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Jealous Mom Demands To Bring Kids On Girls Trip, Friend Says “Absolutely Not”
Woman with long curly hair sitting on a couch looking upset, illustrating conflict about clingy children on vacation.

Jealous Mom Demands To Bring Kids On Girls Trip, Friend Says “Absolutely Not”

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Having a group of girls is the best: they’re your cheerleaders, your partners in crime, and the ones who lift you up when life gets messy. They help you survive heartbreaks and make even boring days feel special. So, naturally, a girls’ trip sounds like a perfect plan…until kids crash the party.

One woman shared how what was supposed to be a relaxing getaway turned into drama and guilt trips when her friend refused to leave her kids behind. Keep reading to see the full story!

RELATED:

    Having a close group of friends to share secrets and vent your frustrations with can make life way more fun and manageable

    Woman sitting on couch looking stressed and contemplative, reflecting on clingy children and vacation struggles.

    Image credits: innalunavlasova/Freepik (not the actual photo)

    One woman shared how her plan for a carefree, drink-filled girls’ night went sideways when a friend insisted on bringing her child along

    Text excerpt about a friend’s clingy children with anxiety issues affecting vacation plans and travel decisions.

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    Text post describing a frustrating vacation experience with clingy children and feeling mentally drained.

    Text describing a friend not understanding why clingy children cannot be brought on vacation due to not caring for kids.

    Smiling woman and her daughter sitting closely together, illustrating clingy children and family vacation challenges.

    Image credits: vladimirpolikarpov/Freepik (not the actual photo)

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    Text excerpt describing a friend complaining about her kids and husband during quarantine, highlighting clingy children.

    Text excerpt about a friend not understanding why she can't bring her clingy children on vacation, mentioning life choices and kids.

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    Text excerpt discussing choice of not having kids and advice to start making new choices if unhappy in a conversation about clingy children on vacation.

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    Text discussing a friend’s reasoning involving money and children, reflecting on clingy children and vacation issues.

    Text excerpt discussing vacation condos with private beach and fire pit, relating to clingy children on vacation.

    Text message discussing a vacation plan and a friend who doesn’t care for kids and dislikes clingy children.

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    Text discussing a friend unable to bring clingy children on vacation due to lack of childcare and COVID-19 concerns.

    Text excerpt discussing a friend’s refusal to watch clingy children during vacation and family dynamics.

    Man with beard and cap sitting on a couch looking away thoughtfully, representing a friend who doesn’t understand clingy children.

    Image credits: EyeEm/Freepik (not the actual photo)

    Text message conversation about friend not allowing clingy children on vacation and deciding to text another friend.

    Text message about a condo getaway plans interrupted because the friend couldn’t bring clingy children on vacation.

    Text excerpt highlighting a friend frustrated about not being able to bring her clingy children on vacation.

    Text excerpt showing a friend upset about not bringing clingy children on vacation, highlighting tension over kids.

    Text on screen describing ignoring a clingy friend to enjoy a solo moment on the back deck, reflecting on friendship challenges.

    The author later shared an update about her friend’s husband’s ridiculous “babysitting” offer

    Text message discussing a friend arranging childcare to avoid bringing clingy children on vacation.

    Text post about a friend not understanding why she can’t bring her clingy children on vacation, sharing a coffee moment.

    White mug with a cartoon cat and text on a patio table, reflecting a friend who doesn't understand clingy children on vacation.

    Image credits: millineumf

    She also answered a few questions from readers who were curious about how the situation unfolded

    Screenshot of a Reddit post describing a friend who is clingy with her children and causes social tension.

    Setting a budget for any trip is crucial, no one wants awkward money squabbles ruining the vibe

    Suitcase packed with clothes and sunglasses for vacation, illustrating a friend who doesn’t understand clingy children.

    Image credits: Freepik (not the actual photo)

    Traveling with friends is always a mix of excitement, chaos, and unforgettable memories. Especially on a girls’ trip! You’ll laugh, bond, and probably argue a little but that’s all part of the fun. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation, friends make the experience unforgettable. Just remember: expectations set the tone. Communicate and plan together so everyone has a blast!

    Money talk isn’t glamorous, but it’s crucial. Everyone should agree on a budget before booking hotels, activities, or meals. Nothing ruins the vibe faster than someone feeling stressed over overspending. If one friend ends up paying more than others, resentment can sneak in. So split costs evenly or assign responsibilities: maybe one handles meals, another transport. After all, vacations are for fun, not financial drama. 

