Vacations with extended families can bring out very different parenting styles.

The following story involves a man who was on a big family vacation.

He reminded his kids to follow simple buffet rules to avoid spills.

But his brother-in-law openly mocked him, saying he is being “too strict” with the rules.

Let’s take a closer look!

AITAH for telling my brother-in-law to always assume I don’t want his parenting advice?

We are on a family vacation right now.

Me, my wife, our kids, her parents, her sister, her brother, his wife, and their kids.

The resort we are staying at has a really nice buffet.

We went there for dinner last night.

This man reminded the kids to get one plate of food at a time.

As we were walking to the buffet from our table, I told the kids to only get one plate at a time.

I also told them not to overpile it with food. They could get as many plates as they wanted.

I did not want them spilling food on the floor.

My brother-in-law made a comment that I “even have rules for the buffet.”

His brother-in-law told the kids not to listen to his instructions.

He said to his kids, “Don’t worry. You don’t have to follow Uncle OP’s rules.

You’re on vacation. Do what you want.”

I didn’t respond.

At the table, he saw that my oldest got a huge piece of salmon.

He had scooped green beans on top of the salmon.

It wasn’t a mountain of food or anything. It just wasn’t carefully separated.

Then, his BIL made a snarky comment about raising happy kids.

My brother-in-law said, “Don’t let OP see that. What if a green bean rolls off?”

I told my son to ignore him and enjoy his food.

My brother-in-law said, “That’s the key to raising happy kids.

You should want them to enjoy life. It’s hard to enjoy anything when there are a million rules.”

He shut him up by saying he doesn’t need any parenting advice from him.

I told him I don’t want parenting advice from him while I’m trying to enjoy my meal.

He said he didn’t realize he was bothering me. He asked when he should give advice.

I said, “Go ahead and assume I never want parenting advice from you.”

My mother-in-law said to my wife, “Your husband is in a mood, huh?

I hope he isn’t like this tomorrow.”

Now, he’s wondering if he was in the wrong in the whole situation.

That was the end of it. No one commented further.

Was I out of line to say that? I think my response was proportional to his statements.

I don’t want his advice. I would prefer he didn’t give it.

I also don’t approve of his parenting. I don’t say so.

I would like the same courtesy. Is that unreasonable?

Let’s find out what others have to say about this.

This person makes a valid point.

Here’s another honest opinion.

You are fine, affirms this one.

This user shares their personal thoughts.

Finally, short and straightforward.

Vacations are supposed to be fun and relaxing… until someone tries to parent your kids.

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.