Should I have to pay my brother to watch his nieces?

[msbossy]

I don't go out a hole lot but some times my boyfriend want to go have dinner or a drink by our self so when ask my brother if he can watch them he will only if something is in it for him money, food, anything. I feel that I shouldn't have to cause we are family and I don't ask him to watch them all the time. and they just love there uncle or when he or his boyfriend come to visit the first place they both go to the fridge to eat food ok eat if you are hungry but don't eat all the cookies and leave nothing for my kids. I feel that is disrespectful or they go to our movies take out movies from cases and ooo my boyfriend hated that my brother is driving me crazy

Updates

+1 y

i put the girls to bed by the time he gets there they sleep all night his boy friend goes to work my brother is always bragging how he is always board and has nothing to do.

[A-Soldiers-Wife07]

I always watched my niece for free...mainly because I loved spending time with her. But I don't think family should feel obligated to do things for you for free. That's not really fair to just expect them to do that. That's like him saying "I need help with the house. I'm constantly working and can't cook or clean. Will you do it for me for free?". Would you be happy and glad to do all that work? I think babysitting should be paid, no matter who it is, if the person expects to be paid, because it is a job regardless if the kids are asleep or not.

At the same time, your brother needs to be respectful of your home and not eat all your food or mess with your movies without your permission. I think sometimes family can get too comfortable in your home and you NEED to set boundaries. I would suggest this book to anyone, even if they don't have boundary issues. It's called "Boundaries". I forget the author but it's GREAT! You and your brother should read it.

[msbossy]

I do see your point thanks

[Anonymous]

I don't think it matters really that you're family. Babysitting is babysitting, and it's still technically a job. He is giving up his time to do that for you and he should be compensated for it. I used to babysit my sisters 3 kids and she always paid me because I was giving up my spare time to do it for her.

Now he should respect your house and your food and all that, but if he can't then maybe you should find someone else to babysit your kids if you and your boyfriend want to go out. Good luck.

[armyant]

If he doesn't want to watch your kids just stop bothering him about it. You're not entitled to his time just like he isn't entitled to your money.

[BrennaLee]

My brother sometimes asks me to watch my neices, and I ask him to pay me. But I only ask because my neices are very energetic and don't listen, so its really hard to take care of them. I think if you were to get a babysitter you'd have to pay them anyway, so...you might not want to pay him but if you want to go out with your boyfriend I think you have to.