Many people believe that being a parent is a wonderful joy. Grandparents, too, feel immense happiness when they see their children become parents themselves. But 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!
Curious about what happened when this grandma finally said “no”? Read on!
In a post on Reddit’s ‘Am I the A*e‘ thread, a grandmother shared her difficult decision between supporting her daughter and caring for her grandson. The 56-year-old, known as the Original Poster (OP), explained that she felt pressured to choose between taking a break and looking after her 14-month-old grandson during her planned time off.
Her 26-year-old daughter, a single mom since her partner left when their son was just three months old, had been living with OP for support. OP usually took care of 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 wrote. “I planned to take a month off next month to rest, without going anywhere.”
However, when OP’s daughter heard about her break, she saw an opportunity to cut daycare costs and speed up her plan to become independent. “When my daughter found out about my time off, she suggested I could watch my grandson, helping her save money for our future move,” OP shared.
Despite her daughter’s emotional appeal about the struggles of being a single mom, OP stood her ground. She turned down her daughter’s request to babysit beyond the morning hours, emphasizing her need for rest. “She started to cry, saying she was trying to become independent and that being a single mom was tough. She even begged for just three more hours of help, but I stayed firm,” OP recalled.
Although she made her decision, OP couldn’t shake the guilt she felt over her daughter’s situation. “I adore my grandson, but I also need my rest,” she said.
The story sparked a lively discussion online, with many sharing their thoughts on OP’s dilemma. Many understood her need for downtime. One commenter remarked, “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 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 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.