AITA for needing my daughter to help?

Jonas Bergström

Grief had woven itself into the fabric of their lives, leaving the father overwhelmed and the eldest daughter, Nancy, quietly sacrificing her youth. At sixteen, Nancy’s world shrank as she set aside her dreams and pa*sions to hold the family together, her silent strength a beacon amid the storm of loss.

Yet, in the quiet moments of her senior year, a simple wish for a night of normalcy shattered against her father’s exhaustion and forgetfulness. The pain of that broken promise echoed louder than words, marking a rift that neither time nor distance could easily heal.

AITA for needing my daughter to help?
'AITA for needing my daughter to help?'

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AFTER THIS STORY DROPPED, REDDIT WENT INTO MELTDOWN MODE – CHECK OUT WHAT PEOPLE SAID.:

The community had thoughts — lots of them. From tough love to thoughtful advice, the comment section didn’t disappoint.

reading through the Reddit comments and noticed many readers empathized deeply with the father's struggle, acknowledging the immense pressure he was under while mourning and trying to keep the family afloat. Many expressed sympathy for Nancy, recognizing how much she sacrificed and how hurt she must have felt when her prom was overlooked. The consensus seemed to be that while the father’s intentions weren’t malicious, his exhaustion and grief caused him to miss important emotional moments for his daughter.

In my opinion, this story highlights the profound challenges families face after loss, especially when roles shift abruptly. It’s a reminder that grief can cloud judgment and priorities, sometimes causing unintentional harm to those we love most. Moving forward, open communication and acknowledging feelings can help heal those wounds, allowing both parent and child to support each other better through life’s ongoing challenges.

JB

Jonas Bergström

Digital Behavior Analyst & Tech-Life Balance Advocate

Jonas Bergström is a Swedish behavior analyst focused on the impact of digital technology on mental health. With a Master’s in Human-Computer Interaction, he explores how smartphones, apps, and social media shape our relationships and habits. Jonas promotes mindful tech use and healthier screen time boundaries.

Digital Habits Tech-Life Balance Behavioral Design