Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

BoredPanda Add post form topAdd Post Search
Tooltip close

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

16 Y.O. Stepson Deliberately Waters His Stepdad’s Plants With Bleach, Stepdad Cancels Their Family Trip To Discipline Him
User submission
4.4K
297.2K

16 Y.O. Stepson Deliberately Waters His Stepdad’s Plants With Bleach, Stepdad Cancels Their Family Trip To Discipline Him

ADVERTISEMENT

Having hobbies is a splendid way of knowing that you’ll never get bored. In addition, doing what you love improves the quality of your life and even has some scientific backups that confirm that it reduces the risk of you developing the loss of cognitive functions.

While focusing on your career and studies is always beneficial, it’s more important to connect yourself with things you know will relax you and somewhat disconnect you from the world when you truly need it. Besides, it’s good to keep yourself busy, especially now, when the world has been at a pause, and most of us are struggling with anxieties and low moods.

This gardening enthusiast also has a favorite hobby. However, not long ago, he took it to one of Reddit’s communities to share a story about how his teenage stepkid, who loves to pull all kinds of jokes, managed to cross all the boundaries and deliberately ruin the things the man deeply cared for.

More info: Reddit

When asking your kid to delete an embarrassing video, be careful, they might ruin your plant collection

Image credits: Scott Brown

This is the story of a Reddit user who is constantly in a prank “war” with his teenage stepson. The post received over 31K upvotes and nearly 4K comments, where people discussed the inexcusable behavior of the young man.

This plant enthusiast’s 16 y.o. stepson deliberately watered the flowers with bleach

Image credits: Reddit

ADVERTISEMENT

The OP is a plantsman and he loves to collect indoor plants, as there’s not enough space for him to transfer his hobby outside. He’s also a proud stepdad to a teenage boy who, in fact, has been testing the OP with all sorts of pranks lately.

The OP shared that the pranks don’t usually concern him, as he understands that all kids love to mess around, plus, the tricks are usually harmless.

Image credits: Reddit

The trouble began when the boy decided to pull one of his pranks, once again. He thought that it would be funny to record himself spraying cold water on his sleeping stepdad and to later upload the video on Facebook, where a bunch of people would be able to witness his beyond amazing joke.

Image credits: Reddit

Naturally, the stepdad didn’t approve of such a joke and asked the boy to delete the video, as it was quite embarrassing. The teenager kept persuading the OP to let him keep the video—moreover, his mom also joined the team and tried to convince the OP that it wasn’t a big deal, and that he should let the boy keep the recording of his trick.

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: Reddit

After putting an end to that discussion, the teenager suddenly became very affectionate and even asked the stepdad if he could help with his plants. The OP was delighted that his stepchild wanted to help, so he gave him the watering pot and instructed the boy to start with the plants in the kitchen. The kid was gone for a few minutes, but later came back and finished watering the plants.

Some time goes by, and the OP began cleaning his tools when he instantly smelled something weird. He realized that it was bleach and just to make sure, he went to smell the plants, and unfortunately the same smell was coming from them.

Image credits: Reddit

When he went to confront his stepkid, he obviously kept denying that he had anything to do with it, although the OP found a bleach bottle in the teenager’s room, which eventually made him lose his temper. The kid then admitted that it was sort of a revenge thing for making him delete that video of him spraying water on the OP.

ADVERTISEMENT

The man couldn’t believe it, so he immediately cancelled the family trip to a national park that the kid was looking forward to. The teenager began crying and proceeded to explain that it was a pure mistake and he simply didn’t know what he was doing.

Image credits: Reddit

The OP was absolutely sure that it was the right thing to do, since the boy deliberately decided to damage the plants out of revenge. Though, his wife didn’t agree and was very worried for her son, who wasn’t eating well since the argument, and was convinced that a simple apology would’ve been enough.

The man replied, that he wasn’t going to change his mind and that this punishment was a very reasonable thing to do, as the boy intentionally hurt him. The wife decided to add some fuel to the fire and called him unreasonable and stubborn.

ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: Reddit

The OP admitted that his stepchild believes that he will always be forgiven, as long as he admits to it. But the stepfather thinks that the boy needs to finally learn a lesson, as he’s not a little kid anymore and this time the prank went completely overboard.

What do you think about this situation? Do you believe that the stepdad had a very valid reason to cancel the upcoming trip?

Fellow online users supported the OP in his decision

ADVERTISEMENT

297Kviews

Share on Facebook
You May Like
Popular on Bored Panda
Add your comment
Add photo comments
POST
lisah255 avatar
LH25
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, kid takes a video of the stepdad and posts it without his permission. He gets mad and sulky when he is told to take it down, and then does something he knows will kill/hurt the plants stepdad cares about? Huge red flag there, the kid needs help.

oaklandcami avatar
ForgotMyPWSendHelp
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sounds like the kid is trying to be like the YouTube stars who got famous doing this sort of thing. They are sometimes awful to people and laugh about it without facing consequences, and kids take notes from that. I like K. Lange's suggestion of making him help clean the pots, and I'd also make him help take care of the plants so he could see what he damaged with his stupid "prank." He needs to actually see how his actions affect others.

Load More Replies...
kayrose avatar
RoseTheMad
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So... taking away something the kid cares about is abuse? So, does that not mean that the kid purposefully destroying something the OP cares about is also abuse? works both ways, lady.

dande060912 avatar
April Stephens
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Works both ways" is spot-on. Gardening and hiking trips are classic pandemic coping strategies, so it's kinda a shame they deprived each other of what might be keeping them sane during the isolation and anxiety. That's the only angle I can try to see it through the mom's eyes to get where she's coming from with the abuse comment. But I don't think OP did wrong. Parents have a duty to teach their children right and wrong.

Load More Replies...
delphinum4 avatar
Zophra
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The kid sounds like an entitled brat who isn't used to any consequences. And the mom sounds like an enabler. Good for the Dad.

karin_lange_1 avatar
K. Lange
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Use the saved money for the Trip to buy new plants and maybe let him clean the pots from the bleach. You could do the cleaning together and use the time to Talk about this incidence.

donotreplytokjk avatar
Otter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Naw, make the kid pay for new plants. Take him down to the nursery, price plants similar to the ones he destroyed, and tell him to get a job at Burger King and keep working there until he's paid for replacement plants. That would have been more effective than withholding a trip the whole family wanted, that or a choice between cancelling the trip or working at Burger King until he's paid for new plants.

Load More Replies...
leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kid has anger issues toward the stepdad. Pranks are something *both* people laugh at. No laugh? Then it's not a prank. I've seen kids try to say it was a prank when they put poison in *food*. I don't mean a laxative. I mean legit poison. No. They're hating, and hurting, and hurting others, and it's time for serious intervention.

donotreplytokjk avatar
Otter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He wouldn't have posted the sleep-spray video if he loved the stepdad, there's pre-existing tension which is now far worse. And Mom is acting like most family members act during family tension: Refusing to take sides, and desperately wanting to ignore the issue until the tension goes away, because they're afraid that any action on their part will damage their relatioship with some family member or another.

Load More Replies...
zedrapazia avatar
Zedrapazia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That boy was 16, he's not a child anymore. When I was 16 I was already responsible for my own s**t.

xstowe avatar
buttonpusher
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

His behaviour doesn't sound like harmless pranking. It sounds more like he's deliberately being a d**k to make it difficult for the OP and it was building up.

pattonmymike avatar
EEF🤓
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The kid cried? Crocodile tears more like it. Spoilt brat. Hes almost an adult. Actions have consequences.

joannefabrick avatar
Emma Starr
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I recommend family therapy to get everyone on the same playing field.

gerardneaux avatar
Gerard Neaux
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep yep. Youngster has antisocial tendencies and probably needs intervention, so he likely need his separate therapy as well.

Load More Replies...
katlia avatar
kat lia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He is 16 he knows what is right and wrong. He needs to learn the consequences of his actions. His mom spoiled that kid. What the stepdad did is right. It seems that this kid doesn't respect him. If he would not do anything right who knows what will this brat will do in the future.

poppycorn avatar
Nikole
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope this isn't real. What kind of parent would demand their child suffer no consequences for such a horrible act?? I wonder if the mom tries to be "cool".

goes-bart84 avatar
Bart
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beside the kids horrible behaviour, big red flag on the mom! Time to discuss boundaries and respect at least...

