Lady Vehemently Refuses To Take Up ‘Auntie’ Role Due To Her Candid Dislike For Kids, Gets Branded ‘Selfish’ By Disgusted Family

“I really don’t like kids, I don’t want kids and I never interact with them in my life.”

Jesse

• Published in Interesting
• December 10, 2023

When our narrator’s (Original Poster’s) brother welcomed his firstborn, she found some pretty wild expectations tossed her way.

Now, it's crucial to understand that OP wasn’t your average Jane; she wasn’t particularly fond of kids. Though she loved them, it was no secret she didn’t want any of her own.

She stood resolute in her belief that happiness wasn’t tied to the traditional trajectory of motherhood. So when OP’s brother's girlfriend, Kelly, began enthusiastically nudging OP towards embracing a more ‘hands-on’ auntie role, things got a little awkward.

A clash of ideologies ensued when Kelly insisted it was high time OP outgrew her baby ‘aversions’. OP reiterated she was completely happy with her decision not to have kids—so why would she want to spend her time caring for someone else’s?

Sure, if they were ever in a crunch and needed an impromptu sitter, she was happy to help. But Kelly didn’t work, and both grandparents lived close by; they certainly didn’t need her assistance with childcare.

OP owned horses, a dog and parrots, which she spent much time looking after. She never required their assistance in feeding or cleaning up after them, so she expected no obligation in regard to the new baby. 

Kelly pointed out babies were special and part of a family—well, OP’s animals were her family as well! 

Just when OP thought the dust had settled, her brother rang her up, tagging her ‘selfish’—his girlfriend was only excited for her to be involved.

Well, OP didn’t want to be involved, and she saw nothing wrong with it. Was she wrong for merely standing by her beliefs?

The story in detail

A bit of background

Kelly got upset after OP made it clear that she doesn’t plan on having kids, and neither does she want to cater to any

OP’s brother also expressed his displeasure at her ideology

Important edits

Here’s how the Reddit community reacted to the story:

“Let's be honest, she's just saying that to try to pin you down for free baby-sitting.“

“Parent of a childfree adult. Sister of a childfree adult. Your body. Your choice.“

“This is not your child and is not your responsibility. Enjoy being the sideline auntie and maintaining the lifestyle you want.“

“You don’t have to want kids, and you don’t have to want to take care of someone else’s.”

“Kelly would be an irresponsible parent leaving her child with an adult would doesn't want to watch her child.”

“NTA. Kelly is the AH for feeling entitled to you provide free babysitting.”

“Not everyone loves kids. You said you’d help out in an emergency, and that’s enough.”

Redditors were completely on OP’s side. The way Kelly kept pushing for ‘auntie’ responsibilities raised eyebrows—was she perhaps trying to score a free babysitter?

They championed OP's right to choose, rejecting any notion of shame or pressure to outgrow her perfectly valid preferences. The verdict was clear: individual choices should be celebrated, not coerced into conformity.

What do you think about this story? Let us know in the comments.

Jesse