AITA for telling my sister who can’t have kids that she does not get to be a part of naming mine and my wife’s babies?

Naming a child is a deeply personal decision, but what happens when a family member—who will never have children of their own—wants to be involved? That’s the dilemma one expectant father is facing after his older sister, who is unable to have kids, assumed she would get to help name his baby.

Despite his polite refusals, his sister became increasingly upset, eventually involving their mother, who accused him of being insensitive. Now, caught between his sister’s grief and his right to make decisions for his own family, OP wonders: Was he wrong for setting this boundary, or is his sister asking too much?

‘AITA for telling my sister who can’t have kids that she does not get to be a part of naming mine and my wife’s babies?’

Dr. Rachel Simmons, a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in family dynamics and grief, explains that while OP’s sister’s feelings are valid, her expectations are unrealistic. “Your sister has clearly experienced deep grief over her inability to have children, and her desire to be involved in naming your baby is an extension of that loss. However, grief—no matter how profound—does not entitle her to a role in parenting decisions that aren’t hers to make,” says Dr. Simmons.

She adds that OP’s firm yet compassionate response was appropriate. “Setting boundaries with loved ones can feel cruel, but it’s necessary for healthy relationships. Your baby’s name is a choice for you and your wife. Your sister’s emotions should be acknowledged, but her grief doesn’t give her the right to insert herself into this decision.”

Here’s the comments of Reddit users:

Overall, many feel that while it’s understandable why my sister is hurt, naming our baby is a decision that should be left to the parents. Some agree that her repeated insistence is intrusive given her own struggles, while others believe a more empathetic conversation might have helped. Despite varied viewpoints, the dominant sentiment is that the choice of baby names should remain a personal decision for us as parents.