552fab0e35350 avatar
Mad Mar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So if this kid poisoned the dog or another child as a prank it would be ok? Keep the trip cancelled. Make him help regrow the plants to teach him how long it takes to get something to grow. Tell him just like a baby it needs attention. Just like an education it takes time to learn. And just like life if you sh2t on it you get that back in return. And the pranks have to stop. It's disrespect and next thing you know he will pour sugar in the gas tank of the car an ruin that too.

imogenecargeaux avatar
Imogene Cargeaux
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actions have consequences. It seems like the kid only understands this when he feels slighted. "You take my video down, I kill your flowers!" Action. Consequence. Albeit not a reasonable or mature example. But then when the same logic is applied to him, for good reason he can't handle it. Good for dad. NTA ... F**k that kid. Living with ppl who think it's funny to pull "pranks" on unwitting ppl are the worst. Dated a guy like that once. He wanted to be one of those "prank couples" on YouTube... I dumped him after he replaced my medicated, prescription face wash (for cystic acne) with mayonnaise and threw out my real s**t... those types of ppl don't learn unless they're forced to. Stand your ground dad.

sarahspencer avatar
Sarah Spencer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a step parent whose partner expects me to put up with s**t from his teenagers I would NEVER accept from my own child, I totally feel for this guy. At 16 (or older) that kind of behaviour is nasty, deliberate and they should be held accountable for it. They are not babies any more.

idrow avatar
Id row
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The mother is the problem here. She's raising him to be an entitled little psycho who never has to face consequences. I wish there was a way to minority report bad parents and go back and prevent them from having kids.

chrisscritchfield avatar
Chris Scritchfield
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The kid is sorry. That is his general state of being nothing to do with regret. Seriously show the kid that actions have consequences. Tally up the cost to replace every plant he damaged, new soil then the labor of repotting each plant. If he hits 2k explain the consequences of a felony and that you could have the state come in and settle the issue. I would be having a yard sale to replace my stuff. Let's face it with the mom we know this kid has a higher end gaming console/PC probably a drone and losing his stuff would be adequate.

lauraedwards avatar
laura edwards
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its totally ok to insult someone and say, just kidding. Its totally ok to slap your partner and say it's a love tap. Its totally ok to rape someone as long as you don't mean it, because you're A good guy. Are you the ahole that says no to these things. Thank you

tiinabender avatar
Iifa A.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is it with all the people partnering up with disrespectful entitled people. The stepson is 16, you can go to jail for spraying bleach on other people property. He is old enough to know right from wrong, pranks are only funny is you're laughing. Divorce wife and kick them both out. This kind of behaviour cannot be tolerated. I wouldn't be surprised if ten years from now the stepson gets angry at work and will spray bleach all over workplace. Disgusting behaviour and no apology isn't enough, therapy maybe

savannahyoung avatar
S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Toxic mom yields toxic offspring. You're better off running far far away.

mariezellmer avatar
Eiram
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. Destroying months and years of work is not a prank. It's a lawsuit as an adult, a missed trip as a kid is barely a punishment at all. Plus, your wife has NO idea what abuse actually is, so I bet the kid is extremely spoiled.

francesca-eleonora_caplan avatar
Frannie Kaplan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was an appropriate punishment, even lenient. Plants aren't free and they're good for the environment. I don't understand this "he's only 16 bla bla." 16 year old can do cruel things but this is more like an 11 y.o

minabecker avatar
grouchybooty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That little asshole definitely deserves this punishment. This "prank" bullshit isn't funny, posting a video of someone without their permission isn't funny, sulking and murdering the plants is super s**t. Deserved. I'm worried that the mom doesn't have dad's back and if she continues bringing up her son like this, he will only become an even bigger asshole than he already is.

