Parent Gives Their Son’s Kindergarten Classmates Movie Vouchers, Calls Other Parents “Greedy” And “Cheap” After They Confront Them
Every holiday has its own traditions, but that doesn’t mean we’re not allowed to break them. Many people love celebrating Halloween with the classic itinerary: dressing up in costume, carving pumpkins, trick-or-treating or throwing a party, visiting a pumpkin patch or corn maze, telling spooky stories and indulging in all of your favorite sweet treats. But if you would rather paint pumpkins than carve them, spend the day running a marathon through a cemetery or pass out treats that are of the non-edible variety, there is nothing wrong with that! Or rather, there shouldn’t be anything wrong with that…
One parent recently got the brilliant idea to pass out movie vouchers to their son’s class, in lieu of Halloween candy, but this plan unfortunately backfired after a few mothers decided to throw a fit. Below, you can read the full story that the parent shared on the “Am I The [Jerk]?” subreddit, as well as some of the replies readers have left weighing in on whether or not this was a wise choice. We would love to hear your thoughts on this situation in the comments below, and then if you’re interested in another Bored Panda article discussing trick-or-treating drama, you can find that right here.
This parent’s creative plan to pass out movie vouchers instead of Halloween candy backfired after a few mothers were less than impressed
Image credits: Ashley Linh Trann (not the actual photo)
Image credits: Pavel Danilyuk (not the actual photo)
The parent later shared some additional details about the situation
Image credits: Stock_Philosopher_52
While candy is the go-to treat to be passed out on Halloween, there are no strict rules dictating what can and cannot be given out. Candy is a simple and safe option, but it does not take any creativity. Why not think outside the box and come up with a non-edible alternative? It is likely that the children in this class returned home from school with more candy than they could ever need, so I’m sure they were thrilled to have something else to mix up their Halloween haul. Plus, it took thinking outside of the box and additional effort for this parent to get movie vouchers for their son’s class. A gift is a gift, and if the other parents had no intention of using it, they could have kept that information to themselves.
It is actually genius to be handing out a non-edible Halloween treat when so many children have allergies and dietary restrictions nowadays. In the United States, 5.6 million children, or roughly two in every classroom, have some sort of food allergy, and 40% of these kids are allergic to more than one type of food. Some of the most common foods to be allergic to are milk, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat and soy, many of which are present in popular candies. For the children who are allergic to half of the Halloween treats they bring home, it must have been extremely exciting to be given an experience they could enjoy, rather than treats their parents would have to take away from them to ensure their safety.
Most parents also try to limit their children’s candy intake, particularly following Halloween, so it is shocking that they were upset about having less sugar around. There is nothing wrong with enjoying some sweet treats in moderation, and all kids should embrace Halloween to the fullest extent. But it is a fact that in the United States, the rates of children being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes has nearly doubled in the last two decades. And on Halloween alone, the average American kid consumes about 7,000 calories and three cups of sugar. While most of our bodies, especially children, can handle indulging like that on rare occasions, such as once a year on October 31st, one would think that parents would be thrilled to see their kids eating less candy around the time of Halloween.
Many readers sided with this parent, assuring them that they had done nothing wrong
If the mothers in this story were so concerned about not being able to use the movie vouchers, I’m sure they could have found a solution to the issue without being rude or abrasive towards the parent that went out of their way to get these coupons. Perhaps they could have organized a time where one of the moms could take all of their kids to the movies at once, and then only one adult ticket would need to be purchased.
Most movie theaters also sell youth tickets at discounted prices anyway, so it would likely not be very expensive to take their other kids with them if they had to. As some of the readers pointed out in the comments on this post, we might not be able to speculate on the financial situation of these other families. But even if some are struggling, their kids could likely go see a movie with a friend whose parent would not mind purchasing a ticket.
Apparently no good deed goes unpunished, as this parent had to learn the hard way. I hope they have not been deterred from providing creative Halloween treats in the future, as many of the kids probably loved their idea, but I can imagine how frustrating it was to deal with these upset moms. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Do you think the movie vouchers were a good idea, or are you more of a traditionalist when it comes to Halloween? Then if you want to check out another Bored Panda article discussing post-trick-or-treating mama drama, look no further than right here.
While others shared that these movie vouchers were not the best choice
The YTA people are certainly missing the point. If they don't want the gift, throw it away or just grab the popcorn and soda. It's not like this was the only hope for their kid to get candy. I think it's thoughtful and a good alternative that's healthy and also fun. Some people just like to b**** about everything. And no one is liked unanimously. I wouldn't give two f**** about those confrontational moms. Jesus Christ!
Yeah those 3 moms could have given their tickets to one of them so one fam had 3 tix instead of 3 fams having 1. But this is just ridiculous because they wanted something to complain about. On the other side of it, it is kinda like how one kid gets Dunkin Donut vouchers from the school for getting A's and the other kid didn't quite get the A's so I had to but that kid doughnuts. But it is just what you have to do when you have kids. YOU BUY THEM THINGS AND TAKE THEM PLACES!!
Load More Replies...
“…one of them wanted a ticket so her au pair could take the kid.” Cheapskate rich people. I like the commenter that said to offer to take back the voucher in return for a candy bar.
When my kid was in elementary school I knew WAY too many parents like those the OP encountered. They could not be bothered with their kids - their children were "accessories" or lines for their resumes.
Load More Replies...
The real reason for the complaint - You can't eat your kid's movie voucher after he goes to bed.
I'm with op on this one. I can see the legitimacy of some of the complaints against it, but if those vouchers don't have an expiration date, or are good for at least 1 year, I would love this. I mean 5 bucks for a movie ticket. 6 for the small pop corn and soda, then another 3 for the candy. That's almost $15 that I don't have to spend on our next movie
Yeah, but that assumes you normally go to movies at all. Most people don't these days. The issue to me is that the parents, if the kids have seen the ticket before they did, now have to be the bad guy if they can't take the kid for whatever reason.
Load More Replies...
I'm 48 and have been to the movies like maybe 9 times because of cost. This lady's problem is beyond me.
Not sure why you were down voted - here's an up vote! Depending on where you live and the cinemas, it can be expensive to go see a movie. Not everyone has easy access to what many consider to be everyday things ... Or, has money spare to enjoy them.
Load More Replies...
These are private school kids with no scholarships or financial aide. That’s easily $20,000/year. It’s not a financial issue, it’s an unmanaged expectation in entitled people issue.
