Thanksgiving is a time for family, food, and gratitude. But when it comes to accommodating a child with special needs, things can get a little tricky. One mom decided to lay down some ground rules for her husband’s family, as they were hosting Thanksgiving for the first time since their autistic daughter, Grace, was 2 years old. To ensure a smooth celebration, she sent out a list of expectations for the family gathering. Little did she know, her well-intentioned rules would ignite a firestorm of controversy among her in-laws.
Grace’s Thanksgiving Struggles
Hosting the Family Celebration
Setting Ground Rules
The Controversial Rules
More Rules to Follow
Pool Rules and Backlash ♀️
Family’s Reaction
Clarifications and Questions ♀️
Are These Thanksgiving Rules Fair or Overbearing?
This mom thought she was doing the right thing by setting ground rules for her autistic daughter during Thanksgiving, but her husband’s family didn’t see it that way. From no touching to off-limits playrooms, the list of expectations sparked outrage among the in-laws. Now, the internet is weighing in on whether these rules are fair or overbearing. Let’s see what people have to say about this Thanksgiving drama…
RELATED STORIES
NTA for setting boundaries with family, respecting daughter’s autonomy
“NTA
I was expecting something really bad, but I can some up a lot of your rules. Don’t parent my daughter and I won’t parent your kids. Her toys are not communal and they shouldn’t be coming over just for that.
Seriously they want to kiss and hug her when she will hate it? Why?” – Surprising rules and boundaries for Thanksgiving gathering
Concerned about potential conflicts during Thanksgiving gathering. Stay vigilant!
NTA. Perfectly reasonable rules for your daughter’s Thanksgiving.
NTA. Autistic child needs accommodations. Family should respect boundaries.
“NTA, and their complaints show they don’t care if your child enjoys the holidays. Honestly, I wish more parents laid down boundaries like this for their kids. “
NTA, but confrontational tone could have been more inclusive
Reducing stress for autistic child vs building distress tolerance
NTA – Keeping your kid safe and stress-free during dinner
Standing up for your child’s needs can ruffle some feathers ♀️
Family should know daughter well enough, but rules explained why.
Mild ESH. Polite wording could have avoided family outrage.
NTA. Thoughtful boundaries for daughter’s well-being. Guests respect child’s autonomy.
Engaging caption: A refreshing perspective on Thanksgiving rules for special needs kids
Setting rules as a host is okay! Help kids manage triggers.
Family pressures mom to host Thanksgiving despite daughter’s needs
NTA, but reconsider hosting. Rules may upset your child
NTA…Setting expectations can help avoid Thanksgiving drama
Being assertive about personal boundaries can be challenging but necessary.
Commenter suggests rewording the rules to avoid family outrage
NTA. Prioritizing your child’s comfort is the right move.
Putting your child’s safety and comfort first
Clear rules: before or after RSVP? Family outrage ensues
NTA. Your family sound like . Hope you have a good Thanksgiving!
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/45dab553-65b9-4477-8c23-1d572d28c0e7.png)
NTA, but it’s a two-way street. Enjoy yourself!
NTA. Set your own rules, host your own party
NTA defends daughter’s boundaries, triggers family outrage
NTA, awesome parents respecting daughter’s needs, extended family not understanding.
NTA. Family upset over mom’s Thanksgiving rules for autistic daughter
