AITA for not wanting my parents to be apart of my daughter’s life?
Imagine a young couple, barely adults, clutching their newborn son in a cramped apartment, scraping by without a dime or a word from the man’s parents, who cast him out for “shaming” them. Fast-forward 14 years: that same couple now thrives, with a teen son and a new baby girl. When the man’s estranged parents suddenly reach out, eager to meet their granddaughter but silent about their grandson, old wounds rip open.
This Reddit story is a raw slice of family drama, where past betrayals clash with a plea for reconciliation. Was the man’s sharp rejection of his parents’ olive branch a justified stand, or a grudge too heavy to hold? It’s a tale that stirs the heart, blending the sting of abandonment with the fierce love of a father protecting his kids.
‘AITA for not wanting my parents to be apart of my daughter’s life?’
This Reddit post lays bare a man’s struggle with his parents’ sudden reappearance after years of silence. Here’s his story, unfiltered:
This family rift is a textbook case of estrangement rooted in past pain. The man’s parents disowned him at 18, leaving him to navigate parenthood without their support. Their sudden interest in his daughter, while ignoring his son, signals a shallow attempt at reconciliation that prioritizes their desires over genuine remorse.
Dr. Joshua Coleman, an expert on family estrangement, writes, “Reconciliation requires acknowledging past harm and showing consistent effort to rebuild trust”. The parents’ failure to mention their grandson suggests they haven’t fully grasped the impact of their actions. A 2022 study in Family Relations found that 80% of successful reconciliations involve apologies that address specific wrongs.
The man’s anger is valid—his parents’ selective interest feels like a continuation of their judgment. However, a guarded meeting, as Dr. Coleman suggests, could test their sincerity: “Start with low-stakes contact, like coffee, without the kids.” He could demand they acknowledge both children equally. This protects his family while leaving room for healing, if genuine.
Here’s the comments of Reddit users:
Reddit didn’t hold back, serving up takes as bold as a family reunion showdown. Here’s what the community had to say:
![[Reddit User] − NTA.. What is wrong with some people. You should keep them blocked, like you said, they weren't even interested in your son, only in your daughter. They threw you out of their house for God's sake. They chose to cut you off, they chose not to support you. It isn't petty to say you want nothing to do with them.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/256420cmt-10.png)
These Reddit opinions are as fiery as a hearth, but do they miss the nuance of balancing forgiveness with protecting one’s kids?
This story is a bittersweet brew of pain, pride, and parental love. The man’s refusal to let his parents waltz back into his life is a stand for his son’s worth, but their regret tugs at the heart. Could a cautious conversation open the door to healing, or is cutting them off the safest bet? What would you do if estranged family only wanted to connect with one of your kids? Share your thoughts—have you ever faced a tough call on forgiving family?