The last people complaining about "being gifted an obligation" ... then don't f*****g use it & give it to a family who spends time at the movies with their kids. Like wtf? If you'd rather have candy then GO BUY CANDY! Like.... what is wrong with you people!
There you go! You just got a gift to give away. No money spent and a family who would appreciate it. But, I'm judging by the attitude the complainers are thinking only of themselves.
Load More Replies...
How about, when a parent complains about having to pay for additional kids, etc., just take the voucher back and hand them a fun sized candy bar. Jeez some people are so damn entitled.
Wow. Considering the fact that some people don’t bother gifting at all, I feel OP is being exceedingly generous! How are you gonna say that a movie ticket isn’t as good as a half-squashed candy bar? If I were giving out a voucher gift & someone turned their nose up at it, I’d say “Oh, you don’t like that? I guess I can take it back, then. I’m sure I can find someone who will genuinely appreciate it.” … I mean, you’d have to be SO entitled, to think the whole world owes you everything free of charge (& woe unto them who dare try to make you pay a reasonable price for it)! How about just accepting whatever freebies you’re gifted with a pleasant “thank you” & not throw a childish tantrum/demand to be compensated every time something “isn’t good enough” for you, despite you not being obligated to pay for it?? 🙄🤦♀️
I'd ask everyone who complained to return the voucher and in it's place I'd give them one piece of candy.
This is simple to me. I went to private school. Parents who can afford to send their kids to private school are not poor. There are some that do better than others, but none of them are poor. The mom's who bitched can suck a lemon. They can all afford to take the fam to a movie, and to someone else's point...if they don't want to, then throw it away or have the kid present it in exchange for a home movie and some jiffy pop. The entitlement is disgusting.
I was the poor kid in private school, we exist. From what op is saying though, there are none involved in this story. I like the "return for candy" idea as well
Load More Replies...
Sounds like a nice idea to me. When I was a kid in the 70s & 80s, we'd have people give out McDonald's coupons and stuff.
In this situation I'm with the OP. However, it reminds me of a time my sister gave me entry tickets to Disney Land Paris. We don't live in France so to use the tickets I would need to pay for travel (plane/ferry/Eurostar), and accommodation. Plus the incidental costs of international travel. For her it was either free or minimal cost, for me it was probably £500. Vouchers are only good if you were going to do it anyway, and then they're great.
I'm poor as $hit and even I don't think they're the a$$hole here. She's right, these other wealthy parents are entitled and just expected more free things for their spawn. Like I said, I'm poor. Granted, American poor, but still. I probably wouldn't be able to use this gift, but that's my problem. Honestly, I'd see it as a chance to take them once though. When my kids were little we splurged on the summer kids' movies special and free movie nights in the park at library. Kind of unrelated but I would just like to point out that there are free / reduced price things. Still, she's NTA here. If you don't like the free kids' ticket or can't afford your own ticket it sucks, but you don't go. It's that simple. You don't look in the gift horse's mouth.
Unpopular opinion perhaps, but YTA people sound like a bunch of sour grapes that didn't get to see the movie. Point is, NTA! Reasoning, she was just being nice and she sure as hellfire and brimstone do not need to cater to every parents' wishes for more tickets.
I remember my kids use to get coupons to Pizza Hut if they read a certain number of books. Well I had to take the whole family and pay for everyone else's meal. I still did it though and my kids loved it! They were happy memories and I'm glad we had the opportunity to do something fun as a family. Years later and the money doesn't even matter.
I remember 30 years ago, getting a free personal pan pizza for reading. My parents never complained about having to take us out and spend money on us. We weren't treated like a burden in that way. We also would receive vouchers for things like this too, often just one out of three of us. Again, my parents never complained and just paid the extra for entrance to whatever it was. We we're not well off either, but my folks were good at managing money and always had some extra reserved for incidentals like this. Another thing that happened fairly often is our grandparents would take us out and use up some of these coupons or vouchers. I think the money is not the issue. I think the real issue is the parents don't want to spend time with their kids. That is truly sad because I cherish the memories of my folks doing these things with us. The kids growing up with au pairs breaks my heart. They're going to get so attached to them, and then be heartbroken when their assignment is over.
Load More Replies...
I understand that the parents will incur more costs just so that their kid can use this ticket, but instead of complaining they could all agree that the au pair would take all three of their children to the movies and they could each chip in a little bit of money to pay for the au pair's ticket. This sounds like a really cool alternative to more candy at Halloween and these mothers are kind of ruining the fun with their unnecessary complaining. This woman doesn't owe these moms anything and they need to get a grip.
Because $30 for a parent who can afford private school and an au pair is such an issue.
Load More Replies...
Greedy people. Be better off not receiving anything at all, if that's how they want to act.
The one reply don’t ‘punch’ a gift horse in the mouth 😆 Don’t ’look’ a gift horse in the mouth Funny how expressions morph
I know what you mean. It's like I always say - when one door opens, make lemonade
Load More Replies...
Metaphorically speaking, if you don't like the free beer, don't drink it.
These half-day kindergartners don't know what the hell these vouchers are. Say it's something you have to save for when you go to the movies next year. Say it's a "you pick the movie night" at home. Say it's the Halloween version of a valentine, it isn't really a thing of significance. Say it's a coupon for a free candy at the convenience store. Say it's an advertisement. Grow the hell up and find a way to manage/mitigate your child's expectations.
First off, my mom use to do things like this because she felt like it was a much better alternative to just throwing more candy and c**p at the other kids. Im in my 40's and can remember one of the mom's flipping s**t because she thought that since her one kid that was in my class got something her other kids should have been sent something as well. To put it politely, we as a family aren't outgoing be everyone's friend kinda people. We've always kinda kept to ourselves because every time we have befriended someone it's blown straight up in our faces. That said, we had no idea if any of the other kids had brothers or sisters. If she'd of known there were kids that did and maybe the parents couldn't afford the extra costs she would have gladly gave extra tickets. But that one parent ruined my mom's generosity and she never did anything like it again. Some people just need to learn how to be grateful appreciative. Sadly most never learn that valuable skill.
Over-inflated sense of entitlement seems to be the major theme of the AITA reddit.
