How to turn someone down nicely when asked to babysit?

Question

My brother in law and his wife are having a baby at the end of this year. I know they can't afford to pay for daycare or a babysitter. I'm afraid they will ask me to babysit for them. I love them both, but I'm not interested in babysitting for free seeing as how I have two small children of my own. If they ask how can I turn them down without causing family drama?

Answer 1

Just say, "I'm sorry, but I chose not to do daycare" and leave it at that.  After all, if you were going to do babysitting, you'd already be doing it!

Also, be careful about saying that you could sit 'in a pinch.'  It's amazing how long those pinches can become.

Answer 2

Oh my, this is their child, and your time is your time, only you can own it regardless of the drama that may result.  Don't engage in it, just do what you know is necessary for you.  Best wishes to you!

Answer 3

Just be honest. Say that you don't feel comfortable handling more children.

Answer 4

say with 2 children of your own you dont feel that you can give their new born the care and attention that he/she deserves without taking time away from your children.  You are sorry but it would just be too much of a strain on yourself and you dont want to take on the responsibility and then let them down at a later stage. but you will always be there if there is an emergency and you need to watch the baby

Answer 5

Honey bear, Just say no!  You're a grown woman now.  When they decided to have a baby, they knew then, someday they'd need a babysitter.  If they didn't they'll learn soon.

I would say, "I don't like to baby sit anyone but my own children.

I'm not the type that relishes babysitting."