When it comes to family drama, things can get intense, especially when new babies are involved. A Reddit user recently shared her dilemma about whether she’s in the wrong for refusing to take a 10-hour flight with her newborn so her parents can meet their grandchild.
The catch is that her parents don’t have a great relationship with her husband and are unwilling to make the trip themselves. Things have been awkward ever since. Now, with a fussy baby and a daunting flight, the original poster (OP) is at her breaking point.
RELATED STORIES
Long story short, the OP’s parents weren’t thrilled when they found out who their daughter was marrying. They reluctantly accepted it, but now that a newborn is in the picture, things have gone downhill.
Embed from Getty ImagesOP’s parents expect her to haul the baby on a 10-hour flight because they “want to meet him.” While OP offered to cover their travel expenses instead, her parents called it “disrespectful” and rebuked the idea. Naturally, Reddit has some thoughts.
One Redditor immediately called out OP’s mom, saying, “Your mother is selfish and manipulative. If she really wanted to see your child, she’d get on a plane without creating drama.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThey pointed out that a “truly loving grandma” wouldn’t force her daughter to endure a long flight with a baby. Fair point.
Another comment highlighted the importance of setting boundaries. “You get to decide what you will and won’t do. Your mom needs to respect that. It’s their decision to come or not.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe user added that OP’s mom is using emotional manipulation because she doesn’t like OP’s choices.
“Think of all the germs you’d be exposing your child to!” one commenter said, pointing out that taking a newborn on a plane is impractical, especially for 10+ hours.
Embed from Getty ImagesThey added that it’s unreasonable for OP’s parents to expect her to put her child at risk just to make them happy.
Another Redditor said, “There’s probably a cultural element to this, but it’s YOUR child. Period. End of story.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThey emphasized that OP’s baby’s well-being should come before anyone else’s expectations — especially if those expectations involve long flights and passive-aggressive parents.
Several users called OP’s parents “disrespectful,” with one pointing out the obvious: “Your parents want you to take an infant on a 10-hour flight? That’s a hard NO.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThe idea that they would even suggest it had commenters shaking their heads in disbelief.
One particularly salty commenter said, “Your mom loves BABIES. She doesn’t care about forming a relationship with her grandson — she just wants to hug a baby. Screw that.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThey think OP shouldn’t put herself through travel h**l just so her mom can hold a baby.
“If they cared more about you and their grandchild than their stupid power play, they’d be flying to you right now,” one user chimed in.
Embed from Getty ImagesThey noted that OP’s parents seem more interested in winning a battle of control than actually bonding with their grandchild.
“Children are not responsible for the emotional needs of their parents,” one user wrote, and they weren’t wrong.
Embed from Getty ImagesThey reminded OP that while empathy is nice, her mom’s unwillingness to travel doesn’t make it OP’s problem.
Another user bluntly said, “Your parents s**k in every part of this story.”
Embed from Getty ImagesTheir frustration with OP’s parents was palpable, especially when they commented on how OP’s mom seems more focused on getting her “baby fix” than on respecting her daughter’s well-being.
Some commenters couldn’t believe OP’s parents were so set on her taking the trip. “They don’t want to be inconvenienced,” one person remarked.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe overall sentiment? If they really wanted to meet the baby, they would make the trip themselves.
“Her problems are her problems,” another Redditor sounded off, reminding OP that she doesn’t have to carry the burden of her parents’ expectations.
Embed from Getty ImagesAt the end of the day, it’s her decision whether to fly or not — and they need to deal with that.
One user offered a refreshing take: “It’s unfortunate that you live so far apart, but that’s how it is.”
Embed from Getty ImagesWhile it s***s that OP’s parents are far away, it’s not her responsibility to make everything perfect for them. Sometimes, distance is just part of life.
Another comment had a bit of humor in it: “Your mom isn’t concerned about seeing your child; she’s concerned about looking like a good grandma.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThey made a good point — if OP’s mom really wanted to see her grandbaby, she’d be on the first flight out.
Finally, one Redditor gave OP a piece of advice: “Don’t let them guilt you into doing something you’re uncomfortable with.”
Embed from Getty ImagesThey said OP is in control of the situation, and if her parents want to see their grandchild, they’ll simply have to make the effort.
Last Updated on September 27, 2024 by Sarah Kester
