Going on a free 'holiday' to mind kids isn't a holiday.

[Deadringer]

Inspired by the nanny being brought on holiday thread but different situation. This happened last year but my brother is still miffed about it so want opinions if iabu, though I don't think so. Brother has 3 very rambunctious sons. He decided to go on a cruise and invited my teenage dd along. She would be sharing a cabin with the boys, and babysitting every evening. She would also be expected to watch them during the day quite a bit, while db and his wife do various activities. Db was outraged when I said no, he thinks its a great opportunity for dd to have a free holiday on a posh cruise ship (which we can't afford admittedly), have lovely meals, and spend time with her cousins. There was no question of payment, just a free holiday. I told him that it would not be a holiday for dd, just an extended babysitting gig. Most important of all, dd doesn't want to do it so its not happening. But was aibu to say this is not a 'free holiday?'

😂😂That is hilarious! Good for her saying no. What an outrageous thing to suggest!
I did this for a family when I was 17 and was PAID £150 for the week (33 years ago), I did it again at 22 and was paid min wage every hour I was with them! £$3360 Aust dollars!
He is a CF and your daughter is excellent.
What happened in the end? Did they cancel? Find another mug or woe betide them have to look after their own DC?

Thats whats childrens clubs are for... occupying the kids while you have a break on holiday.

if they had offered her the trip in exchange for a set number of hours then it may have been reasonable but every evening plus a lot of daytime hours too is hard work, and sharing with them too, no no holiday

I agree with you. Your brother is a CF. Especially dressing up the round the clock babysitting as "spending lovely time with her cousins". Yet the very reason she was being invited was so he and his wife (their mother i assume) could opt out of spending time with them as much as possible!

My SIL tried that trick with her stepdaughter (who lived with her mum) inviting her on holiday but with the sole motivation that she would mind their toddler while they went to the pub and out for dinner. She went the first year, realised her dad and stepmum were talking the piss. The next year they asked again and SIL was really indignant when SD said "no thank you". She actually called her ungrateful!

Not in a million years would I do that. Also a huge responsibility for your daughter on a ship with presumably 3 very young children. I'd be nervous doing it myself never mind a teenager.

From the OP: Most important of all, dd doesn't want to do it so its not happening.

Good for her! I wouldn't want to do it either!

The cruise ship wouldn't allow children under a certain age to be booked in a cabin without an adult anyway. They are very clear on this, you are not supposed to do this even when you have interconnected rooms. 3 kids on a shop is far too much responsibility for one teenager.

He wanted a free nanny!

They won’t allow you to book it this way but have seen that people just book it with an adult in each room then have parents in one and kids in the other. Only seen it myself with older kids, not sure if staff would raise any concerns if they saw it with younger kids.

Dd didn't want to do it but would find it hard to say no because of the way he framed it, so I said no on her behalf. They always book holidays where there are babysitters on site and always complain bitterly about the cost, they seem to genuinely feel that their dc are such great kids that they shouldn't need to pay anyone to care for them.

Jesus I pay my DS when he looks after my DD’s, even when we’re at home! Good on your DD for saying no. Your brother is a CF

Tbf even if he offered to pay dd wasn't interested as she feels she would find looking after the 3 boys too difficult, but he didn't offer any money, just a lovely holiday. 🙂