AITA for pulling my daughter from a waterpark trip because her teacher made her stay with a kid she doesn’t like?
Every parent wants their child to enjoy school, make friends, and have fun on class trips. But what happens when a teacher forces a child into a role they don’t want, turning an exciting event into a dreaded one? One mother took a stand when her daughter’s teacher insisted on pairing her with a classmate she didn’t like—leading to an unexpected chain reaction that could cancel the entire trip. Now, she’s wondering: was she justified, or did she go too far?
‘AITA for pulling my daughter from a waterpark trip because her teacher made her stay with a kid she doesn’t like?’
Dr. Lisa Damour, a psychologist specializing in child development, explains: “When girls are routinely expected to manage the emotions and behavior of boys, it teaches them that their own needs come second. This can lead to difficulties setting boundaries later in life.”
This isn’t just about Bryn and Ben—it’s about a teacher systematically reinforcing outdated expectations. OP was right to step in because the long-term effects of forcing girls into caregiving roles for boys can be harmful.
If Ms. N had no prior history of this behavior, a second chance might be reasonable. But since she has a pattern of these actions, a strong stance is necessary to ensure she stops treating girls this way.
Here’s how people reacted to the post:
The Reddit community overwhelmingly sided with the mother. Many commenters pointed out that this was a clear example of an unfair burden being placed on Bryn. Some shared personal experiences of being forced into similar roles as children, emphasizing how frustrating and disheartening it was. Others noted that Ms. N’s attempt to guilt-trip Bryn into compliance was particularly troubling.
At the end of the day, OP was justified in protecting her daughter from being forced into an unfair situation. While some might argue she should now let things go, this situation goes beyond just one trip—it’s about holding authority figures accountable when they enforce harmful gender norms.
The real question is: will Ms. N actually change, or is she just trying to salvage the trip? If OP truly believes this lesson will make Ms. N rethink her approach in the future, then standing firm is worth it. So, what do you think? Was OP right to pull her daughter from the trip, or is she now being too stubborn? Would you have handled it differently? Let’s discuss!
