November 6, 2025 at 7:55 am

New Mom Gives Her Nieces And Nephew Plenty Of Space To Play, But Her In-Laws Say She’s Rude To Ask Them To Stay Out Of Her Baby’s Room

by Diana Whelan

little girl playing with doll house in kid's room

Pexels/Reddit

A new mom thought she’d been the picture of the “cool aunt”—building play spaces in nearly every part of her home.

But when her brother-in-law’s kids started turning her baby’s nursery into their personal playground, she decided enough was enough.

Read on for the story.

AITA for not wanting my niece and nephew in my baby’s room?

My husband’s brother and his kids (2.5F and 5.5M) come over pretty often.

I try to make our house fun and comfortable for them and we have a backyard play area, a living room play area, and even the basement you can run around in.

But every time they’re here, they end up in my 7-month-old daughter’s room.

Ah, the dreaded small-space scenario.

They’ll pull everything off her shelves and make a total mess.

What bothers me even more is that their dad goes in there with them, sits down, and just lets it happen.

They don’t clean up afterward either, so I’m left to do it.

Ugh.

I feel like bedrooms are private spaces you only enter if invited, especially a baby’s room. I already clean up after them in the shared areas, but it really bothers me that they’re also going upstairs into her room and wrecking it.

I don’t want to be a jerk about it, but I also don’t want my daughter’s room constantly trashed.

AITA if I tell them they’re not allowed in her room?

Most people sided with the mom, saying she had every right to set boundaries around her baby’s space.

This person says NTA, but it wouldn’t hurt to be more strict.

Screenshot 2025 10 05 at 6.53.22 AM e1759661675211 New Mom Gives Her Nieces And Nephew Plenty Of Space To Play, But Her In Laws Say Shes Rude To Ask Them To Stay Out Of Her Baby’s Room

This person says her husband needs to stand up more.

Screenshot 2025 10 05 at 6.53.31 AM e1759661681561 New Mom Gives Her Nieces And Nephew Plenty Of Space To Play, But Her In Laws Say Shes Rude To Ask Them To Stay Out Of Her Baby’s Room

And this person agrees…be more clear with the boundaries AND spouse.

Screenshot 2025 10 05 at 6.53.40 AM e1759661686188 New Mom Gives Her Nieces And Nephew Plenty Of Space To Play, But Her In Laws Say Shes Rude To Ask Them To Stay Out Of Her Baby’s Room

When the playdate turns into a home invasion, sometimes “no toys allowed” is the only rule that sticks.

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.

Diana Whelan | Contributing Writer, Life & Drama

Diana Whelan is a contributing writer for TwistedSifter specializing in family dynamics, viral internet culture, and interpersonal relationships. Drawing on her extensive professional background as a senior copywriter in the digital marketing space, Diana excels at transforming community-driven conversations and trending social media debates into relatable, highly engaging narratives.

Rather than simply aggregating online drama, Diana brings a balanced, humorous, and empathetic editorial voice to everyday dilemmas and parenting moments. She has a keen eye for finding the human element at the center of complex relationship conflicts and viral social trends.

Outside of writing, Diana is usually spending time with her husband and two kids, planning elaborate themed parties, or chasing down new family adventures. Fueled by a little too much caffeine and a love for a well-placed pun, she can often be found unwinding with a glass of wine and her very patient golden retriever.

Connect with Diana on LinkedIn and Instagram.