AITA for not buying my daughter the book she wanted?
Imagine a 12-year-old, buzzing with excitement over Hamilton, her eyes lighting up at the thought of owning Hamilton: The Revolution. Her birthday money’s ready to spend, but her parent steps in, vetoing the purchase because it’s “too expensive” and she’ll “read it too fast.” The girl’s quiet “ok” hides her disappointment, and days of near-silence follow, leaving the parent wondering if they misjudged. This Reddit tale dives into a tug-of-war over a book, a child’s autonomy, and a parent’s good intentions gone astray.
The parent’s push to save their daughter’s money sparks a Reddit firestorm, with users rallying for the young bookworm. Was it wrong to block her purchase, or was the parent just looking out for her? Let’s flip through the pages of this family drama that’s got everyone talking.
‘AITA for not buying my daughter the book she wanted?’
This book-buying battle is a classic case of parental oversight clashing with a child’s independence. The parent’s concern about “wasting” birthday money misses the mark—reading isn’t a fleeting expense but a lifelong investment. Dr. Susan Newman, a parenting expert, notes, “Supporting a child’s passion, like reading, fosters confidence and autonomy” (Psychology Today). By overriding their daughter’s choice, the parent undercut her agency, likely causing the emotional withdrawal Reddit noticed.
The daughter’s obsession with Hamilton and willingness to spend all her money on Hamilton: The Revolution—a detailed companion to the musical, not a quick novel—shows a deep interest worth nurturing. Studies show kids who read for pleasure score 15% higher on academic tests (National Literacy Trust). The parent’s assumption that a “thick” book equals a brief read ignores its potential for repeated enjoyment, as Reddit users pointed out. Suggesting a wait for her aunt feels dismissive when the daughter clearly prioritized the book.
This scenario reflects a broader parenting challenge: balancing guidance with freedom. Dr. Newman suggests involving kids in financial decisions to teach value without control. The parent could’ve discussed budgeting—perhaps splitting the cost or exploring cheaper copies—while honoring her choice. An apology for overriding her decision, paired with a trip to order the book, could rebuild trust. The library, as one Redditor mentioned, is another option if cost remains a barrier. For now, the parent’s veto was a misstep—her money, her choice.
Check out how the community responded:
Reddit rolled up like a library book club, dishing out a lively mix of cheers for the daughter and shade for the parent. It’s like a reading circle where everyone’s got a page to turn. Here’s the unfiltered scoop from the community:
![[Reddit User] − YTA.. 'Is there anything you want?'. 'I want this.'. 'No.'](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/241267cm-01.png)
Redditors slammed the parent for stifling their daughter’s passion, praising her love for reading and offering to buy the book themselves. Some questioned the cost, but most saw the veto as controlling. Do these takes bookmark the full story, or are they just skimming the surface?
This tale of a blocked book purchase leaves us pondering parenting, autonomy, and the magic of a good story. The parent’s attempt to “save” birthday money dimmed their daughter’s spark, and Reddit’s not letting it slide. Was it wrong to stop her from buying Hamilton: The Revolution, or was the parent just being cautious? What would you do if your kid wanted to spend all their cash on one passion? Share your thoughts—let’s keep this conversation open like a favorite novel.
