AITA for allowing my daughter to go on a trip with a friend?
My wife and I have five daughters, aged 22-16. As you can imagine, the house is constantly noisy and busy. My wife is also a big source of disorder. I tend to stay in my study away from all the chaos.
A few months ago my youngest "Lyla" was invited to travel to a seaside resort with a friend. It seemed like a golden opportunity to have some peace at home. My second eldest daughter, Beth, told me not to let her go as Lyla is very poorly behaved and Beth was worried it would reflect negatively on our family.
I did not want to deal with the whining from Lyla and her mother if I withdrew my permission. I was also hoping Lyla would be publicly embarrassed, which I really think is the only thing that would curb her behaviour.
Unfortunately, while on vacation, Lyla eloped with a man of poor character. Clearly her friend's husband was not giving her sufficient supervision. Her sister (my 4th daughter) also knew and said nothing to us. I went to try and recover her, but ultimately, Beth's boyfriend found them and paid for their marriage. So it all worked out well in the end and at no expense to myself (these young lovers won't take repayment).
I overheard some men in my home town yesterday calling me a bad father and an AH, but I can't see how this is all my fault. After all, my wife encouraged Lyla's poor behaviour, my 4th daughter should have warned us, and her Lyla's friend did not watch her well enough. What was I supposed to do? AITA?
I guess I should try parenting via public embarrassment, it has worked so well for you /s
u/MollyOrMary
I really want to know what a "good" outcome would have looked like from this situation. He is such an YTA
u/ShakespearesMuse
I guess his daughter is publicly shamed and comes back as an angel and not an emotional mess?
Hate to tell you, but a 16 year old ugly crying is probably worse noise-wise than whining about a trip. Also doesn't do permanent damage to their life.
u/MaryOrMolly
He could try actually parenting. But his poor little ears. 🙄
I hope Beth doesn't need physio from carrying her whole family on her back.
AITA Jane Austen Masterpost