Imagine being a busy working mom, juggling a full-time job and raising two kids from a previous marriage. Now, imagine that you suddenly discover your husband has a teenage daughter from a previous relationship, and she’s hearing impaired. Would you go the extra mile to learn sign language to communicate with her? One step-mom is facing this exact dilemma, and she’s not sure if it’s worth the effort. Let’s dive into her story and see what’s going on.
Surprise! You Have a Step-Daughter
The Big Reveal: Markita (15F)
Visitation Agreements and Adjustments
Markita’s Hearing Impairment
The ASL Learning Pitch ⚾
Time Constraints and Language Struggles ️
Past Language Learning Experiences
Kids’ Reluctance and Buford’s Disappointment
Markita’s Opinion ️
To Learn or Not to Learn: The Sign Language Dilemma ♀️
So, our step-mom protagonist is torn between her busy life and the desire to connect with her step-daughter, Markita. With a full-time job and two young kids, she’s struggling to find the time and energy to learn sign language, especially since Markita only visits occasionally. Her husband, Buford, and Markita both believe she should make the effort, but she’s not convinced it’s worth it. What do you think? Let’s see what the internet has to say about this situation…
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YTA comment receives scathing criticism, compared to infamous funeral incident.
Step-mom unwilling to learn sign language for step-daughter – YTA.
Learning ASL is important and not difficult. YTA.
Don’t be an a**hole, give it a try!
Step-mom refuses to learn ASL for step-daughter: YTA.
Step-mom’s refusal to learn sign language makes her a**hole
Learning sign language is a minimal courtesy to acknowledge people
Step-mom criticized for not learning sign language for step-daughter
Learn a sign, light up a child’s world. YTA.
Step-mom’s refusal to learn sign language is causing harm, YTA.
Step-mom unwilling to learn sign language for step-daughter: YTA.
NTA, but try to find time for family sign language classes
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/b171dfe6-5cc5-4750-9b6b-8a43b785a715.png)
Encourage kids to learn sign language; break apron strings.
Step-mom criticized for not learning sign language for step-daughter. YTA.
Balancing work, school, and parenting is tough. NTA for prioritizing.
Learn the alphabet at least and show some effort. YTA.
Step-mom not obliged to learn sign language for step-daughter. NTA
Step-mom struggling to learn ASL for step-daughter: understandable situation
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/236dc5ac-f101-48fb-8e33-3c114f4911a7.png)
Lazy step-mom refuses to learn sign language for step-daughter
Encourage kids to learn sign language, try to learn some too
Learn basic signs to support step-daughter. YTA for refusing.
Step-mom refuses to learn sign language for step-daughter: NTA
Learning full ASL is not feasible for busy step-mom. NTA.
Learning sign language for step-daughter is important, ESH for not.
Learning sign language is challenging and time-consuming. NTA.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/22c650a8-115b-4b5c-89a2-859c34202485.png)
Make an effort to learn basic signs for step-daughter
Learning ASL would have made op a hero, but not choosing to learn it doesn’t make her a villain. Fair enough
Learning sign language is a small effort for a big impact
Step-mom refusing to learn sign language for step-daughter: YTA
Teaching sign language may be a pain, but it’s worth it
User defends step-mom for not learning sign language, citing practicality.
YTA – Acceptance is more than just tolerating someone’s presence.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/23c45c90-31b9-42af-b5a2-6a70249497d8.png)
Step-mom refuses to learn sign language for step-daughter, YTA.
YTA in every way possible Don’t be a bad step-parent.
Step-mom hesitant to learn sign language for step-daughter, but may need to.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/9bbaf9bc-dd16-4217-8c06-0cf9eb098692.png)
Multilingualism is a strength, not a weakness
Encouraging basic sign language is fair and helpful.
Step-mom’s refusal to learn sign language is unfair and selfish
User defends OP’s decision to not learn sign language fluently.
Learning sign language is difficult, but isolating step-daughter is worse
Step-mom not at fault, but father needs help learning ASL
Step-mom receives YTA judgement for refusing to learn sign language.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/69765b35-d04e-4ebc-b36b-e1a2fc0779f8.png)
Learning sign language takes time and effort, NTA for prioritizing.
Balancing work, kids, and household is tough. NTA for not learning ASL.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/0a7090d7-284a-43e1-a8e1-494c020c1fe5.png)
Learning sign language for step-daughter: unnecessary or essential? NTA
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Step-mom criticized for not learning sign language for step-daughter. Yikes.
Learning sign language can be useful in unexpected situations
Learning basic sign language is important for long-term communication
Learning sign language with a busy schedule? Nah, that’s BS.
Step-mom criticized for refusing to learn sign language for step-daughter
Learning basic sign language is the least you could do
Learning a few signs or spelling the alphabet is reasonable
Learning sign language can bring you and your step-daughter closer
Step-mom not obligated to learn sign language for step-daughter. NTA
Step-mom unwilling to learn sign language for step-daughter. NAH.
Learn a few signs! Apps are available everywhere.
Learning sign language may be challenging, but as a role model, try!
Learning sign language is time-consuming. Other communication methods suggested.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/108a8233-3f2b-4482-b10c-72cab2f49058.png)
Step-mom receives harsh YTA judgement for refusing to learn sign language.
Step-mom criticized for refusing to learn sign language for step-daughter
Debate over step-mom’s refusal to learn sign language for daughter.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. You’re doing your best
Learning a new language is difficult, NTA for step-mom.
Commenter calls out step-mom for excluding step-daughter from family.
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/407efcc0-4d2f-4812-965b-2f262b1a5544.png)
Learning sign language can be easy and useful, YTA.
Try to bridge the gap YTA for not trying
Step-mom’s reluctance to learn sign language may hinder family bonding
Step-mom criticized for not learning sign language for step-daughter. YTA.
Step-mom not obligated to learn sign language for step-daughter. NTA
Learning sign language is optional, but communication is important
![Image credit: [deleted] | [deleted]](https://static.diply.com/65a7e797-f3df-41bc-8d2f-39fdfa2d917d.png)
Teaching sign language is worth the effort. Don’t be lazy.
Learning sign language takes time, but a compromise is possible. NTA.
Step-mom refusing to learn sign language for step-daughter is unfair.
Step-mom refusing to learn sign language for step-daughter is YTA.
Is writing on paper a fair alternative to learning ASL?
Step-mom should make an effort to learn sign language
Step-mom refuses to learn sign language for step-daughter, called out YTA.
YTA. Refusing to learn basic ASL is selfish and unfair.
Step-mom criticized for refusing to learn sign language for step-daughter
OP, bio mom, and husband all share blame for communication issues
Learning sign language basics can bring you closer to someone
Innovative solutions suggested for step-mom’s refusal to learn sign language
Step-mom criticized for not learning sign language for step-daughter. YTA.
Learn basic signs for step-daughter and for better communication.
Learning sign language could improve communication with step-daughter
Teaching sign language in schools: a necessity
