On the r/AmItheA**hole subreddit, this Redditor (OP) posted her story about the challenge of co-parenting and asked for the online community's opinions on whether she was wrong for telling her son that he ruined Christmas for her and his stepdad when he decided to spend it with his dad.
The OP detailed that her son told her that he didn't want to spend Christmas at his stepdad's house because of the last 'terrible' experience there; therefore, he would stay at a rental cottage with his dad instead. However, the OP couldn't understand it.
She got frustrated and had a fiery phone argument with his dad. The stepdad steps in and tries to salvage the holiday spirit. Keep reading for more details!
The OP asks:
Source: Aita657995460
OP's son doesn't like spending Christmas at the OP's remarried household because the last experience was "terrible"
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OP's son surprised them by announcing he'll spend Christmas at his dad's rental cottage, making OP frustrated
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While OP had a heated argument with her ex over their son spending Christmas at a rental cottage
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OP is questioning if she's wrong
Source: Aita657995460
Redditors mostly think the OP is wrong for not understanding her son's wish to spend Christmas with his dad. Many are upset with the OP for not taking care of their son's feelings during the last holiday, especially regarding food and awkward situations at the in-laws' place.
Some say the OP is being unfair, expecting their son to spend every Christmas with them, while others suggest there are deeper family issues that need attention.
Commenter criticizes the OP for prioritize her own feelings over her son's
Source: horrorwhore222
OP's son might be seen as a free babysitter by his dad's side
Source: ImReverse_Giraffe
The son's refusal to attend the holiday gathering after a negative experience is understandable
Source: h0w_b0ut_n0pe
Commenter criticizes the OP for not understanding their son's reasons
Source: Practical-Big7550
It's fair for the son to want to spend Christmas with his dad
Source: ElendorEcco
The son's choice to spend Christmas with his dad may be influenced by the OP's past behavior
Source: Wolfenbro
OP is wrong for neglecting her son's well-being
Source: crockofpot
The son's decision to spend Christmas elsewhere is valid
Source: Tigarana
What are your thoughts on this family's Christmas conundrum? Have you ever faced similar challenges when juggling holiday plans and co-parenting dynamics? We'd love to hear your opinions and personal experiences in the comments below!