One Trip Was All It Took—Now Her Aunt and Uncle Say ‘Never Again’
Because they love their cousins and nephews, an aunt and uncle planned a nice beach weekend to see how the kids would do with overnight trips before planning a longer summer vacation. Two of the kids, ages 6 and 11, were polite, helpful, and fun to travel with. But their 10-year-old sister Kelly was always making a fuss, being rude to adults and other kids, and not listening to them. After the weekend was over, they made up their minds: Kelly would not be asked on any more overnight trips.
Now that the longer holiday is coming up, their sister is furious that her daughter is being left out. She says Kelly is “acting her age” and that her child is being punished for not being very grown. The couple says they made the right choice because they gave the kids a chance and Kelly showed she wasn’t ready. If they keep their word, are they being mean, or are they just setting good limits with a child who went too far?
Quality time with nieces and nephews is important
But after a weekend getaway together, this woman said she will not be taking her sister’s kid on any more outings
Many people think that love automatically means duty when it comes to spending time with family. A lot of people who don’t have kids know that choosing to spend time with kids is a commitment that comes with expectations, especially when it comes to overnight trips that need planning, emotional energy, and shared responsibility.
The narrator and her husband have chosen not to have children, but they are very involved in their jobs as aunts and uncles. They have strong bonds with their brother’s kids, Allan (11) and Ava (6), and their sister’s daughter, Kelly (10). They often have their cousins and nephews over for activities. They planned a test weekend at a nearby beach town last May to see how things went before they booked a week-long summer holiday.
After that, everything became clear.
The way Allan and Ava acted was way above what was expected. Even Ava, who was 6 years old and might have had separation anxiety, was kind, flexible, and polite. But Kelly’s behavior changed as soon as they got in the car.
The pattern was always the same: nonstop complaining, temper tantrums, not following directions, and even being rude to service staff. Kelly kept getting in the way of things, fighting with her cousins, and acting out when things didn’t go her way, even after being told over and over again not to.
This wasn’t just a child who was tired and having a bad day. It had been a routine of entitlement and defiance all weekend.
For example:
- At the grocery store, she refused to take turns with the TV.
- She threw fruit in the trash when offered as a snack.
- At dinner, she was rude to a waitress and sarcastic when told to apologize.
- During packing, she ignored requests and focused on watching TV.
- At the souvenir shop, when asked to choose between two toys due to budget, she threw a fit—and ended up with nothing.
The couple talked about the trip and decided that Kelly wasn’t ready for a longer trip and wouldn’t be coming on any more overnight trips until she behaved better.
They told their sister in a clear and cool way. But now that summer break is coming up, their sister is very angry. She says they’re being “too harsh” and that they’re leaving out a child while expecting Kelly to be an exception.
But the truth is that this isn’t about punishing a kid for being 10. It has to do with setting healthy, reasonable limits based on behavior, not age.
Child Mind Institute says that kids need consistent penalties for their actions in order to learn how to control their emotions, get along with others, and be responsible. Kelly’s temper tantrums, unwillingness to listen, and rudeness were not “normal 10-year-old moments.” They showed that she needs more direction and order before she can go on a trip with a group.
Vacations with kids require teamwork—not just from adults, but from the children too. That doesn’t mean they need to be perfect, but it does mean:
- Listening the first (or second) time
- Respecting other people’s space
- Following group plans
- Avoiding repeated conflict with others
Kelly failed on every one of those fronts—and unlike a day trip, you can’t “tap out” of parenting dynamics during a shared overnight hotel stay or road trip.
None of those things went well for Kelly. And unlike a day trip, you can’t “tap out” of parenting patterns during a road trip or hotel stay that lasts more than one night.
The aunt and uncle don’t have a grudge. They’re following a rule that was made clear: this weekend was a test to see who was ready for longer holidays. We saw Allan and Ava go. Kelly wasn’t. End of sentence.
To be honest, if things had been the other way around, the sister probably would have expected the same thing. If Ava or Allan had acted this way or thrown a fit, no one would have thought twice about not letting them go on future trips. It’s “unfair” and “punitive” when it’s her child, though.
This is where parents get angry. A lot of parents find it hard to hear negative comments about their kids, especially when they’re tired or stressed. But that doesn’t mean that people should have to put up with constant bad behavior to protect someone’s pride.
The aunt even says that Kelly is 10 years old, not 2 years old. Kids that age should be able to handle their emotions better. As of 2010, HealthyChildren.org says that most kids should know about cause and effect, how important it is to respect others, and simple social rules.
The couple’s choice isn’t about being turned down. It has to do with earning rights. Overnight trips are not required. Examples include sleeping at someone’s house, going on vacation, or going to a special event.
Their approach is thoughtful, reasonable, and fair:
- They tested the dynamic before committing to a longer trip
- They communicated expectations
- They gave every child the same opportunity
- They responded based on actual behavior—not assumptions or labels
So are they the jerks? Absolutely not.
They are involved, responsible parents who are setting limits not because they are mean, but because they want to be fair, consistent, and make sure that future trips are fun for everyone.
If Kelly changes how she acts, she’ll probably be welcome back. But until then, what you do has an effect, and every child needs to learn this at some point.
Many netizens didn’t think the woman was being a jerk in the situation
