Mother Sparks Controversy After Discouraging Daughter from Cuddling

Yesterday my 11-year-old tried to get on my lap to cuddle me, but I told her to stop because she is too old.

Now she won’t talk to me. People online were furious after I explained what happened, but I don’t know why.

Was I in the wrong? My story below ⬇️

Being a parent can be a real challenge, wouldn’t you agree?

Every family has its own set of rules and traditions, making the journey of raising children both unique and complex.

Yet, one mother’s recent decision stirred quite the conversation on Reddit, and it has many people talking. Let’s dive into the details.

A Mother’s Concern

In an honest post on Reddit’s ‘Am I The A*****e’ thread, a 37-year-old mother shared a situation that unfolded with her young daughter. According to her, “My daughter is very small for her age and as a result, gets treated like a younger child sometimes,” she explained.

“She loves to hop in my or my husband’s lap and cuddle with us on the couch or in a chair,” the mother added. However, she began wondering whether her daughter was getting “too old” for that kind of closeness, fearing she might be hindering her daughter’s growth.

Just before posting her dilemma, her 11-year-old tried to snuggle up to her.

The mother told her daughter she was too old for such behavior. This upset the girl, causing her to storm off to her room and slam the door.

Since then, the mother noticed a change.

Her daughter stopped initiating cuddles and the atmosphere at home became tense. “She doesn’t talk to me unless she has to and when I hugged her goodnight last night she didn’t hug me back,” the mother noted.

Feeling a bit guilty, she turned to Reddit, seeking advice if she had made the right call.

The Internet’s Reaction

Online users quickly offered their thoughts, overwhelmingly labeling the mother as “the a*****e” in this family drama. Many argued she was missing out on precious moments with her daughter.

One commenter pointed out, “She’s not going to want to cuddle you much longer. You may have a year left. And you’re throwing that time away instead of cherishing it.”

Someone else chimed in, “There’s nothing wrong with guiding a child towards age-appropriate behaviors or acknowledging when something becomes uncomfortable for you. This is part of helping a child grow.”

They emphasized the importance of showing the daughter that love remains unwavering, despite changes in their relationship.

Another poignant remark came from someone working at a nursing home.

“We have a 78-year-old gentleman who visits his 99-year-old mother weekly. She has dementia, but when they hold each other, they both light up. You never outgrow the need for love and affection from your parents,” they shared.

Reflecting on this situation, what advice would you offer this mother?

If you were in her shoes, how might you have handled things differently?