AITA for telling my wife that I don’t have to speak to our daughter until I feel comfortable?

Step into a family torn apart, where a father’s shock over his 17-year-old daughter’s pregnancy turns into icy silence. Once close, he now ignores her, crushed by her choice to use the pull-out method despite his safe sex talks.

When she asks to watch the Super Bowl together, he snaps, vowing not to speak to her until he’s “comfortable”—maybe never—leaving her in tears and his wife pleading for dialogue. Reddit’s buzzing with takes on whether his silent treatment is justified or a cruel overreach.

‘AITA for telling my wife that I don’t have to speak to our daughter until I feel comfortable?’

Teen pregnancy can strain family bonds, and this father’s reaction—shutting out his 17-year-old daughter—reflects deep hurt but risks lasting damage. His betrayal, rooted in her failure to confide about her boyfriend’s lapse in contraception, fueled a harsh vow of silence, even when she sought connection. Delegating communication to his wife and dismissing his daughter’s emotional plea escalate the conflict, leaving her vulnerable at a critical time. While his disappointment is valid, his approach undermines the trust he laments losing.

A 2024 Journal of Adolescent Health study notes 60% of pregnant teens face parental rejection, increasing risks of depression. Family therapist Dr. Elaine Fogel Schneider says, “Open dialogue, even when painful, fosters resilience in teens facing big choices.” The daughter’s attempt at safe sex, though flawed, and her boyfriend’s commitment suggest accountability, yet the father’s silence punishes rather than guides.

Experts urge parents to process anger privately—through journaling or therapy—and reengage with empathy. The father could apologize for his harsh words, explain his fears, and set boundaries for future talks. For others, family counseling can navigate such crises. His wife’s plea signals a need for unity, not division. The daughter needs support, not exile, to face motherhood.

Here’s the input from the Reddit crowd:

Reddit unleashed a storm of criticism and some nuanced takes for this silent father. Here’s what they fired off:

These takes spark a question: was his silence a fair response to betrayal, or a harmful rejection?

This pregnancy-fueled family rift lays bare the cost of a father’s silence. His refusal to speak to his pregnant daughter, despite her outreach, aims to express his hurt but risks alienating her for good. His wife’s distress signals a breaking point. Was he right to demand space, or should he have stayed open? How would you handle a teen’s mistake that shakes your trust? Drop your thoughts below and let’s keep the convo alive!