AITA for Refusing to Hand Over the Laptop I Saved Up For to My Sister?

Family scars can fester, and for a 16-year-old boy, years of neglect boiled over in a fiery outburst. His sister, once gravely ill with leukemia, got the lion’s share of their parents’ attention, leaving him shuffled to relatives or alone, his birthdays forgotten. Now healthy, she eyed his hard-earned gaming laptop, prompting his parents to suggest he give or share it. Furious, he unleashed a tirade, sarcastically offering his clothes and bed, too, shouting that she deserves everything since he “never got sick.”

His family’s stunned, calling him ungrateful, but the laptop’s still his—for now. Was his rage justified, or did he cross a line? This Reddit saga dives into the raw pain of a “glass child,” where love feels rationed, and a teen’s stand sparks tension. Can this family mend the cracks of past neglect?

‘AITA for Refusing to Hand Over the Laptop I Saved Up For to My Sister?’

This 16-year-old’s outburst was a cry from a heart long ignored. Years of being a “glass child”—overlooked while his sister battled leukemia—built resentment that erupted when his parents suggested he give her his hard-earned gaming laptop. His pain is real: forgotten birthdays, swapped gifts, and a bean bag chair taken show a pattern of neglect. His sarcasm—offering his clothes and bed—voiced a truth: he feels less valued.

Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, a child resilience expert, says, “Siblings of chronically ill children often feel invisible, needing equal parental attention.” The parents’ focus on their daughter’s survival was understandable, but sidelining their son for years, even after her recovery, bred hurt. About 20% of “glass children” report lasting emotional impacts from such dynamics. His laptop, bought with saved wages and friends’ gifts, symbolizes his independence—demanding it for his sister was a breaking point.

His yelling and cursing weren’t ideal, but they reflect pent-up grief. The parents’ shock and anger miss the root: their failure to balance care. Dr. Ginsburg suggests a family meeting to air feelings, with a therapist if possible. The boy could write a letter, calmly listing moments he felt unseen, like forgotten birthdays or swapped toys.

Parents should acknowledge his pain, not just defend their choices. The sister, likely unaware of her role, isn’t to blame, but open dialogue could foster empathy. He might safeguard his laptop at a friend’s to avoid pressure. Reddit’s call to plan independence is wise—scholarships or jobs can secure his future.

These are the responses from Reddit users:

Reddit users backed this teen’s stand, feeling his pain and calling out his parents’ neglect. Here’s what they said:

These Redditors are fierce, but do they overlook the sister’s perspective?

This teen’s laptop isn’t just a device—it’s a symbol of his worth, hard-won after years of neglect. His outburst, raw and raging, laid bare the pain of being a “glass child” while his sister was prioritized. His parents’ shock misses the mark; healing needs listening, not anger. A family talk, maybe with a therapist, could mend the rift, but he’s right to guard his laptop and his heart. What would you do when family overlooks you? Share your thoughts below—how do you reclaim your place in a lopsided family?