    Not everyone wants the same thing on vacation, and that’s okay! Maybe one friend dreams of a spa day while another craves hiking or surfing. Planning a mix of activities ensures everyone gets what they want. Rotate priorities, compromise when needed, and schedule a balance of chill and adventure. This keeps the trip exciting and avoids anyone feeling left out. 

    It’s easy to assume a vacation means sticking together 24/7 but you don’t have to. Solo moments are healthy and fun. Some may want to nap on the beach, others may explore the town alone. Respecting this freedom reduces stress and lets everyone recharge. You’ll come back to the group energized and ready to make more memories. A few hours apart won’t ruin the trip, it can actually enhance it. 

    Vacations are not just about sightseeing, they’re about enjoying local food and happiness! Plan meals, snacks, and rest breaks. Ensure everyone gets enough sleep, especially after long days of exploration or nightlife. Even small adjustments like breakfast schedules or afternoon naps might make a huge difference. So, don’t let hangry moods ruin an amazing day. Take care of your basics so you can focus on creating memories instead of surviving exhaustion.

    Resolving conflicts quickly is key to keeping the trip fun and ensuring small disagreements don’t spoil the mood for everyone

    Woman expressing frustration while talking to a man, illustrating a friend who doesn't understand clingy children on vacation.

    Image credits: wavebreakmedia_micro/Freepik (not the actual photo)

    Arguments are inevitable, especially on group trips. Maybe someone wants to sleep in while others want early sightseeing. These tiny conflicts can snowball if ignored. Address disagreements calmly and quickly, and compromise when possible. A simple conversation often fixes misunderstandings. Remember, the goal is fun, not winning arguments. Trust us, your friendships will survive the occasional drama.

    Matching outfits, themed shirts, or coordinated colors might seem silly but they’re Instagram gold. Dressing up together creates memorable photos, boosts team spirit, and adds an extra layer of fun. Even small touches like matching accessories or color palettes count. You might even start a tradition for every girls’ trip. Fashion and friendship? Yes, please. Coordinate a little, laugh a lot, and snap those picture-perfect memories.

    Don’t forget to research scenic spots, cute cafes, and hidden gems before you go. It avoids the stress of wandering aimlessly and ensures your photo ops are epic. Snap photos, capture candid moments, and plan a few surprises. Planning doesn’t mean over-scheduling, just a little prep ensures you get the best shots. Think of it as part of the adventure. Adventure and aesthetics can coexist beautifully.

    Fun doesn’t have to mean reckless. If you’re planning late-night drinks, adventurous activities, or long drives, make a safety plan. Know who’s designated as driver, keep emergency contacts handy, and check the area’s safety tips. Responsible fun keeps everyone happy and worry-free. Safety doesn’t ruin the vibe, it makes the trip enjoyable for everyone. Enjoy boldly but wisely!

    At the end of the day, vacations are about making memories. Laugh at mishaps, embrace surprises, and soak up every moment. In this story, the author went ahead with the trip, assuming her friend couldn’t make it since she had no one to look after her kids. But was that fair? Should she have adjusted the plan to include her friend or was she right to stick to the original idea?

    Most people agreed that the husband’s response was absurd, and many felt the friend herself wasn’t much better

    Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a toxic friend who doesn't understand boundaries with clingy children on vacation.

    Comment discussing a friend not understanding why she can't bring clingy children on vacation and issues with parenting.

    Comment on a vacation condo with a private beach area, expressing excitement despite a friend disliking clingy children.

    Screenshot of an online discussion about a friend not understanding why clingy children aren’t welcome on vacation.

    Screenshot of an online comment about annoying clingy kids and a parent figure ignoring them, discussing clingy children on vacation.

    Comment discussing the outdated view of parenting as babysitting and emphasizing proper parenting of children.

    Alt text: Online comment criticizing a friend who doesn't understand why clingy children aren't welcome on vacation.

    Screenshot of a Reddit comment advising to block a clingy friend's number in a family vacation dispute.

    Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a friend not understanding why she can't bring her clingy children on vacation.

    Comment text discussing a friend not understanding why clingy children can't be brought on vacation, highlighting frustration.

    Comment box on a social media post discussing a friend who doesn’t understand why she can’t bring her clingy children on vacation.

    Text post from a social media user sharing frustration about a clingy friend's focus on her children during outings.

    Text excerpt discussing a friend who doesn’t understand why she can’t bring her clingy children on vacation.

    Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a Karen manifest related to a friend with clingy children on vacation.

    Screenshot of online comment discussing a friend’s refusal to bring clingy children on vacation due to not liking kids.

    Text excerpt from a discussion where a friend does not understand why clingy children are not allowed on vacation.

