A court in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region ruled in favor of a 56-year-old woman who had filed a case against her son and ex-daughter-in-law, accusing them of failing to assume their parental responsibilities and asking for compensation for taking care of their child. Comments:
Just as the complainant said, a "babysitting fee" is in essence respect and recognition for her hard work, and the lawsuit was her way of giving her son and ex-daughter-in-law a lesson to teach them what responsibility and accountability mean. Although it may seem unreasonable for her to ask to be paid for taking care of her own grandchild, yet it is legal and essentially justifiable, especially since the young couple would always play with their smartphones at home after work, rather than help look after their baby. The court decision has not only protected the dignity of the law, fairness and justice, it has also encouraged and carried forward family virtues forgotten by the young couple.
Cnhubei.com, Oct 19
That grandparents help take care of their grandchildren is a prevailing trend across the country. Young parents, instead of taking it for granted, should realize how exhausting babysitting is and appreciate what their parents are doing for their sake. Young couples should do their fair share of housework and provide more care for their elderly parents.
Beijing Youth Daily, Oct 18
The case demonstrates people's growing consciousness of their civil rights and awareness that the courts can protect them. The court's decision to support the grandmother's claim for a "babysitting fee" has clarified the legal boundary between parents and children, kinship and responsibility.
Yangtse Evening Post, Oct 19
