Woman Offers to Take Niece and Nephews on Vacation, but Refuses to Take Brother’s ‘Spoiled’ Youngest Child

In families where divorce, remarriage, and blended households mix together, even simple plans – like a vacation – can turn into big emotional problems.

One woman is dealing with this after deciding not to invite her brother Jason’s youngest child on a family trip.

She shared her story on Reddit. For years, she has helped care for Jason’s three older children, ages 12 to 19, from his first marriage. After his divorce, Jason gained full custody when his ex-wife moved away, and the kids lived with him and his new partner, Jenny.

At first, Jenny seemed like a great addition to the family. “She was kind, had a good job, and was well-educated,” the woman wrote. But after having a baby with Jason, Jenny quit her job and focused only on their child together. She told the family she was “only a stay-at-home mom to HER kid.”

This created a split in the household. Jason, Jenny, and the youngest child often did things as their own “family unit,” going to dinners, events, and vacations without including the older kids. The aunt said she spoke out against this, but Jason told her he would do anything to keep Jenny happy because his divorce had left him emotionally broken.

Jason works over 70 hours a week, while Jenny controls the money and doesn’t help much with the older kids. Living overseas, the aunt and her wife have stepped in to support the older three, buying them a used car, helping with expenses, and making them the main heirs in their will. They also take them on yearly U.S. trips, since Jason and Jenny only vacation with the youngest child, usually with help from Jenny’s parents.

This year, the summer trip was moved to fall because one teen got an internship. When Jason found out, he asked if his youngest could come. The aunt refused, saying the child is spoiled, mean to her siblings, throws tantrums, and once told her and her wife they were “going to hell.” She believes the behavior comes from the way Jenny treats her, but still doesn’t want her on the trip.

Jason suggested that Jenny or their mother come along to help, but the aunt said no. Her mother is recovering from hip surgery and doesn’t want to travel. After being told no, Jason and Jenny began posting online to shame the aunt and her wife.

While most of their loved ones support them, the aunt and her wife are now questioning if they’re wrong. The wife pointed out, “Are we any better than Jenny if we favor some kids over another just because we don’t like their mom?” The aunt admits they might now be favoring the older children more.

Now, she’s left wondering: Is it okay to treat some children in the family differently because of circumstances? Or should all kids be treated the same, no matter what the relationship is like?