AITA for asking for pocket money because “I am a kid too”?
In this intriguing family saga, a 19-year-old young woman finds herself in the midst of a heated debate about fairness and recognition. During a long-awaited family reunion—hosted by her father’s three brothers and their families—a plan was set in motion that inadvertently relegated her to the role of babysitter.
Despite her protestations, she was forced to join the group of children, leaving her feeling unappreciated and unfairly treated. When it came time for the customary distribution of pocket money, she was conspicuously skipped. Determined not to be overlooked simply because she’s deemed “a kid,” she politely asked for her share, sparking a confrontation that left her parents fuming and ignited a firestorm of discussion online.
‘AITA for asking for pocket money because “I am a kid too”?’
Family dynamics experts note that blended family situations often come with inconsistent expectations that can lead to feelings of neglect. Dr. Eleanor Riggs, a family therapist, explains, “When a young adult is lumped together with children for the sake of convenience, it can cause real emotional distress. In this case, the young woman’s request for pocket money wasn’t just about money—it was a stand for recognition and fairness in a family where her contributions were taken for granted.”
Dr. Riggs adds that while some might view her actions as provocative, they are also a rational response to being used as unpaid childcare. “It’s important for family members to acknowledge and compensate responsibilities fairly. The expectation that a 19-year-old should silently bear the role of babysitter while others benefit from the traditional rewards is problematic,” she emphasizes.
Here’s how people reacted to the post:
The online community on Reddit has been overwhelmingly supportive of the young woman’s stance. Many commenters argue that if she’s being treated as a child in terms of responsibilities, she deserves the same perks, including pocket money. One user remarked, “No one should have to be used as a free babysitter without receiving any recognition.
She stood up for herself, and that’s admirable.” Others pointed out that the inconsistency in how the family categorizes her—adult when it’s convenient, child when it benefits them—speaks volumes about the double standards at play. While a few critics suggested that she could have negotiated for paid babysitting duties instead, the majority sentiment is that her actions were justified, and that her parents and extended family bear some responsibility for the unfair expectations placed upon her.
In conclusion, this incident highlights the challenging dynamics that can arise in blended families, where boundaries are blurred and responsibilities are unevenly distributed. The young woman’s decision to ask for pocket money was not merely about the cash, but about demanding fair treatment and recognition for the work she was forced to do.
Do you think that when a family treats a young adult like a child, they should be held accountable for ensuring that all members are treated equitably? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—let’s discuss how families can better navigate these tricky, and sometimes unfair, dynamics.