It's a free gift, people. It's FREE. OP paid for the vouchers, but you can choose not to use it if you don't want to spend extra. It costs you nothing. Ok so the kid may prefer having candy rather than the voucher, I understand, but for the parent to ask for extra tickets? If you don't want to spend extra money just put it away or sell the voucher to somebody else! If the OP had given your kid a free toy, would you wait for her outside the school and call her cheap for not including a packet of batteries too?
this is like getting a free loaf of bread in a shop and complaining you need to buy the butter yourself to use it. wtf. you can spend time with your family and have a huge discount! that is wonderful. complaining that you are now oblidged to spend time and money on your kids is just showing how bad parent you are
Free movie tickets is a lovely generous gesture, and the other moms were in the wrong, but there is another side to it: You are making every parent take their kid to the movies, or be the bad guy who disappoints their kid. Not every parent will have the time/desire/money. It's all very well to say 'Don't use it' but for a kid in kindergarten, a disappointment like this can feel hugely upsetting and unfair.
How are you making them take their kiddos? Most kids wouldn’t have even looked in the envelope and I promise you they’d forget about it in a day or two. These are kids who easily pay $20k for school and have au pairs. My kid is 8 and has often gotten tickets and vouchers at school events. He never remembers no do most kids in his class.
Load More Replies...
I think the voucher for movie and treats is creative. I think that it does put a parent into a position of needing to supervise their child/children at the theater. I see both sides as it being a genius treat and possible a hardship. Having typed that, I see opportunities for movie theater dates. Or kid swapping dates. One mum can do the movies with the voucher. Another mum can do the park another day or an in home play date or other creative kid appropriate get together. It’s all about community. I feel your gift has potential as a community builder.
To those talking about the BookIt program saying your parents HAD to take the entire family out. I don't understand this because I earned those alot since I always loved reading. If my parents couldn't afford for the whole family to get pizza they just took me to claim it and I took it home to eat it. I already know some people may say that's not fair that your siblings had to see you get pizza and they didn't but THEY didn't do anything to earn it I did, if they wanted pizza they had the same opportunity to EARN it just like I did. I may get down voted for this but that's one of the problems in the world today is so many people think they should get things handed to them without having to work for it.
Depends on the ages of the kids. Im the oldest so for the first 3 years I was earning free pizzas they werent in school yet so they DIDN'T have the opportunity to earn them. And by the time the youngest was in school and old enough to earn them, the program was ending so she didnt have the opportunity to ever earn them. And it is very hard to explain to a 2 year old why thier big sister gets pizza but they dont.
Load More Replies... The OP is most definitely NTA. Granted appearances can be deceiving BUT this is a private school so these parents are clearly doing fine financially. Everyone talking about scholarships, yes that's a possibility but she said the mom's that complained drive expensive cars and have an au pair so scholarship or not they seem to have the funds for a damn movie. The fact that so many people have the "every kid should get a trophy" attitude nowadays is just really sad. Life is not always fair and if more parents would start teaching that at a young age then maybe we wouldn't have so many whiners that think they are owed everything. The OP said the mom's who complained always brought their entire family to the free movie events she does so it sounds like they just expect OP to give their entire family the same treatment in this case. Or maybe they're mad that their kid will actually want them to spend time with them instead of being able to p**n them off on the au pair 🤷♀️ who knows.
I've babysat for people who were broke but called me their au pair as it makes them seem well off
Load More Replies...
I can see how this was inconsiderate to some people. Apologizing for that should not include giving in to their demands for additional tickets.
I give out small toys for trick or treat since there is a few kids I know can't eat candy and get left out on getting anything. Other parents are happy not more sugar for the kids, I don't see a problem with the tickets,
You know theres this concept of just not going if you can't afford to take advantage or a discount ... maybe that's just me ...
I think it's a great idea. And for the less 'Creative' people (aka 3 moms), a note attached for families with multiple kids -saying "More kids at home? Have a family movie night at home! Create vouchers for the family, and have an at home movie night with snacks... " So NTA... I get the frustrations.. but it was an amazing gift ! I think the 3 went into 'Mob mentality'- easier to gang up and demand instead of thinking 'hey, if a class mate is going, can my child go with yours as a group date? ' instead of thinking creatively... they clearly need to back up and set a better example for the kids... As a fellow thoughtful Creative person, the only suggestion I can give was the above note attachment - they use the vouchers at their own at home movie night... where they can monitor what candy the children get, and their other kids can attend... This was a very thoughtful gift! Kudos
Private school and they au pair needs a ticket?? FFS people are way too entitled. Don't like it? Then re-gift it ok? That's all I have to say DONE
This is why I mostly just stay away from people. It was a small, thoughtful GIFT in a kindergartner’s Halloween package! Your kid got a nice coupon in their Halloween gift bag. If you don’t want to use it, then don’t! Good grief, the sense of entitlement and greed in some people make me sick. I wonder if these mothers went around to all the other parents in said kindergarten class, demanding candy for their other children, who weren’t in said class?
My daughter received a voucher like this when she was that age. I thought it was great! We enjoyed a fun day and i was able to save money on her ticket, a soda ,a popcorn, and a candy. Wow! It was a win win for the both of us. These 3 women were clearly in a Clique. Key words: half day and Moms was picking up. They drove BMW's and Tesla's, Au Pair, really?? These women are clearly entitled B!***$. Of course they took advantage of bringing the entire families to a Free movie night and got together in confrontation when they didn't get what they wanted and thought they deserved. Lol Word of advice, stay far away from these users.
I live in a State where we basically don't have any movie theaters after Covid hit. The last time I went to the movies was about 4 years ago & at that time, 2 adult tickets cost $41.50. Snacks were an extra $30.00. No movie is worth that amount of money and considering so many movies are absolute garbage, I'd rather pay for streaming services to watch indie films etc...
Jeez. 41 buck for two adult tickets? Holy c**p. In my state, when it's not Tuesday which are 5 bucks, on a normal basis, it's maybe 10 maybe 12 but it depends on the movie. I'm just sitting here floored to see how those tickets are so expensive.
Load More Replies... I have three kids and I would have been thrilled with movie vouchers when my kids were young. We didn't go to the movies often, but when we did, we went all out and that would have been one less ticket and one less treat. Don't want to take all the kids. Then use it for one-on-one time.
