AITA for asking my dad to take care of me and my brother after our mother passed away?
Five months ago, a family’s world cracked open with the loss of a mother to cancer. For a 17-year-old and their 15-year-old brother, life hasn’t just paused—it’s become a scramble to keep things together. Their dad, once a steady presence, now drifts away, caught up in a new relationship that leaves the fridge empty and the house quiet. The older sibling, battling their own mental fog, is left to play parent, worrying over their vegan brother’s needs while craving a shred of normalcy.
Imagine a dim kitchen, a frozen pizza thawing on the counter, and two teens swapping worried glances. Their dad’s absence stings sharper than the winter chill outside. Readers can feel the weight of their plea: just a couple of nights at home, a hot meal, a sign he still sees them. This story pulls you into the raw ache of grief and the fight to be heard when love feels like it’s slipping away.
‘AITA for asking my dad to take care of me and my brother after our mother passed away?’
Grief can twist a family into knots, but this dad’s absence feels like a cut too deep. His teens, still reeling from their mom’s death, aren’t asking for the moon—just a dad who shows up. Instead, he’s leaning into a new relationship, leaving his kids to fend for themselves. The 17-year-old’s mental health struggles and their brother’s dietary needs make his detachment not just hurtful but reckless. It’s a classic case of a parent dodging duty when it’s needed most.
Parental neglect after loss isn’t rare. A 2023 report by the Child Welfare League of America notes that 28% of children in bereaved households face reduced parental supervision, risking emotional and physical neglect (source: CWLA). The dad’s claim that staying home feels “lonely” sidesteps his role, while his teens scramble to fill the gaps.
Dr. Alan Wolfelt, a grief expert, says, “Children need consistent presence to process loss safely” (source: Center for Loss). Here, the dad’s focus on his girlfriend’s mental health over his kids’ screams mispriority. Dr. Wolfelt’s words underline why the teen’s plea matters—routine care like meals or check-ins builds trust.
What’s the fix? The teen could lean on trusted adults—like grandparents or a school counselor—for support, maybe even looping in social services for resources. Dad needs a wake-up call, perhaps through family mediation.
Here’s what the community had to contribute:
Reddit didn’t mince words, tossing out advice and outrage like confetti at a protest. Here’s the scoop from the community:
These takes burn bright, but do they light the whole path? Maybe there’s another angle to chew on.
This teen’s story is a gut-punch, showing how grief can fracture what’s left of a family. Asking their dad to step up wasn’t disrespect—it was a cry for him to be the parent they need. If you were in their shoes, how would you bridge that gap—or would you walk away? Drop your thoughts below and let’s keep this real talk going.
