For Christmas, this Redditor gave his three kids a Nintendo Switch; however, he quickly regretted this decision as it caused a heated family argument.
The man shared on the r/AmItheA**hole subreddit that he first thought his children would enjoy playing on the Nintendo Switch together. However, things turned sour when the older kids hogged the console, leaving the youngest upset. They even manipulated the youngest by telling her that she could play on it if she helped them do their chores. As a result, the OP had to take the Switch away.
Trying to fix things, the dad got a separate system for the youngest and gave the console back to the older kids. But when the wife returned, it caused more problems. She accused him of favoritism. Curious to know more? Keep reading!
Source: m.alza.de (not the actual photo)
Because OP's wife had to take care of her dad at hospital and OP was busty at work, her kids watched their step youngest sibling
Source: callmecrashie
The older kids didn't let the youngest play on the Nintendo Switch, leaving her upset. So the OP took it away
Source: callmecrashie
The older kids manipulated the youngest by telling her that she could play the Nintendo Switch if she did their chores
Source: callmecrashie
The OP bought the youngest a separate gaming system and gave the older kids their console back
Source: callmecrashie
The older kids complained to OP's wife about the perceived favoritism
Source: callmecrashie
Despite explaining the situation to the wife, she deemed it favoritism. The OP is now regretful for buying the first one
Source: callmecrashie
Commenter criticizes the wife for turning a blind eye to her children's bullying behavior
Source: AuroraDawn35
Why the wife tolerates her older children bullying the youngest
Source: sparrowhawk75
The two oldest should share one console as they did before
Source: frogmuffins
OP needs a discussion with both the wife and kids to determine a fair solution for all three children
Source: Guilty-Doubt-2662
"That's not favoritism"
Source: CamSaysNo
It's not favoritism but a fair response to the stepkids' bullying behavior
Source: ArchyDWolf
It was unrealistic to expect them to play together given the age difference
Source: idontcare8587
Getting a separate switch for the daughter due to bullying from the older kids is a great move
Source: someperson717
If the wife wants one, she should use her own money
Source: Ok-Abbreviations4510
The OP's first mistake was expecting a Nintendo Switch to be shared among three people
Source: neoprenewedgie
What do you think about the situation with the gaming consoles? Was it a good idea for the OP to get a separate one for the youngest, or do you have a different suggestion? Feel free to share your thoughts, and if you've been through something similar with siblings and gaming, we'd love to hear your experiences too!