Ideas: School could have organized an outing. Parents who wouldn't use the voucher Could have passed them on Save it for a special "mommy & me" date, so you dint have to take the whole crew Where there is a will there is away
Eh, I can kind of see their point. The OP gave them an obligation. Their kid will now bug them to go do a time consuming thing and be disappointed when they don't. There is no way for the kid to use the gift alone, and the parents must now shell out money and time to use it. Considering the prices of adult tickets, snacks, and other siblings, the OP easily set them up for a requirement of spending $50+ so their kid can use the 'free' movie pass. It's like those "book it" vouchers Pizza Hut was so brilliant to come up with: the parents are now required to pay for an entire meal for everyone else, plus tips, and spend their evening at a Pizza Hut, all because their kid will be sad at them if they don't get to use the free voucher. They're also annoyed because the OP gave an elaborate, creative, expensive gift which required effort, and made them all look bad by just sending candy (cheap, easy to buy, candy). They don't want to become a precedent, so they're trying to squash it early.
NTA people don't appreciate anything especially the kind gesture and its always the rich
I'd be aggravated with the movie theater ticket because now I have to spend money or make plans to get my kid to the theater. However never in a million years would i walk up to the gift giver and complain about it. Sometimes you dont like a gift, no biggie don't use it 🤷 OP isnt an AH at all. It was a kind and thoughtful gift.
white people are the worst entitle people in the world he should have told them to f**k off
Or, how about the parents have a little one-on-one time with the child who got the voucher? Who says all family members have to be included? It’s like assuming if one child is invited to a birthday party, his or her siblings are also invited.
NTA, you tried to do something nice, and bump into entitled a-holes F**k' em.
I love the idea! We go to movies so, this would be nice to receive. The parents are greedy!
It's a private school, they can all afford to take their kids out to movies. I don't see why everyone is talking about money issues
You'd think they never go to the movies with their families. The gift simply means that the next time they go, they have one less ticket to purchase and fewer treats to buy at the concession stand. Did they also complain because the other parents didn't provide candy for the rest of the childrens' families?
I was a Girl Scout leader and I asked the Brownie troop what we wanted to do with our cookie money. Out of several suggestions, one girl mentioned going to the local amusement park. I didn't accept that and we decided on something else. Later, I got flak from some of the mothers who wanted their girls to go to the amusement park - as a field trip, with me taking them! Or buying tickets for the Brownies, and the families could buy extra tickets for the rest of the family. I told them that not all of the girls' families could afford to do that, and they demanded to know who they were! It was very much like OP's situation.
Better than candy and safer. Better to share a day with your children at the movies. Or do you want to sit there and sort through candy to see if it is safe and make dental appointments.
When my kids were little, for every Single. Birthday, I always bought a movie gift card enough for the ONE kid and ONE parent to go and have snacks. I knew what it cost for my daughter (or son) and I, so that was the amount of the gift card. Never once had a problem. Greedy bast@%#!
Some people forget to be grateful for the free gifts that they're given. Instead of feeling upset or insulted they should just give her the tickets back If they don't want to use them. Or they should Tony up the money if they have it to take everyone to the movie. It's not on the one who gave your child a special gift to have to provide for the rest of your family and you to do this. I don't know why some people feel so entitled and the need to tear others down. Shame on them for starting a gossip chain and being rude parents.
I would have loved for my child to be gifted this! But I also enjoy going out and doing activities with my kids. Some people are so selfish, it's always "me, me, me" "why didn't you think about MY other kids and ME." Like gtfoh.
All those YTA people probably also expect gifts for their other kids and their friends when they throw a birthday party for one kid. Come on. Free movie ticket.
If they are sending their children to private school, and it's not on a scholarship, then they can definitely afford to go to the movies. And the voucher is a lot more valuable than a candy bar. You get into the theater, get popcorn, a drink and a candy. That's awesome. And if all the mom's got together, nominated three of them to go as chaperones, the whole class could then go together.
Considering it's stated that it's a private school I'm sure these parents can afford to pony up for thier own movie ticket at the VERY least.
I would have been super happy with a movie ticket for one kid. That makes it more affordable. What stuck up snobs. It's sad because the kids who's moms were mad are obviously going to be the ones losing out. I would say just exclude them from gifts next time but that pu is he's the kids for their crappy mothers behavior. Honestly what is wrong with these women. It's sad.
These people have some nerve... they can choose to go to a matinee (or not), give it to another friend, or plan it around the kids birthday or something. If it was me, I would take the vouchers back and give them candy corn, black licorice and some circus peanuts ESPECIALLY if they are all in the same class next year.
NTA--- BUT, I can see both sides. These little kids are too young to go to the movies by themselves. So it requires a parent to take them. Sure, movies are expensive in movie theaters. Could these parents not afford to take their kid ONCE?? We're they thinking that you should provide movie tickets for their entire family? What would these same parents say if you gave nothing but sugar candy? Would they gave allowed their kids to eat all of that? People, it seems, can find fault with anything. You can't win with a group of parents like that. I think anything out side the ordinary, outside the norm, they'll find fault with. I would have LOVED if my neighbors in the 1980s would have given my daughter something like movie tix instead of candy.. She DID once, get a couple of toothbrushes thrown in her bag tho. Lol.
If those parents don't want to pay for tickets for their other kids, wait for a birthday and take the kid who got the ticket to a special movie for their birthday, maybe even with the other kids in the class. Just because one sibling gets something doesn't mean they all have to
To the women who wrote this , you are not an , A-hole for doing this , it was a nice gift , treat , if I didn't homeschool my kids and my kids went to school , and one got a ticket id be glad , cause its a free ticket and I'd save it till a day id go with my child ... But some parents feel entitled but they gotta realize, they can't have everything they want so stay confident and know you did good , and just be you .... and stay away from them because now you know what type of ppl they are ... Hope you are okay ... you are a kind hearted person ❤ ♥
Alot of people as myself does not go to the theaters and watch movies but if a child in class room does then give that child movie pass to enjoy instead of throwing it away or give to someone else who likes movie theaters .But parents shouldn't be mean to the person who has given them out instead of candy because some parents don't let kids eat candy so it is you are damned if you do or don't do . People are not physics .
When my son was in 3rd grade I was working for a local ice cream shop. For Halloween one year I gave the class coupons for small sundaes, being a member of a large family I did think to leave extras with the teacher for students with siblings. Fortunately I had the extras & I did think about the fact that some of them had siblings. You unfortunately seemed to do this not to just be kind but to market your business. So AH no but I am not sure your motives we're pure. As for the other parents they were incredibly rude. If they couldn't use the gift they should have just let it go & I am quite sure if they did take their family to the movies they used that voucher and you saved them money. It's all perspective.so again not an AH. Chalk this up to experience & remember no good deed goes unpunished.
