Should I Be Responsible for My Stepbrother? AITA for Setting Boundaries?

AITA for refusing to give my stepbrother my stuffed shark? Mom expects me to sacrifice for him, but is it really my responsibility?

Damjan

Published in Interesting
26 Dec 2025

Should I Be Responsible for My Stepbrother? AITA for Setting Boundaries?

In a recent Reddit thread, a 15-year-old user is grappling with a complex family dynamic that raises questions about responsibility and boundaries. The young man, whose mother lost her parental rights due to substance abuse, now finds himself in a situation where he is being asked to sacrifice a cherished gift, a stuffed shark, from his girlfriend for his new stepbrother, a three-year-old child.

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Despite the emotional pressure from his mother, who insists he care for his stepbrother because his father is financially struggling, the teen firmly believes this isn't his responsibility. The discussion highlights the delicate balance of family obligations, particularly in blended families where relationships can be complicated.

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Many commenters quickly rallied to support the teen, emphasizing that, while innocent, the child is not his responsibility given their limited relationship and the mother's past actions. The responses also reflect a broader commentary on parental responsibilities, particularly in the context of addiction and recovery, suggesting that the mother may be projecting her own needs onto her son.

As the thread unfolds, it raises crucial questions about the nature of familial bonds, the expectations placed on children, and the importance of establishing personal boundaries. How do you navigate such emotional complexities when your own upbringing has been troubled?

Join the conversation and share your thoughts!

Original Post

My(15m) mom lost her parental rights over me a couple of years ago. Terminated.

I still visited her once a month with my dad’s permission and supervision but only after she quitted drugs and booze. Just to make sure she is staying sober and hasn’t relapsed.

She then got married to another guy who has a 3 years old son. Yesterday, my mom asked me if I could give him my stuffed shark, one that my girlfriend bought for me.

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I told her no. She said I’m too old for that stuff but I repeated my ‘no.’ She said he is my brother and I should make sacrifice for him, since his dad doesn’t have any money.

I told her it’s not my job to take care of him and she got upset, saying I should at least consider being there for him some time in the future. Am I the a*****e for not considering that?