She Told Her Boyfriend’s 5 YO Niece About Her Disability — And The Child’s Mom Said She Should’ve Kept It A Secret

When a young woman shared a simple truth about herself, she didn’t expect it to cause such a stir. What started as an innocent chat with a five-year-old about ice skating suddenly turned into a family debate about what’s “appropriate” to tell children.

At 20 years old, the Redditor lives with a hidden disability that affects the muscles in her ankles. It’s not always visible, but it does impact her day-to-day life — and sometimes that means sitting things out while others join in.

Next week, she and her boyfriend were set to babysit his niece, a bright and curious five-year-old named Joanna. When Joanna excitedly asked to go ice skating, the Redditor was more than happy to tag along — just not to lace up skates herself.

Rather than make excuses, she chose to be honest in a simple, age-appropriate way. She told Joanna, “I’ll be there to watch you, but the muscles in my ankles don’t work the way they’re supposed to, so I can’t skate.”

Joanna’s response was exactly what you’d expect from a sweet kid. She didn’t seem scared or confused — she just nodded, accepted it, and moved right along, probably already thinking about what color skates she’d get.

But when Joanna’s mom heard about the conversation, she wasn’t impressed. In fact, she told the Redditor that young children “don’t need to be concerned with such scary things,” and that she should’ve kept her disability to herself.

The young woman was taken aback. She hadn’t said anything dramatic or heavy — she’d just explained why she couldn’t participate, in the simplest and gentlest way possible. It wasn’t like she’d gone into medical details or tried to teach Joanna about chronic conditions.

To her, honesty felt like the kindest and most natural approach. Kids notice when adults avoid questions, and she didn’t want Joanna thinking she was being left out for no reason or that she didn’t want to play.

Still, she couldn’t shake off her mother’s comment. Was it really “inappropriate” to mention a disability to a child? Or was this just another example of adults underestimating how capable kids are of understanding the world around them?

Commenters on Reddit had strong feelings about it — and most were firmly on her side. Many pointed out that children learn empathy and inclusivity when adults are open about differences instead of pretending they don’t exist.

Others noted that framing disability as something “scary” can actually make it harder for kids to grow up with compassion. One commenter wrote that explaining it simply, as the Redditor did, “helps normalize disability instead of making it taboo.”

Some even shared stories of their own. Parents chimed in saying that their children had met people with disabilities, and with just a quick, kind explanation, the kids handled it beautifully — no fear, no fuss.

The general consensus? The young woman had done absolutely nothing wrong. In fact, she might have even done something good — teaching Joanna a small but important lesson about understanding others.

Still, the Redditor couldn’t help feeling uncomfortable about how the child’s mother reacted. It’s never easy navigating family dynamics, especially when it involves health, kids, and personal boundaries.

She wondered if she should apologize just to keep the peace, even though she didn’t feel she’d crossed a line. But the more she thought about it, the clearer it became: she hadn’t scared Joanna — she’d just trusted her to handle the truth with the same openness and grace kids often show.

At the end of the day, she didn’t want pity or praise — just understanding. She was simply trying to enjoy a day out, do something kind for her boyfriend’s niece, and be honest about her limits.

Whether or not Joanna’s mom ever changes her mind, one thing is certain: that five-year-old will grow up remembering that adults can be honest without being scary — and that kindness sometimes looks like sitting on the sidelines, cheering you on.

Rather than make excuses, she chose to be honest in a simple, age-appropriate way.

AI-generated image

Here's the original post by Reddit user 'avyjane3'.

I (20F) have a hidden disability. My boyfriend and I are babysitting his niece "Joanna" (5F) next week, and she asked to go ice skating. I have no problem going to the rink and sitting on the sidelines, but it's not safe for me to skate because of my condition.I explained to Joanna that I'll be there, but "the muscles in my ankles don't work the way they're supposed to" - so I'll have to sit and watch. Joanna was fine with that, but her mother was not impressed that I told Joanna about my disability. She says that a child that young doesn't need to be concerning themselves with such scary things, and that next time I need to keep it to myself. AITA for telling my boyfriend's niece about my disability?

Here's how the Reddit community reacted.

Mei_Mei_16

It's good for her to learn about people who are different.

revengeofthebiscuit

Disabilities are a part of life.

WillingnessNo8909

You explanation wasn't over the top.

Ordinary-Audience363

What were you meant to say?

lostalldoubt86

His sister is the AH!

Crafter_2307

You didn't do anything wrong.

e11emnope

You did a great job!

Scared-Listen6033

That's ridiculous.

ConflictGullible392

NTA.

ImaginaryAd5712

There's nothing scary here.

axw3555

Five is old enough to understand.

cedarcia

Not even remotely.

starwalker327

What would she rather?

Silent_Doubt3672

Children need to learn that life isn't always perfect.

Alternative_Fee1447

In the end, this young woman’s honesty wasn’t a lesson in “oversharing” — it was a quiet act of respect. By treating a five-year-old like someone capable of empathy, she reminded everyone that understanding starts with openness.

Maybe it’s not the children who need protecting from the truth — but the adults who need to stop being afraid of it.