From just this, I'm thinking these parents just felt slighted that they weren't given tickets. But.... They have legitimate arguments (even if I doubt they're sincere). I think it shows some oversight on her part. Nice gesture, but when your gesture now requires a parent to not only spend money on a ticket, but also take time out of their day to bring them, and again I'm sure it doesn't exactly apply to these mothers since I doubt they have schedules to adhere to and wtf is an au pair?? It just wasn't thought out, but I wouldn't say she's the AH.
Do you go back to the house that gave crappy candy and complain? No. You give it away. Go get the popcorn and give the ticket to someone less fortunate.
Load More Replies...
This is why human beings are fn disgusting and we should execute the majority of hateful mfers.
Woah, dude - greedy snarkyness is not on the level of public reprimands, let alone public executions, joking or not. I HIGHLY recommend you pass that opinion by others outside the internet, and see if they dont recommend a bit of a retune in that area, like I am recommending right now!
Load More Replies...
I'd say it was a bit rude for deciding for others that they have to do whole process of getting other tickets (maybe they wanted spend money on other things), organising whole thing suddenly, etc. If I'd be furtunate enough to my kid not noticing your vouchers I'd give it back and tell you to revise your view on other people.
The kids are little! They are likely still learning how to read! When you were three, and you got pj's for a gift for a holiday, would you turn to your parents and say, "Well, Mother, THAT gift was dissapointing" ???!!!! No - this is an age where the parents are usually helping the kids learn about managing expectations, wrestling emotions, and being polite in the face of something they dont necessarily like. Doesnt sound like these three parents are on board with that yet, though...
Load More Replies...
Yes, it's in poor taste to give children a free movie ticket. When their parents are dishing out what 20,000 to send them to that school? This is dumb. They could easily have paid for a nanny to watch the kids while they're at the movies. It's called being greedy and cheap.
Load More Replies...
The kids probably have nannies who can take them also OP stated that the parents were driving expensive cars so they could at least afford a babysitter. (please don't downvote me)
Load More Replies...
The YTA people are certainly missing the point. If they don't want the gift, throw it away or just grab the popcorn and soda. It's not like this was the only hope for their kid to get candy. I think it's thoughtful and a good alternative that's healthy and also fun. Some people just like to b**** about everything. And no one is liked unanimously. I wouldn't give two f**** about those confrontational moms. Jesus Christ!
Yeah those 3 moms could have given their tickets to one of them so one fam had 3 tix instead of 3 fams having 1. But this is just ridiculous because they wanted something to complain about. On the other side of it, it is kinda like how one kid gets Dunkin Donut vouchers from the school for getting A's and the other kid didn't quite get the A's so I had to but that kid doughnuts. But it is just what you have to do when you have kids. YOU BUY THEM THINGS AND TAKE THEM PLACES!!
Load More Replies... “…one of them wanted a ticket so her au pair could take the kid.” Cheapskate rich people. I like the commenter that said to offer to take back the voucher in return for a candy bar.
When my kid was in elementary school I knew WAY too many parents like those the OP encountered. They could not be bothered with their kids - their children were "accessories" or lines for their resumes.
Load More Replies... The real reason for the complaint - You can't eat your kid's movie voucher after he goes to bed.
I'm with op on this one. I can see the legitimacy of some of the complaints against it, but if those vouchers don't have an expiration date, or are good for at least 1 year, I would love this. I mean 5 bucks for a movie ticket. 6 for the small pop corn and soda, then another 3 for the candy. That's almost $15 that I don't have to spend on our next movie
Yeah, but that assumes you normally go to movies at all. Most people don't these days. The issue to me is that the parents, if the kids have seen the ticket before they did, now have to be the bad guy if they can't take the kid for whatever reason.
Load More Replies... I'm 48 and have been to the movies like maybe 9 times because of cost. This lady's problem is beyond me.
Not sure why you were down voted - here's an up vote! Depending on where you live and the cinemas, it can be expensive to go see a movie. Not everyone has easy access to what many consider to be everyday things ... Or, has money spare to enjoy them.
Load More Replies... These are private school kids with no scholarships or financial aide. That’s easily $20,000/year. It’s not a financial issue, it’s an unmanaged expectation in entitled people issue.
The last people complaining about "being gifted an obligation" ... then don't f*****g use it & give it to a family who spends time at the movies with their kids. Like wtf? If you'd rather have candy then GO BUY CANDY! Like.... what is wrong with you people!
There you go! You just got a gift to give away. No money spent and a family who would appreciate it. But, I'm judging by the attitude the complainers are thinking only of themselves.
Load More Replies... How about, when a parent complains about having to pay for additional kids, etc., just take the voucher back and hand them a fun sized candy bar. Jeez some people are so damn entitled.
Wow. Considering the fact that some people don’t bother gifting at all, I feel OP is being exceedingly generous! How are you gonna say that a movie ticket isn’t as good as a half-squashed candy bar? If I were giving out a voucher gift & someone turned their nose up at it, I’d say “Oh, you don’t like that? I guess I can take it back, then. I’m sure I can find someone who will genuinely appreciate it.” … I mean, you’d have to be SO entitled, to think the whole world owes you everything free of charge (& woe unto them who dare try to make you pay a reasonable price for it)! How about just accepting whatever freebies you’re gifted with a pleasant “thank you” & not throw a childish tantrum/demand to be compensated every time something “isn’t good enough” for you, despite you not being obligated to pay for it?? 🙄🤦♀️
I'd ask everyone who complained to return the voucher and in it's place I'd give them one piece of candy.
This is simple to me. I went to private school. Parents who can afford to send their kids to private school are not poor. There are some that do better than others, but none of them are poor. The mom's who bitched can suck a lemon. They can all afford to take the fam to a movie, and to someone else's point...if they don't want to, then throw it away or have the kid present it in exchange for a home movie and some jiffy pop. The entitlement is disgusting.
I was the poor kid in private school, we exist. From what op is saying though, there are none involved in this story. I like the "return for candy" idea as well
Load More Replies... Sounds like a nice idea to me. When I was a kid in the 70s & 80s, we'd have people give out McDonald's coupons and stuff.