kathrynbaylis_1 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey Mom, a deliberately cruel act is not a “mistake”, and 16 is way too old to be crying and sulking. At 16, a lot of kids are working part time to save up for a car or college. Sounds like this kid is a good candidate for about 20 hours a week at a very physically taxing job, with a boss who won’t take any of his bullshit, and will put him right in his place when he acts up. He’ll come home too damn tired to pull any stupid “pranks”. In two years, he needs to be given a choice: full time work or (preferably) the military for two years before even talking about college. That’ll straighten his sorry ass out.

betsynovack avatar
Betsy Novack
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have taken away computer time with the water prank. His practical jokes may be harmless but there is a thread of hostility in there. I would keep my eyes open because he may just pull another prank more harmful because he figures he's got nothing to lose. I would also make him replace the plants he damaged.

mandygora03 avatar
BorPand8
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Killing your plants that you've spent a lot of time and care on is not harmless. It's not on par with murdering your pets but it's in the same ballpark.

Load More Replies...
tamrastiffler avatar
Tamra Stiffler
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is reasonable to admit wrong-doing and apologizing with genuine remorse, and then being forgiven. HOWEVER, that in no way means that there shouldn't be consequences. I agree with most here, this kid has some anger that needs addressing.

amytalbot avatar
Amy Talbot
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think hes a little s**t who needs punishment! If someone woke me up by spraying cold water on me i would find that really rude, let alone some snotty teenager who gets away with too much, spraying plants with bleach is actually really spiteful! I would have given him a fing smacked a**e! As for his mother......she needs to wisen up and realise how rude her son is

kona4me avatar
Kona Pake
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Funny, after F’ing up, they always say sorry or excuse me.

joereaves avatar
Joe Reaves
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He can go on the trip as soon as he pays to replace every single plant out of his own money ...

jenjoyner avatar
Xenon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not sure taking away the trip is ENOUGH punishment in this case.

icanhazpanda avatar
Raven DeathShade
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You kill the plants? You're lucky that's all your dad did, kiddo...if I did that, my mom would kill me.

gw14rychelrowan avatar
malenchki
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup same and if my brother did that to one of my plants I would kill him. I ament that good with plants so the ones that actually grow are literally like children to me. I protect them with life and soul

Load More Replies...
mmgies avatar
MaggieWest
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is this brat's mother teaching him? My kids (much younger than 16) are growing up watching pranks being performed on YouTube by moronic "content creators" but know not to play any pranks that cause a mess!

holliemarie1995 avatar
Hollie Marie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA Aloe plants are expensive. You don't destroy someone's hobby then think you can say sorry. It doesn't work like that. If you are angry fair enough but sabotage is not on

linbot1 avatar
Lily Mae Kitty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

omg. what a hateful little prick. he'd have gotten WAY worse punishment from me. Like I'd take his phone away for a month so he can't post stupid videos. What a shitty thing to do to living things.

kenroberts avatar
Imma Letchoofinish
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, not going to go out on a limb here and say this is a relationship in trouble. Stepson acting out anger issues through 'pranks' and a Mom that is willing to let abusive behavior directed at her husband continue.

deedee_4 avatar
dee dee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh boy, if anyone touched ny plants....... i fear to think of the outcome. Once, my fiancé accidentally knocked over one of my orchids, which was just about to flower. It got all upset and did not flower anymore. That was almost a year ago. I still remind of it when he goes in the balcony, and ask him to very careful (limited space with lots of plants). I don't think i *can* let it go. My plants are my children. I would be so devastated and angry if anything happened to them. My orchids are just about to flower again.... the boy's actions are despicable and personally i don't think i could ever forgive him.

danielmasonx avatar
DanieLegz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bro that kid needs help, why would that even enter your head to put bleach in the plants? :|

benfancomplex avatar
Dark Pigeon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good parenting from the stepdads side. That was a horrible thing the boy did. Have him help finding replacement plants, geting them, repotting and learnig about them. Make him understand what it takes to take care of them.

eglbukauskait avatar
PADNA
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would keep him under punishment for as long as those plants regrew (year+?)

philfichtinger avatar
Phil Fichtinger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry, but the recounting of events the article does between the screenshots of OP's post is simply wasting time. Both the author's and the readers' time, that is. So is this comment, btw. That's why it says "Sorry" in the beginning.

