AITA For Snapping At My 10-Year-Old SIL After She Flooded My Phone With Texts?

It started like any sweet story between a big sister figure and her little sidekick—mini donuts, laughter, and years of inside jokes. But when pregnancy nausea hit hard, what was once a fun tradition took an unexpected turn. A 31-year-old woman, now expecting, found herself overwhelmed not by hormones or baby prep—but by a storm of emoji-filled texts from her 10-year-old sister-in-law, Opal.

What began as an innocent donut request spiraled into spam, crying, and a mother-in-law now wagging a finger at the woman for being “too harsh.” With emotions high and communication tangled in generational wires, the woman turned to Reddit’s court of public opinion. Was she setting a healthy boundary, or had she truly silenced a young girl’s voice during a critical phase of her growing up?

‘AITA for telling my SIL to stop texting me?’

Let’s face it—kids and phones are like kittens with yarn. It can get messy fast. In this case, the situation isn’t just about mini donuts—it’s a clash between setting digital boundaries and navigating complex family roles during pregnancy.

At the center of the issue is OP, a pregnant woman experiencing real physical discomfort, trying to communicate her needs to a 10-year-old who doesn’t quite grasp emotional nuance or texting etiquette. Opal, meanwhile, is old enough to understand “no,” but young enough to think persistence might still lead to a “yes.” It’s classic kid behavior amplified by screen access.

MIL’s reaction introduces a wider concern: parental expectations vs. reality. While MIL claims that OP “ruined the lines of communication,” it’s worth asking—how realistic is it to expect an adult to engage indefinitely with a child demanding attention during a physically difficult time? Setting a boundary isn’t the same as slamming a door shut.

Psychologist Dr. Lisa Damour, author of Untangled: Guiding Teenage Girls Through the Seven Transitions into Adulthood, emphasizes the importance of boundaries in all relationships—even with children. She notes, “When adults are clear and calm about limits, they help young people feel more secure, not less loved.”

So, was telling Opal to stop texting a mistake? Maybe not. The delivery could’ve been smoother—perhaps escalating to her mom before snapping—but the intent was valid. Children need to learn when persistence turns into disrespect, especially in digital communication where tone is often lost.

There’s also a missed opportunity here for the adults involved. The husband—Opal’s brother—could have stepped in as a mediator. MIL could have acknowledged both OP’s discomfort and Opal’s feelings instead of choosing sides.

Ultimately, this situation underscores a growing need for digital etiquette education among children. According to a 2023 report by Common Sense Media, 42% of kids aged 8-12 now own smartphones, yet only a small fraction receive guidance on proper use.

The takeaway? A healthy boundary doesn’t break communication—it builds respect. OP might consider a follow-up conversation or donut outing when she’s feeling better. But next time, silence or a quick “ask your mom” could be the key to dodging drama.

Heres what people had to say to OP:

Redditors had a lot to say—and as always, they didn’t hold back. The top consensus? OP did nothing wrong by setting a boundary, especially while dealing with pregnancy sickness. Many users pointed out that 10 is old enough to understand the word “no,” and that constant texting wasn’t cute—it was manipulative.

One commenter even questioned why the child has such unchecked access to texting adults. Others offered more balanced takes, suggesting OP could’ve looped in the mom earlier instead of responding directly. Still, most believed that the MIL’s reaction was over-the-top, and that kids need to learn respectful communication. Overall, Reddit users stood firmly in OP’s corner, defending her right to protect her peace without being labeled “mean.”

This story reveals just how tricky even the sweetest relationships can get when boundaries are tested—especially with family and children. While the intention behind setting limits was valid, perhaps the delivery left room for improvement. Still, isn’t it better to teach a child about respectful communication early rather than later?

What would you do if your young sibling or relative spammed your phone while you were sick or overwhelmed? Have you ever had to draw a line with a child in your life—and how did it go? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!