AITA for trying to get my girls interested in my hobbies/interests instead of getting into theirs?
The living room buzzed with tension, a half-played board game abandoned on the coffee table, its colorful pieces mocking the father’s hopes. He’d dreamed of epic family nights filled with laughter over Settlers of Catan or Star Wars marathons, but his daughters’ eyes glazed over, drawn instead to fashion vlogs and animal documentaries. His heart sank, feeling like a stranger in his own home, yearning for connection but unsure how to bridge the gap.
This father’s struggle tugs at the heartstrings, a universal tale of wanting to share what you love with those you cherish most. His daughters, vibrant and growing into their own worlds, seem to slip further away, their interests a foreign language he can’t quite speak. Readers can’t help but wonder: how do you find common ground when passions feel worlds apart?
‘AITA for trying to get my girls interested in my hobbies/interests instead of getting into theirs?’
Parenting often feels like navigating a minefield of mismatched expectations. This father’s frustration at his daughters’ disinterest in his hobbies is palpable, yet his push for balance—favoring his own interests—misses the mark. He sees their love for fashion and animals as trivial, while they view his sci-fi obsession as unrelatable. Both sides are entrenched, but his insistence on Settlers of Catan over their preferences risks widening the rift.
The broader issue here is generational disconnect in families. A 2023 study from Pew Research Center shows 68% of parents struggle to share hobbies with their children, often prioritizing their own interests over mutual exploration. This can erode trust, especially with teens craving autonomy. The father’s hurt is valid, but dismissing their passions as “gossipy” shuts down connection.
Dr. Laura Markham, a clinical psychologist, offers clarity in her article on AhaParenting.com: “Kids feel valued when parents show curiosity about their world, even if it’s not their own.” This father’s reluctance to dive into Riverdale or JoJo Bows signals disinterest to his daughters, making them less likely to try his hobbies. Instead, he could explore neutral activities like cooking or outings to build rapport.
To move forward, he should model reciprocity: engage in their world without judgment, then invite them into his. A zoo trip or a fashion-themed board game could spark shared joy. By valuing their passions, he’ll foster a bond that might one day lead to a Mandalorian marathon. Small, consistent efforts now will pay off in a stronger relationship later.
Check out how the community responded:
The Reddit crew didn’t hold back, dishing out spicy takes with a side of tough love. It’s like a virtual family reunion where everyone’s got an opinion and no one’s shy about sharing it. Here’s what the community had to say about this dad’s dilemma:
These Redditors swung hard, mostly labeling the father YTA for prioritizing his hobbies over his daughters’. Some urged him to embrace their interests, while others suggested middle-ground activities like outings or new shows. But do these fiery opinions capture the full story, or are they just stirring the pot?
This father’s story is a raw reminder that parenting is less about shared hobbies and more about shared moments. His desire to connect with his daughters is heartfelt, but the path forward lies in meeting them where they are. By exploring their worlds—whether it’s fashion, animals, or teen dramas—he might just find the bond he’s craving. Families grow closer not by forcing common ground but by celebrating differences. What would you do if you found yourself in a similar situation?