In this situation I'm with the OP. However, it reminds me of a time my sister gave me entry tickets to Disney Land Paris. We don't live in France so to use the tickets I would need to pay for travel (plane/ferry/Eurostar), and accommodation. Plus the incidental costs of international travel. For her it was either free or minimal cost, for me it was probably £500. Vouchers are only good if you were going to do it anyway, and then they're great.
I'm poor as $hit and even I don't think they're the a$$hole here. She's right, these other wealthy parents are entitled and just expected more free things for their spawn. Like I said, I'm poor. Granted, American poor, but still. I probably wouldn't be able to use this gift, but that's my problem. Honestly, I'd see it as a chance to take them once though. When my kids were little we splurged on the summer kids' movies special and free movie nights in the park at library. Kind of unrelated but I would just like to point out that there are free / reduced price things. Still, she's NTA here. If you don't like the free kids' ticket or can't afford your own ticket it sucks, but you don't go. It's that simple. You don't look in the gift horse's mouth.
Unpopular opinion perhaps, but YTA people sound like a bunch of sour grapes that didn't get to see the movie. Point is, NTA! Reasoning, she was just being nice and she sure as hellfire and brimstone do not need to cater to every parents' wishes for more tickets.
I remember my kids use to get coupons to Pizza Hut if they read a certain number of books. Well I had to take the whole family and pay for everyone else's meal. I still did it though and my kids loved it! They were happy memories and I'm glad we had the opportunity to do something fun as a family. Years later and the money doesn't even matter.
I remember 30 years ago, getting a free personal pan pizza for reading. My parents never complained about having to take us out and spend money on us. We weren't treated like a burden in that way. We also would receive vouchers for things like this too, often just one out of three of us. Again, my parents never complained and just paid the extra for entrance to whatever it was. We we're not well off either, but my folks were good at managing money and always had some extra reserved for incidentals like this. Another thing that happened fairly often is our grandparents would take us out and use up some of these coupons or vouchers. I think the money is not the issue. I think the real issue is the parents don't want to spend time with their kids. That is truly sad because I cherish the memories of my folks doing these things with us. The kids growing up with au pairs breaks my heart. They're going to get so attached to them, and then be heartbroken when their assignment is over.
Load More Replies... I understand that the parents will incur more costs just so that their kid can use this ticket, but instead of complaining they could all agree that the au pair would take all three of their children to the movies and they could each chip in a little bit of money to pay for the au pair's ticket. This sounds like a really cool alternative to more candy at Halloween and these mothers are kind of ruining the fun with their unnecessary complaining. This woman doesn't owe these moms anything and they need to get a grip.
Because $30 for a parent who can afford private school and an au pair is such an issue.
Load More Replies... Greedy people. Be better off not receiving anything at all, if that's how they want to act.
The one reply don’t ‘punch’ a gift horse in the mouth 😆 Don’t ’look’ a gift horse in the mouth Funny how expressions morph
I know what you mean. It's like I always say - when one door opens, make lemonade
Load More Replies... Metaphorically speaking, if you don't like the free beer, don't drink it.
These half-day kindergartners don't know what the hell these vouchers are. Say it's something you have to save for when you go to the movies next year. Say it's a "you pick the movie night" at home. Say it's the Halloween version of a valentine, it isn't really a thing of significance. Say it's a coupon for a free candy at the convenience store. Say it's an advertisement. Grow the hell up and find a way to manage/mitigate your child's expectations.
First off, my mom use to do things like this because she felt like it was a much better alternative to just throwing more candy and c**p at the other kids. Im in my 40's and can remember one of the mom's flipping s**t because she thought that since her one kid that was in my class got something her other kids should have been sent something as well. To put it politely, we as a family aren't outgoing be everyone's friend kinda people. We've always kinda kept to ourselves because every time we have befriended someone it's blown straight up in our faces. That said, we had no idea if any of the other kids had brothers or sisters. If she'd of known there were kids that did and maybe the parents couldn't afford the extra costs she would have gladly gave extra tickets. But that one parent ruined my mom's generosity and she never did anything like it again. Some people just need to learn how to be grateful appreciative. Sadly most never learn that valuable skill.
Over-inflated sense of entitlement seems to be the major theme of the AITA reddit.
It's a free gift, people. It's FREE. OP paid for the vouchers, but you can choose not to use it if you don't want to spend extra. It costs you nothing. Ok so the kid may prefer having candy rather than the voucher, I understand, but for the parent to ask for extra tickets? If you don't want to spend extra money just put it away or sell the voucher to somebody else! If the OP had given your kid a free toy, would you wait for her outside the school and call her cheap for not including a packet of batteries too?
this is like getting a free loaf of bread in a shop and complaining you need to buy the butter yourself to use it. wtf. you can spend time with your family and have a huge discount! that is wonderful. complaining that you are now oblidged to spend time and money on your kids is just showing how bad parent you are
Free movie tickets is a lovely generous gesture, and the other moms were in the wrong, but there is another side to it: You are making every parent take their kid to the movies, or be the bad guy who disappoints their kid. Not every parent will have the time/desire/money. It's all very well to say 'Don't use it' but for a kid in kindergarten, a disappointment like this can feel hugely upsetting and unfair.
How are you making them take their kiddos? Most kids wouldn’t have even looked in the envelope and I promise you they’d forget about it in a day or two. These are kids who easily pay $20k for school and have au pairs. My kid is 8 and has often gotten tickets and vouchers at school events. He never remembers no do most kids in his class.
Load More Replies... I think the voucher for movie and treats is creative. I think that it does put a parent into a position of needing to supervise their child/children at the theater. I see both sides as it being a genius treat and possible a hardship. Having typed that, I see opportunities for movie theater dates. Or kid swapping dates. One mum can do the movies with the voucher. Another mum can do the park another day or an in home play date or other creative kid appropriate get together. It’s all about community. I feel your gift has potential as a community builder.
To those talking about the BookIt program saying your parents HAD to take the entire family out. I don't understand this because I earned those alot since I always loved reading. If my parents couldn't afford for the whole family to get pizza they just took me to claim it and I took it home to eat it. I already know some people may say that's not fair that your siblings had to see you get pizza and they didn't but THEY didn't do anything to earn it I did, if they wanted pizza they had the same opportunity to EARN it just like I did. I may get down voted for this but that's one of the problems in the world today is so many people think they should get things handed to them without having to work for it.
