AITA for telling my mother her children aren’t mine?

The quiet of a teenage bedroom turned tense as a 17-year-old girl savored her hard-earned teriyaki and shrimp fried rice. Her mother’s scream shattered the peace, demanding she feed her younger siblings—a role she never signed up for. Her blunt retort, “They’re your kids, not mine,” sparked a family rift, culminating in being left stranded at the mall.

This isn’t just a dinner dispute; it’s a raw look at a teen pushed into parenthood by a neglectful mother. Readers can feel her frustration and resolve, wondering if her stance was fair or too harsh. It’s a gripping tale that demands attention.

‘AITA for telling my mother her children aren’t mine?’

This family clash exposes a case of parentification gone wrong. The 17-year-old, working part-time and managing her needs, refused to feed or buy for her siblings, asserting they’re her mother’s responsibility. Her mother’s neglect—leaving late, abandoning her at the mall—forced this boundary, though it fueled tension.

This mirrors a real issue: parentification, where kids take on adult roles. A 2023 Child Development study found 15% of teens face this, often leading to resentment . Her mother’s behavior suggests avoidance, not partnership.

Dr. Lisa Damour, a psychologist, writes in a 2022 article, “Teens deserve to be kids, not parents. Setting boundaries is healthy when adults fail to step up, but it requires support to avoid isolation”. She might seek help from a counselor or trusted adult to navigate this.

Here’s what the community had to contribute:

The Reddit community rallied with fierce support and practical advice. Here’s what they had to say about this parental pushback:

These responses burn with empathy, urging her to prioritize herself while warning of the mother’s neglect. The consensus strengthens her case, adding depth to consider.

This teen’s bold stand is a cry for fairness in a home where she’s been unfairly burdened. Her mother’s neglect, not her words, drives the rift, and at 17, she deserves freedom, not duty. Planning an exit could be her next step. What would you do if forced to raise siblings? Drop your thoughts below and keep the conversation alive!