Father Allows His Son’s Girlfriend to Join His Family Vacation, But When He Asks the Couple to Babysit the Younger Children, He’s Met with Anger and Refusal.
In an enthralling tale of family tensions on a paradise vacation, the Original Poster (OP) navigates a bitter disagreement with their eldest son over babysitting duties while away in Bora Bora. Just as a tropical storm confines the family, forcing underlying tensions to a boiling point, an unexpected mediator steps forward, leading to a climax that promises a turning point in this captivating saga.
A Family Vacation Initiation
OP plans a vacation to Bora Bora with their three sons, aged 7, 9, and 18. To the pleasant surprise of the eldest son, OP allows him to bring his girlfriend, Danielle. After extending the invitation, the son is further delighted to hear that they will have a private room.
The Father’s Position
OP explains that his son is graduating high school this year, and this may be the last trip he ever comes on with him. He’s excited for the son to attend a prestigious university in the fall, so he thinks allowing him to bring his girlfriend and have their own room was well-earned from his hard work ethic at his studies.
The Sad Widower
OP tells the tale that he is now a single father after his wife’s passing due to a “long fight,” presumably cancer. This will mark the first solo-father trip he has taken with the children since the passing of their mother several years prior.
An Unexpected Request
OP, while happy to spend most of his time with the younger boys, hopes to have some alone time during the trip. Sharing a room with the younger boys, he expresses his vision to the eldest son that he would require some occasional assistance. The formal request comes when he tells the son and Danielle they will do “some” babysitting during the trip.
A Disrupted Paradise
The eldest son is upset about the babysitting request, straining the vacation vibe. Despite OP’s reasoning that they would be willing to do anything to enjoy a paradise vacation at 18, the son remains disgruntled. Danielle, on the other hand, is excited to be included and to get a free trip. She is amicable to the idea, creating an unexpected tension.
The Arrival at Bora Bora
The family arrives at the beautiful Bora Bora. Initially, the scenery distracts everyone from the simmering tension. Yet, the eldest son’s resentment continues to linger, threatening to overshadow the tropical paradise.
The First Clash
A few days into the vacation, the eldest son begrudgingly babysits a few hours a day with Danielle. OP insists, however, creating the first major conflict of the trip. Danielle tries to mediate, increasing the strain on her relationship with OP’s son.
Mysterious Behavior
Danielle starts to act unusually, stirring suspicions in OP. She seems to be avoiding the eldest son and spending more time with the family. The tension amplifies when Danielle starts behaving more like a member of the family than a guest.
Unearthing Secrets
In a surprising twist, OP discovers Danielle has been helping more with the boys, while the son has also been going out to explore the island and resort on his own. She had been babysitting and entertaining the younger boys when OP wasn’t around. The reveal adds a new dynamic to the unfolding drama.
The Ultimatum
Frustrated by the ongoing tension, OP gives the eldest son an ultimatum: help with his brothers or pay his and Danielle’s expenses. This throws the 18-year-old into turmoil, escalating the discord in the family vacation.
Tensions in Paradise
Danielle tries to persuade the eldest son to contribute more to the family activities. The son, however, stubbornly resists, further inflaming the family tension. The paradise vacation starts to feel like a battleground.
Danielle’s Defection
Danielle decides to side with OP, causing further friction between her and the eldest son. The girlfriend’s support, however, begins to alleviate some of the strain on OP. This development marks a turning point in the vacation’s dynamic.
The Open Confrontation
In a direct confrontation, OP and the eldest son air their grievances. The argument is intense, but it brings underlying tensions to the surface. Danielle witnesses the conflict, unsure of where she stands in this family dispute. He explains to OP that he thinks even the request that his father made is unreasonable and isn’t happy with the vacation arrangement. He equates their role to “indentured servitude.”
The Return Home
Returning home, the family brings back not just souvenirs, but OP wonders if he was out of line in asking for his son and girlfriend to take on some daily babysitting responsibilities. As he states, “I’d be cleaning the floors if I was 18 and was allowed to bring my girlfriend to paradise for two weeks.”
He reaches out to a popular internet forum to seek advice and reflections on his decision.
Was The Father’s Behavior Appropriate?
The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses:
Forum Responded
One reader said, “Except it’s not babysitting; it’s spending time with his brothers. Seriously, what part of the family vacation went over his head?”
Another Commenter Thinks
Another responder wrote: “He gets to go on a free vacation to Bora Bora for two whole weeks, AND you’re paying for his gf? Yeah, your son is acting entitled, and you are not in any way wrong for asking him to repay your generosity with a little babysitting.”
A Third View on The Story
A different person states, “Pay for me to go to Bora Bora, and I will watch your children.”
A Final Perspective on the Matter
Another viewpoint on the story: “Your request was more than reasonable. Your son’s GF clearly has more common sense than your son.”
What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on their actions?
What would you have done in this situation?
This story is inspired by a Reddit thread.
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