Depends on the ages of the kids. Im the oldest so for the first 3 years I was earning free pizzas they werent in school yet so they DIDN'T have the opportunity to earn them. And by the time the youngest was in school and old enough to earn them, the program was ending so she didnt have the opportunity to ever earn them. And it is very hard to explain to a 2 year old why thier big sister gets pizza but they dont.
Load More Replies... The OP is most definitely NTA. Granted appearances can be deceiving BUT this is a private school so these parents are clearly doing fine financially. Everyone talking about scholarships, yes that's a possibility but she said the mom's that complained drive expensive cars and have an au pair so scholarship or not they seem to have the funds for a damn movie. The fact that so many people have the "every kid should get a trophy" attitude nowadays is just really sad. Life is not always fair and if more parents would start teaching that at a young age then maybe we wouldn't have so many whiners that think they are owed everything. The OP said the mom's who complained always brought their entire family to the free movie events she does so it sounds like they just expect OP to give their entire family the same treatment in this case. Or maybe they're mad that their kid will actually want them to spend time with them instead of being able to p**n them off on the au pair 🤷♀️ who knows.
I've babysat for people who were broke but called me their au pair as it makes them seem well off
Load More Replies... I can see how this was inconsiderate to some people. Apologizing for that should not include giving in to their demands for additional tickets.
I give out small toys for trick or treat since there is a few kids I know can't eat candy and get left out on getting anything. Other parents are happy not more sugar for the kids, I don't see a problem with the tickets,
You know theres this concept of just not going if you can't afford to take advantage or a discount ... maybe that's just me ...
I think it's a great idea. And for the less 'Creative' people (aka 3 moms), a note attached for families with multiple kids -saying "More kids at home? Have a family movie night at home! Create vouchers for the family, and have an at home movie night with snacks... " So NTA... I get the frustrations.. but it was an amazing gift ! I think the 3 went into 'Mob mentality'- easier to gang up and demand instead of thinking 'hey, if a class mate is going, can my child go with yours as a group date? ' instead of thinking creatively... they clearly need to back up and set a better example for the kids... As a fellow thoughtful Creative person, the only suggestion I can give was the above note attachment - they use the vouchers at their own at home movie night... where they can monitor what candy the children get, and their other kids can attend... This was a very thoughtful gift! Kudos
Private school and they au pair needs a ticket?? FFS people are way too entitled. Don't like it? Then re-gift it ok? That's all I have to say DONE
This is why I mostly just stay away from people. It was a small, thoughtful GIFT in a kindergartner’s Halloween package! Your kid got a nice coupon in their Halloween gift bag. If you don’t want to use it, then don’t! Good grief, the sense of entitlement and greed in some people make me sick. I wonder if these mothers went around to all the other parents in said kindergarten class, demanding candy for their other children, who weren’t in said class?
My daughter received a voucher like this when she was that age. I thought it was great! We enjoyed a fun day and i was able to save money on her ticket, a soda ,a popcorn, and a candy. Wow! It was a win win for the both of us. These 3 women were clearly in a Clique. Key words: half day and Moms was picking up. They drove BMW's and Tesla's, Au Pair, really?? These women are clearly entitled B!***$. Of course they took advantage of bringing the entire families to a Free movie night and got together in confrontation when they didn't get what they wanted and thought they deserved. Lol Word of advice, stay far away from these users.
I live in a State where we basically don't have any movie theaters after Covid hit. The last time I went to the movies was about 4 years ago & at that time, 2 adult tickets cost $41.50. Snacks were an extra $30.00. No movie is worth that amount of money and considering so many movies are absolute garbage, I'd rather pay for streaming services to watch indie films etc...
Jeez. 41 buck for two adult tickets? Holy c**p. In my state, when it's not Tuesday which are 5 bucks, on a normal basis, it's maybe 10 maybe 12 but it depends on the movie. I'm just sitting here floored to see how those tickets are so expensive.
Load More Replies... I have three kids and I would have been thrilled with movie vouchers when my kids were young. We didn't go to the movies often, but when we did, we went all out and that would have been one less ticket and one less treat. Don't want to take all the kids. Then use it for one-on-one time.
Ideas: School could have organized an outing. Parents who wouldn't use the voucher Could have passed them on Save it for a special "mommy & me" date, so you dint have to take the whole crew Where there is a will there is away
Eh, I can kind of see their point. The OP gave them an obligation. Their kid will now bug them to go do a time consuming thing and be disappointed when they don't. There is no way for the kid to use the gift alone, and the parents must now shell out money and time to use it. Considering the prices of adult tickets, snacks, and other siblings, the OP easily set them up for a requirement of spending $50+ so their kid can use the 'free' movie pass. It's like those "book it" vouchers Pizza Hut was so brilliant to come up with: the parents are now required to pay for an entire meal for everyone else, plus tips, and spend their evening at a Pizza Hut, all because their kid will be sad at them if they don't get to use the free voucher. They're also annoyed because the OP gave an elaborate, creative, expensive gift which required effort, and made them all look bad by just sending candy (cheap, easy to buy, candy). They don't want to become a precedent, so they're trying to squash it early.
NTA people don't appreciate anything especially the kind gesture and its always the rich
I'd be aggravated with the movie theater ticket because now I have to spend money or make plans to get my kid to the theater. However never in a million years would i walk up to the gift giver and complain about it. Sometimes you dont like a gift, no biggie don't use it 🤷 OP isnt an AH at all. It was a kind and thoughtful gift.
white people are the worst entitle people in the world he should have told them to f**k off
Or, how about the parents have a little one-on-one time with the child who got the voucher? Who says all family members have to be included? It’s like assuming if one child is invited to a birthday party, his or her siblings are also invited.
NTA, you tried to do something nice, and bump into entitled a-holes F**k' em.
I love the idea! We go to movies so, this would be nice to receive. The parents are greedy!
It's a private school, they can all afford to take their kids out to movies. I don't see why everyone is talking about money issues
You'd think they never go to the movies with their families. The gift simply means that the next time they go, they have one less ticket to purchase and fewer treats to buy at the concession stand. Did they also complain because the other parents didn't provide candy for the rest of the childrens' families?
I was a Girl Scout leader and I asked the Brownie troop what we wanted to do with our cookie money. Out of several suggestions, one girl mentioned going to the local amusement park. I didn't accept that and we decided on something else. Later, I got flak from some of the mothers who wanted their girls to go to the amusement park - as a field trip, with me taking them! Or buying tickets for the Brownies, and the families could buy extra tickets for the rest of the family. I told them that not all of the girls' families could afford to do that, and they demanded to know who they were! It was very much like OP's situation.
