A new mother sought help from her 64-year-old mother to babysit her newborn upon returning to work. The grandmother, a homemaker since 1992, declined, citing her age and suggesting the daughter should have considered staying home. Financial constraints due to the pandemic left the daughter with significant debt, making her return to work crucial. The grandmother requested $20/hr for babysitting, a car seat, a stroller, and compensation for driving the child home, leading to a disagreement.

The daughter found the terms unreasonable, considering the additional expenses for gear. Reddit users criticized her for not discussing this earlier and accused her of being rude about her mother’s lifestyle. The daughter contemplated using an infant care center, deeming it more convenient and cost-effective.

The Redditor’s story received negative feedback, with users suggesting she should have considered childcare costs earlier. Many emphasized the demanding nature of babysitting and defended the grandmother’s right to refuse. The conflict highlighted the challenges of balancing childcare needs, financial constraints, and family dynamics.