AITA for refusing to babysit my roommate’s noisy toddler because it disrupts my work-from-home schedule?

I (30F) live with a roommate who has a toddler. I work from home full time and have a very strict schedule with meetings and deadlines. Recently, my roommate has been asking me to watch their toddler during the day so they can run errands or have some free time.

I’ve refused multiple times because the toddler is very loud and unpredictable, and watching them seriously disrupts my ability to focus and meet work commitments. I’ve offered to help out occasionally but made it clear that I can’t take on regular babysitting. My roommate says I’m being selfish and not a good friend for not helping more, especially since we share the apartment and they don’t have family nearby. AITA

14 thoughts on “AITA for refusing to babysit my roommate’s noisy toddler because it disrupts my work-from-home schedule?”
  1. NTA, not your child, not your responsibility (you are NOT the parent and not a free babysitter). Honestly, you should see about getting a new roommate if possible.

    And maybe use the “selfish” card on your roommate (as if anyone is being selfish here, they are it).

    1. Haha yes uno reverse that shit, “I think it’s really selfish of you to ask me to risk my employment so that you can have free time”

  2. NTA. The definition of “work from home” does not include interrupting that job to take care of a child. You risk your job when you agree to take care of that toddler, so it’s a hard no. Roommate needs to make other arrangements. And you should probably be looking for a new roommate

  3. NTA. When you’re on the clock, you’re *working*. She needs to either find a babysitter or a new place to live.

  4. NTA. You are -working-, you are not just “at home” and even if you were, you do not owe someone child care.

    I WFH. My husband makes sure the kids leave me alone, because I am at work. Even if I am just in the office. I have to focus on my job if I want to keep it.

  5. NTA. You are at work. It doesn’t matter if it’s a home office or in the actual office. You are at work.

  6. Ask your roommate if her having free time means she’s willing to cover your half of the rent while you are job searching after you get fired for being a babysitter when you should be working.

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