AITAH for hating my baby sibling for being born out of my dad cheating with my mom?

When family secrets cast long shadows over our hearts, sometimes even the most innocent among us can become symbols of unbearable pain. This is the heartbreaking story of a 21-year-old woman, who finds herself harboring an intense hatred toward her baby sibling. For her, the child is far more than just a new family member; it is a living reminder of her dad’s devastating infidelity that shattered her family’s trust and left her and her mother reeling with betrayal and sorrow.

The sting of parental betrayal can be so deep that it transforms innocence into an unbearable symbol of past wounds. Struggling with the emotional aftermath of her father’s long-standing affair and the ensuing destruction of her family, she confesses that she cannot, in good conscience, accept this child as a part of her life without feeling an overwhelming sense of loss and resentment.

‘AITAH for hating my baby sibling for being born out of my dad cheating with my mom?’

When the wounds of betrayal are fresh, it is not uncommon for survivors to direct their anger toward what the trauma now represents. Psychologist Dr. Marisa Greene explains, “In cases of deep familial betrayal, a person might project their unresolved pain onto symbols of that hurt—even when those symbols, like a baby, are entirely innocent. It is a defense mechanism that helps them manage emotional overload.” While understanding and validating feelings of abandonment and betrayal, experts emphasize that the innocent should not be punished for the misdeeds of their parents.

Dr. Greene further stresses the importance of separating the actions of the past from the individuals caught in its wake. “Therapeutic intervention, such as counseling or family therapy, can be crucial in helping individuals work through their traumas.

Redirecting anger toward an innocent child may exacerbate internal conflicts and hinder the healing process,” she explains. This perspective sheds light on the underlying emotional struggle of our OP. It is an anguished cry for recognition of the hurt caused by familial betrayal while also highlighting the danger of letting that pain color relationships with those not responsible for it.

Heres what people had to say to OP:

Here are some of the candid perspectives from the Reddit community:

Comments range from full support for the OP’s right to establish boundaries to cautionary advice against misdirected anger. Many users affirm that while it is understandable to reject a connection with a baby born out of infidelity, it is equally important to avoid bullying or mistreating an innocent child. The consensus is that the true responsibility lies with the parents—the cheaters—while the baby, who has no control over the circumstances of its birth, should remain untouched by the collateral damage of familial betrayal.

In the end, this story forces us to confront the complexities of love, betrayal, and the burden of legacy. The OP’s raw honesty about her inability to accept her baby sibling invites us to consider how far the aftershocks of infidelity can ripple through a family. It also challenges us to discuss where the line lies between rightful anger and harmful projection. Can one separate the symbolic weight of past betrayals from the innocence of new life, or will resentment always color these relationships?

What do you think—should unresolved pain dictate our acceptance of family, or is there a path toward healing that doesn’t involve directing bitterness at the innocent? Share your thoughts, personal experiences, and insights below.