Parenting isn't easy, and anyone who claims otherwise is not telling the truth. If having one kid is tough, it's probably safe to reason that two or more kids can compound the weight and toll of juggling emotions, finances, and the struggle to raise kids with balance and fairness. But is it possible to raise two kids fairly? Or will there always be slight imbalances and moments of unfairness?
**This article is based on material obtained from sources pertaining to social media, travel, and psychology websites, which is referenced within the narrative**
Going to Disney World is a dream come true for a lot of people, no matter what age. From iconic, heart-pounding rides to magical, enchanting shows starring Disney's global-reaching legendary characters, it's become a sort of mecca and a symbol of the ultimate family holiday destination. Unfortunately, the average family of four vacationing at Disney World will need to fork over an estimated $6,320 from their savings - that's approximately $316 per person for every night spent there.
That being said, a father who admitted that he's not well off financially reached out to Reddit to discuss how his thirteen-year-old kid got the chance of a lifetime when his best friend invited him to go to Disney World to celebrate his birthday.
Initially, the man's wife wasn't too thrilled about the idea because of their nine-year-old daughter, who is infatuated with Disney. He explained:
My wife was hesitant to consent to this. She said it was unfair to allow our son to go when our nine year old daughter can't. Especially since she loves Disney and princesses.
But the father reasoned that their kids are going to have different chances or opportunities and if he and his wife set the tone based on this situation, then they're going to have to refer to that precedent when their daughter faces similar prospects down the road of parental life.
In his own words:
So we'd just be punishing both our children needlessly. My wife reluctantly agreed that we should allow our son to go.
Before his son left, his father was kind enough to think of his daughter and gave him money to buy her some souvenirs. And on top of that, the son's best friend's parents were generous to buy her some things too.
But the moment his daughter saw her older brother sporting a Star Wars shirt with the iconic Mickey Mouse hat when he came back, she busted out crying. Her mother took notice and didn't hesitate to tell her husband that she thought they messed up by letting their son go.
Meanwhile, the man's brother-in-law is apparently doing well financially, and he invited the entire family to come to a beach house he rented. However, because of their daughter's post-Disney World trauma, the man's wife thinks it's only fair to leave her son home with his grandfather while she, her husband, and their daughter go to the beach house.
He explained:
I (mistakenly) thought all of that was behind us. Now, we are not well off financially, but my BiL is, and he invited all of us to visit a beach house he rented for a summer send-off. My wife told me she wants to have our son stay with my dad and just take out daughter to "even the score."
Maureen Healy, the author of The Emotionally Healthy Child, writes that raising a happy kid isn't something that's guaranteed to happen overnight. To put it simply, each and every child is unique or special in their own way, and a "cookie cutter" approach, like the one that the wife in this story seems to be taking, doesn't really exist.
As for the father and the author of the post, he pushed back and said that he wouldn't exclude his son. He writes:
We are their parents. We can't favor one child over the other. Not being invited to the birthday trip of a kid you barely know is in no way comparable to being left out of a family vacation and I'm shocked she would even suggest such a thing. I refuse to allow it.
What do you think?
Is the mother right to leave out her son to "even the score"? Or does the father's logic resonate more? Tell me your thoughts in the comments, and don't forget to share this article with your friends and family.
Thanks for reading,
Abby
Sources
"The Myth of Joyful Parenthood." Association for Psychological Science
Levy, Cynthia. "10 Reasons Why Is Disney World Really Is So Magical." The Travel
"HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO GO TO DISNEY WORLD IN 2023?" Mouse Hacking
Healy, Maureen. "Raising Happy Kids." Psychology Today
u/FairIsNotFaire. "AITA for refusing to punish or allow my wife to punish our son?" Reddit
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