proteus1203 avatar
Christoph
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bad Sean! Worse MOM! United front, discuss later. DO NOT TAKE SIDES

abigail-hope-cullen avatar
Gay_Forg
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does the kid know how much time and effort and love goes into a healthy plant, expecially indoor plants

reynarudydharsono avatar
Reyna Rudy Dharsono
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pretty sensitive when it comes to these subjects, but damn 16? Bleach could have seriously hurt OP, yes? I think the punishment is more than deserved. You don't just water plants w/ bleach over taken down videos

lauren_schosger avatar
Lauren Smisch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If things like that continue, it'd be a trip to the psychologist... He's testing limits,filming private family stuff,and getting revenge at 16? How far could it go?

cescaper avatar
Francesca Perondi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. Please consider that plants are living beings. Water them with bleach is like torturing and killing pups. If the mother is not able to understand that the difference between pranks and actions with hurtful consequences is to correct then sorry but this mother is TA as the kid himself.

hillerhomecreations avatar
Doug Hiller
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wow. Kid has definite issues with anger management and boundary control. When he asked if he could water the plants, he knew he was going to kill them. Yes, cancel the trip and get some SOLID counseling.

abigailwilliams_2 avatar
Call Me Mars
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a plant collection that I LOVE with all my heart, and if anybody did that to my plants, I would have been BEYOND mad. If Sean is doing harmless pranks that don't harm anybody, go ahead. But there is a line and he crossed it.

smythers00 avatar
RJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So... is Bored Panda ever going to invest in Spell Checking? Asking for a friend.

eeyore163_1 avatar
Heather Menard
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The kid is 16. He knows wtf he is doing. He sounds like a spoiled brat.

taranw avatar
Okiedokie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kid kind of seems abusive to stepdad even before flower incident and this was just the straw that broke the [extremely tolerant] camel’s back. Mom should have stepped in long before this, so it does fall on her somewhat, but this man has patience & tolerance I would not possess in the same situation.

rahni avatar
Rannveig Ess
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This kid isn't "pranking", he's malicious, sociopathic and abusive. He's 16? It'll get much worse as he grows up. He needs therapy. The fact Mom enables it is even worse. The kid is dangerous.

griffinx avatar
Fluffy Griffin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here's something I learned from Daniel Tiger. You say "sorry" then "how can I help? " IE make reparations for your mistake. Sorry isn't enough.

glirpy avatar
Glirpy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sounds like the kid should get some counseling. I am guessing that he is possibly feeling a bit angry that his mom got remarried and resentful at the stepdad.

lisanorman2009_1 avatar
Lisa Norman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When will people stop calling deliberate damage (or dishonesty, stealing, whatever) a mistake! A mistake is when you do something not knowing any better. This boy most certainly knew what he was doing. And he didn't 'admit' to it anyway. Only eventually when he couldn't deny it because the evidence was clear. That mother needs a few lessons in life too, by the sounds of things... Take an embarrassing video of her and post it and see if she doesn't refuse to speak to you ever again for daring to humilate her. I'm female myself but by God how I hate these double standards. Why should females be respected by men and not vice versa?

ch_7 avatar
cah
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He probably saw it on tik tok ! He should get more punishment!

mpryts avatar
Monica Pryts
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Either he's testing you to see what he can get away with or it's a cry for attention.

cazoverll avatar
Caroline Overill
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

16 years old is hardly a kid. Sounds like Dudley Dursley syndrome to me.

david_smojver avatar
Dave
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The kid is pushing the boundaries and those are not pranks at all. I would have had a word with him, long before it got this far. He is not just being a kid, he is an asshole in the making who is likely a Narcissist and very likely cannot handle the same treatment that he is giving others. He needs to be sent to the military to learn some f*****g manners and discipline.

elizabeth_decordova avatar
Elizabeth DeCordova
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Appalled wife stood by son. Hoping step dad better treatment or realizes he may be too good for what’s being offered.

