their opinions on OP’s dilemma. Many sympathized with 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 her finances more than skipping daycare for a month.”
Another chimed in, “And if you burn out from all the work, who will support her? Her circumstances are tough, but she could be worse off without 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 that many can relate to.
