AITA for telling my dad if he could put a school play before rushing to be with me in the hospital then he could do the same for me this time?

Imagine lying in a hospital bed, banged up from a car wreck, waiting for your dad to rush to your side—only to find out he’s clapping at a school play instead. One Redditor’s story takes us deep into a messy family saga: a cheating dad, a chaotic childhood, and a “final chance” that crashed harder than the accident itself. At 17, this teen’s done with broken promises—but did he go too far calling out his dad’s priorities?

Our tale starts with a 9-year-old caught in his dad’s affair-turned-fistfight, a custody cutback, and years of flimsy excuses. Fast forward to a car accident that left him waiting, while Dad prioritized step-siblings’ school plays. When the teen gave one last shot—a competition invite—Dad bailed again, citing a stepson’s asthma attack. The Redditor’s clapback? If plays trumped his hospital stay, this could too. Now Dad’s wife is raging, and the family’s split. Was this a fair jab or a low blow? Dive in below!

‘AITA for telling my dad if he could put a school play before rushing to be with me in the hospital then he could do the same for me this time?’

This teen’s tale is a gut-punch—check it out!

Navigating a dad like this is like playing emotional whack-a-mole—every promise pops up just to get smashed. This Redditor’s been let down since 9, from dodging bullets (literally) to saving tickets for a no-show dad. The car accident was the big test—Dad flunked, picking school plays over a hospital dash. Now, with a stepson’s asthma attack stealing the spotlight, the teen’s “you did it to me” retort has the family in flames. Let’s unpack it.

The kid’s got every right to be fed up. Dad’s track record is a highlight reel of flops—football games, camping trips, competitions—all sidelined for step-kids’ crises or celebrations. That hospital snub? A gut punch. Studies show consistent parental absence can tank trust—Psychology Today cites a 2022 report linking it to 40% higher rates of estrangement in teens. Dad’s “you’re a priority” line rings hollow when actions scream otherwise. The teen’s not wrong to mirror that logic back: if plays beat a car crash, why not this?

But here’s the rub: Dad’s wife calling it “sick” stings because, yeah, wishing a kid stays solo in the hospital is harsh. Intent matters—our Redditor’s not rooting for harm, just craving fairness. Dad’s set a precedent of picking Team Stepson, and the teen’s “fix it” moment was a cry for equality, not cruelty. Family therapist Dr. Susan Forward says, “When parents play favorites, resentment festers” (source). Dad’s dug this hole—his wife’s DM just shoveled more dirt.

So, was the teen out of line? Nah. He’s not obligated to keep chasing a dad who’s MIA. Dad could’ve texted from the hospital, not days later—communication’s free. Cutting ties might be the healthiest play here; the kid’s mental peace trumps forced family ties. Readers, what’s your take? Is this a justified “done” or a teen overreach?

Here’s what the community had to contribute:

Reddit’s fired up, and it’s saltier than a hospital cafeteria tray!

Are these takes spot-on or just keyboard warriors venting?

From a chaotic childhood to a hospital no-show, this Redditor’s dad fumbled the fatherhood playbook—hard. Was the teen fair to throw that school play shade back, or did he swing too low demanding a redo? How would you handle a parent who’s all talk, no show? Spill your thoughts below—we’re listening!