bartoszadamek avatar
Bartosz Adamek
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kid's 16 and acts like that? Damn Tiktoks really destroy braincells

avronovaboy avatar
Channo Sagara
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This story have multiple layers of wrong. First of all, why did it keep underlining the step-relationship?? Son is a son, dad is a dad. Being a step shouldn't make any difference. Secondly, it's been a common parenting knowledge that mom and dad should never argue in front of kids. If you have disagreement, discuss it when the kids are not around. This story only teach kids that if one parent try to teach you something, don't bother to learn. Just hide behind the other parent. And lastly, this is why i don't approve prank culture. It's hard to draw the lines between funny and harmful. Even adults still get offended by accidentally over-the-line pranks. And most of the time you can't judge if a prank is a bad prank before seeing the reaction of your victims -before it's too late. Kid is dumb. Dad is stubborn. Mom is spoiling. Everybody are wrong in this story.

wnqliaowat avatar
wnqliao WAT
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

y the dad is a stubborn????? I mean he shouldn't had let more than one prank happen but it's not his fault that he cancelled the trip like y would u ever kill a plant as """"revenge"""""" for deleting a video that u don't want to be posted cuz of UR privacy the """kid""" needs to know that if u do something bad there's consequences and even more if we talk about law that """"kid"""" (I say kid again cuz he's literally 16 wtf) just made all of the time it took to have a healthy time worthless like it's like if someone had a son and literally just cuz the dad told him to respect ur privacy then u could just throw his laptop and break it or damage something of the car or ANY PROPERTY DAMAGE which btw is illegal like c'mon the only shitties here are the mom and the son and overall the mom cuz she let him do all of that AND JUST WITH AN APOLOGY EVERYTHING'S SOLVED in any school if u do something too bad repeatedly u get expelled even at short ages u can get punished very badly so age is no

Load More Replies...
leedaluciano avatar
Leeda Luciano
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it sounds like the relationship between this sixteen year old young man and his stepfather is chronically toxic and needs some healthy intervention. Being in a prank war with your stepson sounds like a very poor way to build a relationship. The family needs to be engaged in open conversations to get to the bottom of this negative behavior.

luanamoonlight avatar
Luana Moonlight
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That kid better be happy I ain't the step parent, cancelling the trip would've been the first step for me 😅. He would be cleaning pots and paying for new plants from his allowance until every plant I owned would be replaced and then he'd have to take care of them for at least 2 months, to learn that it's hard work, keeping plants healthy and happy.

ctrteresa avatar
Teresa Taylor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stuff like this makes me remember why (1) I chose not to have kids and (2) chose not to marry. Every once in a while, I get lonely and think it would be nice... Then I remember my sister's kids or my friend's kids or marital/relationship problems I get to hear about and instantly feel 100% better.

luziabielefeld avatar
Lu Bielefeld
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This kid's a psycho in training. Soon he'll be killing pets if he doesn't get what he wants. And the wife not having her husband's back is inexcusable! Dump her!

christin_heitzinger avatar
Christin Heitzinger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I pulled a stunt like that on my mums orchids, not going on a trip would have been the least scarry punishment. There is a good chance I would have not seen my phone, social media or my friends in a very long time. I was a rebellious teen but that is too much, considering these plants cost money, time and love. So this is not abuse, it's only fair and that boy is probably an entitled brat...

sabrinapandoo avatar
Nina
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your wife has raised a hateful little s**t there. You're right to cancel any trips. I wouldn't take the AH to the park after that. Your wife's lack of boundaries and discipline has created a vindictive and deeply cruel kid there. Get him to therapy and confront all of his stupid pranks from now on. His mother is to step up and be a parent too. Allowing him to do what he likes has led to the idea that destruction of a dear hobby is actually an acceptable way of lashing out over hurt feelings. Giant red flag. Do not let that brat get away with anything else.

jenngermain avatar
Jennifer Germain
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

if I did that to anyone else I could be charged, made to make reparations... real world, kids do need to understand consequences to actions. Tell a judge or police officer you are sorry and see how far that goes...

edenblack avatar
GaeFrog
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel actual pain for this guy I love plants and if someone damaged the avocado plant I have been nurturing for a year I would be very sad

v_r_tayloryahoo_com avatar
v
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First it's spanking is child abuse. Now it's non-physical punishment that teaches consequences is child abuse. Yep. The world is only going to get better now.

