AITA for not allowing my daughter to compete in pageants anymore?
A glittering world of tiaras and trophies turned dark for a 14-year-old girl caught in her mother’s intense pageant coaching. Once a joyful hobby, the sparkle faded as her mother’s obsession with “pageant-ready” looks led to harsh critiques and a dangerous diet, leaving the teen in tears.
When her father uncovered the unhealthy regimen, he slammed the brakes on her pageant participation, prioritizing her well-being over family harmony. This Reddit tale of parental clash and child protection stirs debate about where to draw the line. Let’s unpack this heart-wrenching story.
‘AITA for not allowing my daughter to compete in pageants anymore?’
Pageants can dazzle, but when a parent’s drive overshadows a child’s health, the spotlight burns. The father’s discovery of his daughter’s 950-calorie diet and emotional distress from her mother’s critiques prompted a bold ban. The mother’s fixation risks long-term harm.
Dr. Amy McCart, a child psychology expert, states, “Harsh parental criticism of a teen’s appearance can trigger body dysmorphia and eating disorders.” A 2023 study found 60% of teens in high-pressure activities face body image issues, often from parental expectations.
This highlights a broader issue: toxic parenting in competitive environments. The father could explore therapy for his daughter to rebuild confidence and for his wife to address her projection. Encouraging new hobbies could help the teen thrive.
Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:
Reddit users rallied with fierce support and sharp advice for this family drama. Here’s what they said:
![[Reddit User] − NTA.. 950 calories a day for a 14 year old is outright child abuse. Active teen girls need about 2200 calories per day when they are 12-13 years old, and that daily need rises to 2400 calories from ages 14 through 24 years.. MentalHelp.net › Edit because someone said they could not find the information on the site and apparently did not know how to Google.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/280558c-01.png)
From cries of abuse to calls for therapy, these comments underscore the stakes. But do they pave a path to healing or just point fingers?
This story of a pageant ban and a father’s stand reveals the cost of unchecked parental pressure. The father’s decision shields his daughter but strains his marriage. Could therapy or new hobbies mend this family? What would you do to protect a teen from harmful expectations? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep this conversation shining!