    Screenshot of a social media comment about a friend not understanding why clingy children can’t come on vacation.

    Screenshot of a social media comment discussing a friend who doesn’t understand why she can’t bring her clingy children.

    Screenshot of an online comment discussing a friend who doesn't understand why she can't bring clingy children on vacation.

    Screenshot of a text comment about a friend not understanding why clingy children can’t be brought on vacation.

    Comment discussing a friend not understanding why her clingy children are not welcome on vacation due to dislike for kids.

    Comment discussing refusal to watch clingy children and motivation to change in a vacation context.

    Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a friend who doesn’t understand why she can’t bring her clingy children on vacation.

    Screenshot of an online comment discussing clingy children and a friend not understanding why they can't bring kids on vacation.

    A social media comment discussing a friend not understanding why clingy children aren’t welcome on vacation.

    Screenshot of a forum comment discussing a friend who doesn't understand why she can't bring her clingy children on vacation.

    Poll Question

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    Nikita Manot

    Nikita Manot

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    Nikita's knack for storytelling and creativity has led her into the world of writing. With a robust foundation in business studies, she crafts compelling narratives by seamlessly blending analytical insight with imaginative expression. At Bored Panda, she embarks on an exhilarating quest to explore diverse topics, fueled by curiosity and passion. During her leisure time, she savors life's simple pleasures, such as gardening, cooking homemade meals and hosting gatherings for loved ones.

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    Nikita Manot

    Nikita Manot

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Nikita's knack for storytelling and creativity has led her into the world of writing. With a robust foundation in business studies, she crafts compelling narratives by seamlessly blending analytical insight with imaginative expression. At Bored Panda, she embarks on an exhilarating quest to explore diverse topics, fueled by curiosity and passion. During her leisure time, she savors life's simple pleasures, such as gardening, cooking homemade meals and hosting gatherings for loved ones.

    What do you think ?
    DrBronxx
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    While OP is in the right here, she doesn't sound particularly pleasant either.

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm more concerned about the number of times alcohol was mentioned.

    L Sarris
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ya, OP did not come off well to me at all.

    Load More Replies...
    Power puff scientist
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's always two sides of a coin in the friendship. As someone without kids you don't want them to always be included but for the parents it's often hard to go away a whole day. Especially if your significant other refuses to take care of their own kids alone like the husband in this story. I notice now all my friends have kids it's often they get included to events and I have to adjust my expectations when I want to see them. As the child free person that's a choice you have to make and as the parent thats also something you need to accept, something the friend in this story apparently could not do. Also sad to hear how bad she wanted to get away from her husband. More issues to explore there.

    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those kids are a leetle too old to be this clingy. I wouldn't be surprised if their home life was TAF.

    tori Ohno
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sorry, but kids should only be joining the party at carnivals and Disneyland, they ruin the atmosphere and fun. Yes, I don't like kids LOL

    Janelle Collard
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I never had children as a deliberate choice. What makes you think I'd want to put up with yours for any length of time?"

    Jack
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yeah, that's an unsustainable friendship. Her situation isn't very sustainable either. Why do people trap themselves in these scenarios? Instead of leaving they try to mitigate, and offset, and do temporary fixes, and coping mechanism, at a certain point leaving would be less fuss than all this.

    Eri J
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These situations are the times you say "Well, maybe some other time." Then you go alone or with someone else and not tell the crab about it.

    Emilu
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don’t think anyone came across particularly favourably in this story, honestly. I’m a drinker but someone like OP sounds like my idea of a nightmare. Sara needs to leave her husband if she doesn’t love/like him, the husband sounds like a waste of space (refusing to look after your own kids? Come on now) and the kids sound too old to be as clingy as they’re described to be. However, OP is the one doing the telling, so maybe she’s just exaggerating it to make herself sound better.

    DC
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you don't want children, prevent having any. That goes for ALL of us, regardless of our equipment, or, a couple should talk about and decide how to avoid. If you don't care to avoid having kids, how can you dare to simply never watch them? How's that supposed to work out anyway, in any regard? A disconnected father, a used-up mother and two high-maintainance kids doesn't sound exacty like the origin of dreams.

    Mike F
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks like the OP, doesn't like kids in general and Sara's kids in particular. OP is living her hedonistic life that Sara misses but can't participate in due to said kids. It sounds (to me) like Sara needs to have a come to Jesus meeting with her husband, he needs to be more involved with his family/kids and needs to find another friend. OP sounds like an awful acquaintance let alone friend with her little get aways she tosses out but with the no kids caveat like a carrot on a stick. If I was Sara I'd drop OP like a hot rock and find another friend who can at least identify with having "challenging" kids rather than tormenting her with outings she cannot be a part of, and maybe work on getting some help for her children so she's not so miserable around them. As a "friend" OP sounds just hateful at worst and exhausting at best.