Better than candy and safer. Better to share a day with your children at the movies. Or do you want to sit there and sort through candy to see if it is safe and make dental appointments.
When my kids were little, for every Single. Birthday, I always bought a movie gift card enough for the ONE kid and ONE parent to go and have snacks. I knew what it cost for my daughter (or son) and I, so that was the amount of the gift card. Never once had a problem. Greedy bast@%#!
Some people forget to be grateful for the free gifts that they're given. Instead of feeling upset or insulted they should just give her the tickets back If they don't want to use them. Or they should Tony up the money if they have it to take everyone to the movie. It's not on the one who gave your child a special gift to have to provide for the rest of your family and you to do this. I don't know why some people feel so entitled and the need to tear others down. Shame on them for starting a gossip chain and being rude parents.
I would have loved for my child to be gifted this! But I also enjoy going out and doing activities with my kids. Some people are so selfish, it's always "me, me, me" "why didn't you think about MY other kids and ME." Like gtfoh.
All those YTA people probably also expect gifts for their other kids and their friends when they throw a birthday party for one kid. Come on. Free movie ticket.
If they are sending their children to private school, and it's not on a scholarship, then they can definitely afford to go to the movies. And the voucher is a lot more valuable than a candy bar. You get into the theater, get popcorn, a drink and a candy. That's awesome. And if all the mom's got together, nominated three of them to go as chaperones, the whole class could then go together.
Considering it's stated that it's a private school I'm sure these parents can afford to pony up for thier own movie ticket at the VERY least.
I would have been super happy with a movie ticket for one kid. That makes it more affordable. What stuck up snobs. It's sad because the kids who's moms were mad are obviously going to be the ones losing out. I would say just exclude them from gifts next time but that pu is he's the kids for their crappy mothers behavior. Honestly what is wrong with these women. It's sad.
These people have some nerve... they can choose to go to a matinee (or not), give it to another friend, or plan it around the kids birthday or something. If it was me, I would take the vouchers back and give them candy corn, black licorice and some circus peanuts ESPECIALLY if they are all in the same class next year.
NTA--- BUT, I can see both sides. These little kids are too young to go to the movies by themselves. So it requires a parent to take them. Sure, movies are expensive in movie theaters. Could these parents not afford to take their kid ONCE?? We're they thinking that you should provide movie tickets for their entire family? What would these same parents say if you gave nothing but sugar candy? Would they gave allowed their kids to eat all of that? People, it seems, can find fault with anything. You can't win with a group of parents like that. I think anything out side the ordinary, outside the norm, they'll find fault with. I would have LOVED if my neighbors in the 1980s would have given my daughter something like movie tix instead of candy.. She DID once, get a couple of toothbrushes thrown in her bag tho. Lol.
If those parents don't want to pay for tickets for their other kids, wait for a birthday and take the kid who got the ticket to a special movie for their birthday, maybe even with the other kids in the class. Just because one sibling gets something doesn't mean they all have to
To the women who wrote this , you are not an , A-hole for doing this , it was a nice gift , treat , if I didn't homeschool my kids and my kids went to school , and one got a ticket id be glad , cause its a free ticket and I'd save it till a day id go with my child ... But some parents feel entitled but they gotta realize, they can't have everything they want so stay confident and know you did good , and just be you .... and stay away from them because now you know what type of ppl they are ... Hope you are okay ... you are a kind hearted person ❤ ♥
Alot of people as myself does not go to the theaters and watch movies but if a child in class room does then give that child movie pass to enjoy instead of throwing it away or give to someone else who likes movie theaters .But parents shouldn't be mean to the person who has given them out instead of candy because some parents don't let kids eat candy so it is you are damned if you do or don't do . People are not physics .
When my son was in 3rd grade I was working for a local ice cream shop. For Halloween one year I gave the class coupons for small sundaes, being a member of a large family I did think to leave extras with the teacher for students with siblings. Fortunately I had the extras & I did think about the fact that some of them had siblings. You unfortunately seemed to do this not to just be kind but to market your business. So AH no but I am not sure your motives we're pure. As for the other parents they were incredibly rude. If they couldn't use the gift they should have just let it go & I am quite sure if they did take their family to the movies they used that voucher and you saved them money. It's all perspective.so again not an AH. Chalk this up to experience & remember no good deed goes unpunished.
From just this, I'm thinking these parents just felt slighted that they weren't given tickets. But.... They have legitimate arguments (even if I doubt they're sincere). I think it shows some oversight on her part. Nice gesture, but when your gesture now requires a parent to not only spend money on a ticket, but also take time out of their day to bring them, and again I'm sure it doesn't exactly apply to these mothers since I doubt they have schedules to adhere to and wtf is an au pair?? It just wasn't thought out, but I wouldn't say she's the AH.
Do you go back to the house that gave crappy candy and complain? No. You give it away. Go get the popcorn and give the ticket to someone less fortunate.
Load More Replies... This is why human beings are fn disgusting and we should execute the majority of hateful mfers.
Woah, dude - greedy snarkyness is not on the level of public reprimands, let alone public executions, joking or not. I HIGHLY recommend you pass that opinion by others outside the internet, and see if they dont recommend a bit of a retune in that area, like I am recommending right now!
Load More Replies... I'd say it was a bit rude for deciding for others that they have to do whole process of getting other tickets (maybe they wanted spend money on other things), organising whole thing suddenly, etc. If I'd be furtunate enough to my kid not noticing your vouchers I'd give it back and tell you to revise your view on other people.
The kids are little! They are likely still learning how to read! When you were three, and you got pj's for a gift for a holiday, would you turn to your parents and say, "Well, Mother, THAT gift was dissapointing" ???!!!! No - this is an age where the parents are usually helping the kids learn about managing expectations, wrestling emotions, and being polite in the face of something they dont necessarily like. Doesnt sound like these three parents are on board with that yet, though...
Load More Replies... Yes, it's in poor taste to give children a free movie ticket. When their parents are dishing out what 20,000 to send them to that school? This is dumb. They could easily have paid for a nanny to watch the kids while they're at the movies. It's called being greedy and cheap.
Load More Replies... The kids probably have nannies who can take them also OP stated that the parents were driving expensive cars so they could at least afford a babysitter. (please don't downvote me)
Load More Replies... 
110
142