r/Advice•
Raybre125

How can I passive-aggressively ask for my money without insulting an “everybody has out for me” mother?

In short, I’m currently unemployed but babysit on the side. I started by caring for some family members' kids, and one of them recommended me to a mom in need.

Here's where my issue begins: according to my cousin, she has a rough backstory- her baby daddy hates her and refuses to help, she's barely managing alone, and she needs help. I agreed to charge her $60 per day for both of her kids, aged 4 and 5, regardless of hours. I cook for the kids (she provides ingredients) and ensure they're safe, but she owes me $180 from May, paid only $100 by early June, and now owes $200. She was supposed to pay me three days ago. Every time I ask for my money, she gives a sad story about “her having other bills to pay”, like I'm not a bill she also has to pay.

I want her to pay so I can block her and return to working only with family.

Additionally, she often calls me to trauma dump about her poor decisions, which I’m genuinely tired of, I just want my money.

Posted Jun 12, 2026, 8:10 PM UTC

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