June 18, 2025 at 8:22 pm

He Lashed Out At His In-Laws Because Of How They Treated Their Son, And He Refuses To Apologize For It

by Matthew Gilligan

serious man with arms crossed

Shutterstock/Reddit

I’m not usually a fan of people telling others how to raise their kids, but it sounds like the guy who wrote this story did the right thing…

Even though he’s having some second thoughts about what went down.

Read his story below and see what you think.

AITA for basically telling my in laws this is my house, if you don’t like my rules get out?

“I (25) recently moved into my house.

My girlfriend (27) and I had a little housewarming. Her family, my mother and a few of our friends.

We were eating outdoors and the kids had their own table.

My girlfriend’s nephew (8) knocked over a jug of dilute. I was at the table when it happened and it was clearly an accident. He was very polite and apologised. He was a little upset but I just laughed it off.

What’s the big deal?

His father came over and I was shocked at how much his father gave it to him.

I told him it was only an accident etc and he kept going. I felt really guilty for not stopping it. He ran over to the corner of the garden and started crying.

His father went back to the table and he said what happened and his wife said he deserved that, he should stay there a long time or something along those lines. There was almost a laugh from some of her family.

Anyway I went over to the boy a couple of minutes later. I gave him a bar of chocolate.

He was still crying. He said sorry again. I gave him a high five and taught him this high five I used to do as a kid.

These people…

His mother came over and said do you mind not talking to my son. He needs to think about what he did wrong and he needs to do that alone.

I took her and her husband aside and said this is my house, if you want to upset your kid, don’t do it here. If you don’t like it, get out.

I swear the reaction that followed was insane.

They went back to the table saying it.

My mom said (never holding back) didn’t I raise a great son. He’s spot on not to let bullies in his house. Which erupted it even more.

He’s standing his ground.

My girlfriend spoke to me in private and asked me to apologise to them.

I said no. I stand by what I said and (this part I regret a bit) I told her I think less of her for even asking me to apologise.

A mate of mine and his son kicked ball with the boy and I. He actually gave me a hug (I don’t do hugs) at the end of the party and said sorry again. He hugged so tightly for a couple of seconds.

I really could go on about the drama but in short her family thought I was wrong. I was getting little digs etc.

My girlfriend’s friend came up privately and said I was right to step in.

My girlfriend is still pushing for me to apologise.

I still don’t think I did anything wrong. I didn’t tell them how to parent but told them to leave if that’s how they want to parent. If I’m being completely honest (I didn’t say this), I’m not sure I’d want a kid with a family like that.”

AITA?”

His house, his rules, but parents can be sensitive about having their parenting critiqued, especially by people who don’t have kids.

Reddit users shared their thoughts.

This reader weighed in.

Screenshot 2025 05 30 at 12.51.09 PM He Lashed Out At His In Laws Because Of How They Treated Their Son, And He Refuses To Apologize For It

Another individual said he’s NTA.

Screenshot 2025 05 30 at 12.51.20 PM He Lashed Out At His In Laws Because Of How They Treated Their Son, And He Refuses To Apologize For It

This reader agreed.

Screenshot 2025 05 30 at 12.51.29 PM He Lashed Out At His In Laws Because Of How They Treated Their Son, And He Refuses To Apologize For It

Another person spoke up.

Screenshot 2025 05 30 at 12.51.39 PM He Lashed Out At His In Laws Because Of How They Treated Their Son, And He Refuses To Apologize For It

And this individual had a lot to say.

Screenshot 2025 05 30 at 12.51.56 PM He Lashed Out At His In Laws Because Of How They Treated Their Son, And He Refuses To Apologize For It

He was standing up for that little kid and leading by example!

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about a daughter who invited herself to her parents’ 40th anniversary vacation for all the wrong reasons.