My Daughter Expected Me to Free Babysit on Vacation, So I Gave Her a Taste of Her Own Medicine

Many grandparents love spending time with their grandchildren, but what happens when that turns into unpaid, full-time babysitting? One of our readers recently found herself in that exact situation. Her daughter invited herself with family into her vacation. Later, it became clear that she was expected to watch the kids while her daughter and son-in-law relaxed.

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𝐰𝐰𝐰.Richnow1

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Our reader sent us her story:

You say this all so proudly yet YOU RAISED HER. This lack of communication and passive aggressive response is why she's so entitled. This isnt a brag.

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Why didn't you just say something right away? Its probably this type of passive aggressive and vindictive behavior that lead to your daughter treating you this way in the first place.

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That was her trip for her self she done raised her kids. If they would have asked to come and talked about maybe just 1 day she watch the kids for them then maybe yes. But sounds like the daughter does this alot.

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"How will they manage the kids alone?" Seriously? The same way they manage at home I'd guess! If they can't, then maybe they should have sorted all of that out before they HAD children.

Good for you Granny!! I bet they will think twice before they invite themselves along on your next vacation, ha!!!

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If her daughter cuts her off from her grandkids simply because she wouldn't allow them to bulldoze their way onto her vacation and ruin it, then I'm sure it's not that big of a loss, as all mom cared about was a babysitter so that she and hubby could be alone.

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Oh my gosh-SERIOUSLY the selfish,self centered daughter wouldn't dare "cut grandma-free sitter" out of her life! She'd have to grow up "manage the kids alone" 24/7-WHY would she go to such mature extremes?? ;-)

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Let me guess you are one of two...1. A passive aggressive grandparent who allows her adult child to take complete advantage, simply for fear they will take the grandchildren away or your the adult child who uses their parents for babysitting and threatens to take the grandchildren away if the grandparents don't comply with your requirements..either it is really poor form your comment, trying to make the woman feel bad instead of doing something for herself, she has raised her children, it's time her adult child did the same.

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Set clear boundaries early on.

As a grandmother of 5 wonderful grandchildren who will babysit at the drop of a dime and my children know I never say no because love the time with them but that being said they have always respected me enough to ask me. Even though they know I'm going to say yes they would never blindside me and that's the problem here. No respect at all for Grandma

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It’s easy to feel guilty when family members ask for your help, especially when they don’t fully understand your needs or priorities. However, setting clear boundaries is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships.

By clearly communicating your needs from the start, you prevent resentment from building up and protect your emotional health. Next time, instead of waiting for the situation to escalate, try having an open conversation about your expectations before committing to anything.

Prioritize your self-care.

You made a brave decision by choosing a solo retreat over a vacation that would have left you exhausted and overwhelmed. This is an important reminder that taking care of yourself isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

Research shows that people who regularly prioritize self-care are more productive, emotionally balanced, and better at managing stress. Don’t feel guilty for putting your well-being first; it’s the best way to show up for your loved ones in the long run. Giving yourself space to recharge isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential for your happiness and peace of mind.

Understand the power of saying “no”.

Saying “no” can feel uncomfortable, especially when it involves family, but it’s a powerful tool for self-preservation. Psychologically, people often feel they need to please others at the expense of their own happiness.

However, learning to say no is a skill that helps reinforce your self-worth and allows you to protect your time and energy. By saying no to an unwanted responsibility, like babysitting during your vacation, you reaffirm that your needs matter too. It can be challenging at first, but with practice, it becomes easier to honor your desires without guilt.

Embrace the freedom of independence.

Your solo retreat was a powerful reminder of the value of independence. While being a part of a family is important, so is maintaining your individuality and personal space.

By embracing your solo adventure, you reminded yourself that your dreams and desires are just as important as anyone else’s. Taking time for yourself, without the pressure of fulfilling others’ expectations, can bring a deep sense of fulfillment that stays with you long after the trip ends.

Sometimes, the cheapest purchases turn out to be the smartest. These ten people prove that a little frugality can go a long way. Their small, budget-friendly buys ended up sparing them from massive expenses—and their stories might just change the way you shop.

Preview photo credit freepik / Freepik

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I think you were sooo right to do you,& teach daughter lessons,& still got what you deserve & wanted.Your life,not theirs.she had a family,it's her & her man's job to take care of them.

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