    Calane E. Vanya
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    eh, they both look bad: one is a cheater, the other seems hateful.

    Load More Replies...
    Yu Pan
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Op came across like a person who's gleeful at Sara's woes. I think if you befriend a parent, the expectation is always kids are part of the deal. That naturally limits a lot of things you would invite a parent to do. A coffee date? Maybe. Overnight trip? Not likely. If Op just accepts Sara's situation and limitations, they could still be friends in a different way. Op is trying to put Sara's square peg parent way into her own round hole CF way.

    PunchinelloTX
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These two “friends” deserve each other. They’re both messy in their own way.

    DrBronxx
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    While OP is in the right here, she doesn't sound particularly pleasant either.

    UnclePanda
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm more concerned about the number of times alcohol was mentioned.

    L Sarris
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ya, OP did not come off well to me at all.

    Load More Replies...
    Power puff scientist
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's always two sides of a coin in the friendship. As someone without kids you don't want them to always be included but for the parents it's often hard to go away a whole day. Especially if your significant other refuses to take care of their own kids alone like the husband in this story. I notice now all my friends have kids it's often they get included to events and I have to adjust my expectations when I want to see them. As the child free person that's a choice you have to make and as the parent thats also something you need to accept, something the friend in this story apparently could not do. Also sad to hear how bad she wanted to get away from her husband. More issues to explore there.

    Lee Gilliland
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those kids are a leetle too old to be this clingy. I wouldn't be surprised if their home life was TAF.

    tori Ohno
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sorry, but kids should only be joining the party at carnivals and Disneyland, they ruin the atmosphere and fun. Yes, I don't like kids LOL

    Janelle Collard
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "I never had children as a deliberate choice. What makes you think I'd want to put up with yours for any length of time?"

    Jack
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yeah, that's an unsustainable friendship. Her situation isn't very sustainable either. Why do people trap themselves in these scenarios? Instead of leaving they try to mitigate, and offset, and do temporary fixes, and coping mechanism, at a certain point leaving would be less fuss than all this.

    Eri J
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These situations are the times you say "Well, maybe some other time." Then you go alone or with someone else and not tell the crab about it.

    Emilu
    Community Member
    2 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don’t think anyone came across particularly favourably in this story, honestly. I’m a drinker but someone like OP sounds like my idea of a nightmare. Sara needs to leave her husband if she doesn’t love/like him, the husband sounds like a waste of space (refusing to look after your own kids? Come on now) and the kids sound too old to be as clingy as they’re described to be. However, OP is the one doing the telling, so maybe she’s just exaggerating it to make herself sound better.

    DC
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If you don't want children, prevent having any. That goes for ALL of us, regardless of our equipment, or, a couple should talk about and decide how to avoid. If you don't care to avoid having kids, how can you dare to simply never watch them? How's that supposed to work out anyway, in any regard? A disconnected father, a used-up mother and two high-maintainance kids doesn't sound exacty like the origin of dreams.

    Mike F
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks like the OP, doesn't like kids in general and Sara's kids in particular. OP is living her hedonistic life that Sara misses but can't participate in due to said kids. It sounds (to me) like Sara needs to have a come to Jesus meeting with her husband, he needs to be more involved with his family/kids and needs to find another friend. OP sounds like an awful acquaintance let alone friend with her little get aways she tosses out but with the no kids caveat like a carrot on a stick. If I was Sara I'd drop OP like a hot rock and find another friend who can at least identify with having "challenging" kids rather than tormenting her with outings she cannot be a part of, and maybe work on getting some help for her children so she's not so miserable around them. As a "friend" OP sounds just hateful at worst and exhausting at best.

    Calane E. Vanya
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    eh, they both look bad: one is a cheater, the other seems hateful.

    Load More Replies...
    Yu Pan
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Op came across like a person who's gleeful at Sara's woes. I think if you befriend a parent, the expectation is always kids are part of the deal. That naturally limits a lot of things you would invite a parent to do. A coffee date? Maybe. Overnight trip? Not likely. If Op just accepts Sara's situation and limitations, they could still be friends in a different way. Op is trying to put Sara's square peg parent way into her own round hole CF way.

    PunchinelloTX
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 weeks ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    These two “friends” deserve each other. They’re both messy in their own way.

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