A mother is torn after her daughter, who cut her off years ago, suddenly asks for help with childcare. Is she wrong for saying no?
Having family step in to help with kids can be a blessing—especially when it’s offered freely and with love. But what happens when the request comes from someone who’s been absent or distant for years?
Here’s the situation:
My daughter, Amy, stopped speaking to me when she turned 18. She didn’t include me in any major moments—no graduation, no engagement, nothing. We barely have any relationship.
Out of the blue, she got in touch. She’s now a mother to two young boys. After we talked, she quickly began venting about how hard things are for her and asked if I could babysit on Saturdays—wanting me to step in as the grandmother she once rejected.
I told her I’m not comfortable stepping into that role after all the hurt. She didn’t take it well—she called me selfish and blocked me on every platform.
Did I make the wrong call? After everything that’s happened, should I have just said yes to help with the kids? I’d appreciate your thoughts.
