AITA for kicking my kids and husband out of my craft room/mom cave?

In a cozy suburban home, one room sparkles with nerdy charm—a craft room dubbed the “mom cave,” where Lego sets gleam and Funko Pops stand guard. It’s a sanctuary for a busy mom to unwind, surrounded by her carefully curated treasures. But chaos creeps in when her husband and kids treat it like a free-for-all, leaving dirty dishes and broken builds in their wake.

Her patience frayed, she slammed the door shut, banning them from her haven. Her husband calls it selfish, but she wonders: why can’t she have one space to call her own? This tale of boundaries and family friction has Reddit buzzing, pulling readers into a drama as relatable as a misplaced glue gun.

‘AITA for kicking my kids and husband out of my craft room/mom cave?’

Setting boundaries in a shared home can feel like guarding a fortress under siege. This mom’s struggle to protect her mom cave highlights a universal need for personal space. According to Dr. Susan Newman, a social psychologist, “Having a space to call your own fosters mental well-being and reduces stress, especially for parents juggling multiple roles”. Her quote underscores why this mom’s stand matters.

The clash here pits her need for order against her family’s casual disregard. Her husband’s borrowing of tools like the “good scissors” and leaving them scattered shows a lack of respect, while the kids’ broken Lego sets signal carelessness. Both sides have valid feelings—her need for control, their desire for access—but communication broke down.

This story reflects a broader issue: women’s spaces are often undervalued. A 2021 study found 68% of mothers lack a dedicated personal space at home, compared to 42% of fathers. Dr. Newman’s insight applies here: a personal space isn’t selfish; it’s self-care. The mom’s ban, though drastic, was a cry for respect.

For solutions, experts suggest clear rules and consequences, like locking the door or supervised visits. Open dialogue could help—perhaps a family meeting to renegotiate access.

Here’s the comments of Reddit users:

Reddit didn’t hold back, dishing out candid takes with a side of humor. Here’s what the community had to say:

These hot takes light up Reddit, but do they mirror real-life solutions? Or are they just spicy armchair advice?

This mom’s battle for her mom cave is a reminder: personal space isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifeline. Her stand sparked debate, but it also shines a light on respecting boundaries. What would you do if your sanctuary was under siege? Drop your thoughts below—have you fought for your own space, or navigated family friction like this? Let’s keep the conversation going!