New Mom Is Called Manipulative After She Cries Over Missing One Of Baby’s “Firsts”

I have fond memories of visiting Santa in the mall every year as a child. I would put on my most festive dress, and my parents would brave the holiday crowds just so my brothers and I would have an opportunity to meet the big man in person. And, of course, they would get adorable photos that we’ll all get to enjoy for the rest of our lives!

As silly as it may seem, visiting Santa is a big deal for many children and, apparently, for many parents too. One mother was devastated when she found out that she wouldn’t be able to take her son to meet Santa for the very first time. Below, you’ll find the full story that she recently posted on Reddit, as well as some of the replies readers shared.

This mother was thrilled to take her son to meet Santa for the first time

Santa holding a baby in a festive setting, capturing a special first moment.

Image credits: Sean P. Twomey (not the actual image)

So when she found out that her mother-in-law took him first, she felt utterly betrayed

Text expresses frustration of a new mom upset over missing her baby's first with Santa, highlighting emotional impact.

Text discussing a new mom upset over missing one of her baby's firsts due to a <a target=

Text about a new mom upset over a missed baby "first," describing family conflict.

New mom looking upset, arms crossed, sitting next to an older woman in a yellow shirt, inside a home environment.

Image credits: bearfotos (not the actual image)

New mom accused of being manipulative after becoming upset over missing her baby's milestones.

New mom sitting emotionally upset on the floor, hand covering her face.

Image credits: freepik (not the actual image)

Text about being called manipulative after getting upset, questioning actions.

Image credits: Weak_Mail5519

Visiting Santa is an annual tradition for many kids who celebrate Christmas

Depending on how old you are, it might be difficult to remember a time when you ever believed in Santa Claus. But if you grew up in a home that celebrated Christmas, there’s a pretty good chance you believed in the visitor from the North Pole sneaking down your chimney every Christmas Eve. 

According to research by Jacqueline D. Woolley, Professor and Department of Psychology Chair at The University of Texas at Austin, a whopping 83% of five-year-olds believe that Santa Claus is real. 

And Thalia Goldstein, assistant professor of applied developmental psychology at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, told CNN that she believes it may be as many as 85% of young kids writing letters to Santa each December.

“Children’s belief in Santa starts when they’re between 3 and 4 years old. It’s very strong when they’re between about 4 and 8,” Goldstein shared. “Then, at 8 years old is when we start to see the drop-off in belief, when children start to understand the reality of Santa Claus.”

The Pew Research Center also reports that almost three quarters of Americans grew up in homes where they received “presents from Santa” each Christmas. And now, nearly a third of adults will pretend that Santa will be stopping by their homes too. 

No matter how silly this tradition may be, if pretending that Santa is real helps parents hold onto the magic of Christmas, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that! In the same vein, many parents cherish being able to witness their children’s “firsts,” even if it’s something the child will experience many more times in their life.

Santa Claus reading a letter by a Christmas tree, in a cozy holiday setting.

Image credits: Curated Lifestyle (not the actual image)

Being there to witness their child’s “firsts” is important for many parents

In this story, the child is only a few months old and likely won’t even remember his visit to Santa or believe in Santa Claus for a few years. But for this mother, it’s more about being able to share that special moment with her son and have a photo, so she can remember it forever and tell her son about it some day.

Parents are similarly devastated if they don’t get to hear their child’s first words or witness their child’s first steps. There’s often a photo or video taken, and parents might start shedding tears of joy when they realize that their child has accomplished something for the first time.   

And as the mother here pointed out, these “firsts” are also her “lasts.” Lori Ennis wrote a piece for Still Standing explaining why these firsts (and simultaneously, lasts) are so meaningful for parents of only children. 

“The difference, I think, in parenting the only child I had to live is that while I revel in ALL that he does as he lives and grows, each milestone we hit makes me mourn a little bit about opportunities never to come again,” Ennis writes.

Perhaps the mother-in-law in this story has unintentionally forgotten how important it is to be by your child’s side for all of their milestones. 

We would love to hear your thoughts on this situation down below, pandas. Do you think this new mom is being dramatic, or do you agree that her mother-in-law crossed the line? Feel free to weigh in. Then, you can find another Bored Panda article discussing similar themes right here!

New mom holding baby, both in patterned outfits, on a cozy bed.

Image credits: Daiga Ellaby (not the actual image)

Many readers sided with the mother, and she joined in on the conversation to share more details

Reddit comments discussing a new mom upset over missing a baby's "firsts" due to a shopping trip with the in-law.

Online discussion about new mom upset over missing baby milestone, with comments on trust and boundaries.

Comments discussing a new mom feeling manipulative for missing her baby's milestone, expressing <a target=

Text exchange discussing a new mom's concern over missing baby's firsts, called manipulative by others.

Text exchange about a new mom missing baby's firsts, with focus on family boundaries and consequences.

Text discussing a new mom upset about missing baby milestones due to a relative's actions.

Text discussing a new mom labeled as manipulative for being upset over missing her baby's firsts, suggesting family boundaries.

Comment about new mom feeling manipulated over missing baby's firsts.

Text post discussing a new mom feeling manipulated after missing one of her baby's firsts.

Online post discussing missing significant moments, with emotional reflection on The Hobbit movie experience.

Reddit comment discussing a new mom's response to missing a baby's firsts.

Text from online comment discussing mom's reaction to missing baby's firsts, mentioning grandparent involvement.

Comment criticizing MIL for being manipulative and stealing a moment from new mom.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a new mom feeling upset over missing a baby's first milestone.

Comment on family conflict over baby’s missing firsts, discussing MIL’s actions and consequences.

However, some thought the mother was being a bit dramatic

Comment calling a new mom manipulative for crying over missing a baby first, suggesting it's a first world problem.

Text post discussing new mom upset about missing her baby's first experience with Santa.

Comment about enjoying baby's milestones instead of stressing over missing "firsts.

Comment criticizing new mom for being overdramatic and manipulative.

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