Am I Wrong for Refusing MILs Theme Park Trip with Allergic Son?

AITA for refusing my MIL's theme park offer after she put my son's life at risk with a peanut butter cookie?

Davy

Published in Interesting
August 8, 2025

Am I Wrong for Refusing MILs Theme Park Trip with Allergic Son?

Are you ready for a family drama that involves a potential life-threatening situation? Picture this: a doting mother-in-law, a concerned father, and a day at a theme park that goes awry.

It all started with a simple offer from the mother-in-law to take the grandkids out for some fun, but things took a turn for the worse. The father, who is vigilant about his son's severe peanut allergy, found himself in a tense situation when his mother-in-law decided to give the child a peanut butter cookie against explicit instructions.

The father's anger is palpable as he grapples with his mother-in-law's blatant disregard for his child's safety. The mother, on the other hand, seems to downplay the severity of the situation, leading to a clash of perspectives within the family.

The question at hand: is the father overreacting by setting strict boundaries, or is he justified in prioritizing his child's safety above all else? As the Reddit community weighs in, opinions diverge.

Some argue that the father's stance is warranted, emphasizing the importance of respecting parental rules, especially when it concerns a potentially life-threatening condition. Others suggest a more diplomatic approach, advocating for open communication and understanding between family members.

The thread unfolds with a mix of judgments, advice, and personal anecdotes, showcasing the complexities of family dynamics and the lengths parents go to in safeguarding their children.

Original Post

So I'm (29M) married to my wonderful wife (28F), and we have two young kids - a boy (4) and a girl (7). Now, my mother-in-law (MIL) and I have always had a cordial relationship, but lately, things have become a bit strained.

My MIL has always loved spending time with our kids, taking them to parks, playing games, the typical grandparent stuff. However, a few weeks ago, there was an incident that has left me questioning her judgment.

For background, my son has a severe peanut allergy. It's not something to be taken lightly - even the slightest exposure can lead to a life-threatening situation.

We've always been very clear about this with our families, especially with our MIL, who has sometimes been a bit careless with food safety. Despite this, we've always tried to find a middle ground and maintain a good relationship.

Last week, my wife was out of town for a work conference, so my MIL offered to take the kids to a nearby theme park for the day. I was a bit hesitant but ultimately agreed, thinking it would be a fun day out for them.

However, when they got back, I noticed that my son had a rash on his face and was itching uncontrollably. I asked my MIL if she gave him anything to eat, and she casually mentioned that she let him have a peanut butter cookie because he seemed interested.

I was absolutely furious. She knows about his allergy, and she took a huge risk without even informing me.

Now, my wife thinks I'm overreacting and that it was just a cookie. But for me, it's a matter of trust and basic safety.

I never said she couldn't spend time with the kids, just to be cautious about what they eat. I feel like she completely disregarded our wishes and put our son in danger.

So, I told her that until she proves she can be responsible and follow our rules, she won't be taking the kids out without supervision. AITA for standing my ground on this?