AITA for taking my good friend and her two kids on vacation with me instead of my sister and her kids even though she said she needed the break?

Winning a beach house getaway sounds like a dream, but for one 24-year-old, it turned into a family showdown. Picture sandy toes, buffet feasts, and sunny vibes—perfect, unless you’re stuck babysitting. The raffle winner faced a choice: invite their sister and her rowdy kids, who turn every visit into a childcare marathon, or their friend Megan, a single mom with well-mannered children craving a break.

Choosing Megan meant a carefree weekend, but the sister’s fury erupted when she learned of the trip. In a cozy beach town, this tale of entitlement and tough choices unfolds. Can the winner enjoy their prize without guilt, or will family ties tighten the knot?

‘AITA for taking my good friend and her two kids on vacation with me instead of my sister and her kids even though she said she needed the break?’

$**Edit 2:** To those saying 'you should have just lied and said you saved up for the vacation'; if I did that then my sister (who thinks I *secretly* make 6 figures at my above minimum wage job) would have started HOUNDING me for who the hell knows how long for a ''loan'' that I wouldn't ever get back even if I \*could\* afford to give it. It was a lose/lose situation.$

Choosing a vacation crew shouldn’t feel like defusing a bomb, but this Reddit user’s decision to pick their friend over their sister ignited family sparks. The sister’s habit of offloading her undisciplined kids made the choice clear: a relaxing getaway with Megan’s well-behaved children trumped babysitting duty. The sister’s tantrum and lies to her kids reveal a deeper issue: entitlement. She expected a free ride, ignoring her parenting responsibilities.

Family dynamics often breed such conflicts. A 2019 study by the American Psychological Association found that sibling rivalry can persist into adulthood, fueled by perceived favoritism or unequal support. The sister’s reaction, manipulating her kids to guilt-trip the winner, mirrors this pattern. Her entitlement risks straining family bonds long-term.

Dr. Susan Forward, author of Toxic Parents, explains, “Entitled family members often demand priority without reciprocating responsibility.” Here, the sister’s neglectful parenting and expectation of a free vacation fit this mold. The Reddit user’s honesty—admitting they didn’t want to babysit—was fair but sparked backlash. To navigate this, they could set boundaries, like offering quality time with their niece and nephew separately, as they did with the play place outing.

Moving forward, the user might calmly explain their need for a stress-free trip while affirming love for their sister’s kids. Suggesting family activities, like local outings, could ease tensions without sacrificing personal enjoyment. The sister needs to address her parenting gaps—perhaps through parenting classes—to reduce reliance on others. This situation highlights a broader truth: vacations are for joy, not obligation.

Here’s the feedback from the Reddit community:

Reddit didn’t hold back, dishing out fiery takes on this beach house drama. Here’s what the community had to say:

These hot opinions call out the sister’s entitlement, but do they miss any nuances?

This vacation saga shows how a prize can stir up more than just fun in the sun. The Reddit user’s choice to prioritize a relaxing trip over family drama was valid, but their sister’s entitlement casts a long shadow. By setting boundaries and offering love to their niece and nephew, they’ve paved a path forward. What would you do if a family member demanded a slice of your hard-won getaway? Drop your thoughts below!