AITA for not taking my niece and nephew with me on a trip to Colorado, and refusing to “change my plans” to be able to bring them?

Under Colorado’s boundless sky, a 26-year-old adventurer dreamed of scaling jagged 14,000ft peaks, each summit a step closer to completing a childhood goal. His annual escape from Ohio’s flatlands was a carefully crafted plan, blending grueling hikes, craft beers, and reunions with old friends, culminating in a solo moonlight trek up San Luis. The mountains promised freedom, a rare chance to savor life untethered from obligations.

Then came his brother’s call, demanding he bring his niece and nephew along for a kid-friendly trip. The refusal unleashed a family storm, with accusations of selfishness and calls to “settle down” echoing from Ohio. This Reddit tale captures a raw clash between personal dreams and family pressures, drawing readers into a debate about where loyalty to self ends and duty to others begins.

‘AITA for not taking my niece and nephew with me on a trip to Colorado, and refusing to “change my plans” to be able to bring them?’

This Colorado trip dispute highlights the tension between individual freedom and family expectations. The man’s refusal to take his niece and nephew on a physically grueling and adult-oriented trip reflects a valid prioritization of his personal goals. His brother’s insistence, coupled with accusations of immaturity, attempts to shift parental responsibilities onto a single, child-free individual, creating an unfair burden.

Dr. Laura Markham, a parenting and relationship expert, notes, “Family support thrives on mutual respect, not obligation” . The brother’s expectation that the man alter his challenging hikes like the dangerous Little Bear or remote Ellingwood for kid-friendly activities ignores the trip’s purpose and the risks involved. The man’s regular visits to his niece and nephew, as mentioned, already show engagement, countering claims of neglect.

Family dynamics often strain when parents face constraints, as a 2022 Pew Research study found, with 55% of parents citing financial stress as a barrier to family vacations . The brother’s work pressures are real, but leveraging guilt to co-opt the man’s trip is manipulative. The man’s plan to explore relocating to Colorado further underscores his focus on personal growth, not family duties he didn’t choose.

To resolve this, the man could offer alternative bonding time with the kids, like a local outing, while clearly stating his trip’s unsuitability for children. For readers, this underscores the importance of setting boundaries to loved ones, ensuring personal priorities aren’t overshadowed by others’ responsibilities. Open communication can maintain family ties without sacrificing autonomy.

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

Reddit’s community rallied behind the OP, firmly rejecting the brother’s attempt to offload parental duties. Commenters called out the manipulation in guilting a single adult into babysitting, emphasizing that the OP’s challenging hikes and personal plans shouldn’t bend to family demands, especially since he already spends time with his niece and nephew.

The community also chuckled at the brother’s idea that “settling down” means taking on someone else’s kids. Suggestions included sending postcards or ignoring the family’s complaints, with praise for the OP’s “cool uncle” vibe. These spirited opinions highlight a shared view: personal dreams shouldn’t be derailed by others’ responsibilities.

This mountain-fueled family drama underscores the delicate dance between personal goals and family expectations. The OP’s stand to protect his Colorado adventure invites reflection: how do you safeguard your dreams when family calls? Share your stories and thoughts below—have you ever had to draw a line to chase your own path?