izabelawilson avatar
Izabela Wilson
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This kid is a jerk. He shouldn't be only without his trip, he should be grounded as well. He has age to drive a car, so he has age to bear the consequences of his acts.

patrick_oharris avatar
Patrick O'Harris
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The boy is not 6 but 16. In some countries even allowed to drive a damn car. He IS old enough to know that stuff works other ways than "I said sorry, okay?!".

kielsgpm avatar
Meme Mee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If he's truly sorry he'd never do that or any of the pranks again. Grow up kid; prank someone else.

zselyke_szekely avatar
UpupaEpops
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Personally, I would make him pay for every single plant that he destroyed and any soil that needs to be replaced, fertilizer, etc. Out of his own pocket of course.

lchaney36 avatar
Linny H
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That kid needs to replace the plants that he killed and be required to help his step dad nurture the new ones. That way he learns a new skill and actually get to see the time and effort that goes into something like that. Could end up being a great experience for both step dad and step son.

bcgrote avatar
Brandy Grote
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Make Sean help you repot all those plants. Show him how much care they need AND WHY, that they are living things. Things that make you happy. Things that could die and go away from his thoughtlessness. Make it a teaching moment, not just a pouting "we're not going".

thomasdjafari avatar
Thomas
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe taking the kid out of social media would be a wise move

marianmoore1948 avatar
Marian Moore
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think stepdad needs to go back in time to see if there is other red flag behavior and if there is I would be headed to a divorce lawyer. Maybe the step kid might do something more harmful to stepdad the next time the kid gets pissed off for any actions he may try to do to get back at his stepdad. Get out while you can.

lisa518us avatar
Lisa Pockat Bork
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The kid is 16. More than old enough to be held responsible for what he did. He deserves his punishment and that is by no means abuse.

circular-motion avatar
Mer☕️🧭☕️
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dude should make a point to never, ever eat or drink ANYTHING that a*hole kid has been anywhere near. Kid's a psycho in the making.

frenkyver_ avatar
Frenky Ver.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "article" is poorly written but its not my main issue. It seems to me that the OP is made up this story 16 y.o. posting video on facebook?! Not in 2022. Why not tiktok or even ig? Fb is a boomer s**t and i don't know anybody below 30 who unironically posts there. And also there is no kid who "looks forward to" the National Park trip. Some dude just made this story up for karma or some s**t

viktorfeurer avatar
Viktor Feurer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This kid will be in the breaking new a few years later, I am afraid...

djr4yman avatar
djr4yman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe the actual asshole is anyone willing to censor the word 'abuse'

michpassmich50 avatar
MC ShOrt EkWe-EnUgu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That kid Sean, he needs help. For me, he has all the signs of a psychopath.

fatalerror avatar
Fatal Error
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would like to disagree with the entire comment section. Talk about how the kid is wrong and there should be consequences for taking something the dad cared about, yes. But then yet again the dad isnt any better. Revenge on the kid for revenge, taking something the kid cared about. I assume this is way more then just some simple a "consequence" for his actions. And like 80% of this entire section would make a horrible parent, only being straight minded and blaming the other.

tashacharleton avatar
Rin Ogata
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand that what the kid did was wrong but don't we all do/say something when we are angry that hurts other people? I'm pretty sure my dad has broken a lot of things that were given to me as a gift from family members and friends out of anger and spite. So the kid wasn't lying about doing it due to clouded judgement. He did it because he was angry and upset that his father cancelled the trip.

winnalibert avatar
Winna Libert
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope, angry about a video, the cancelled trip was punishment for him KILLING the dad's plants. The fact ur dad broke ur things when angry does NOT make it ok..don't perpetuate the cycle of bad behavior.

Load More Replies...
txgemini avatar
TxGemini
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That child could grow up to become a Liberal Democrat if he doesn't learn about consequences for his actions! The step-dad did the right thing. I'm glad he's sticking to his guns.

danacan211 avatar
Dana Candella
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Boundaries were crossed way before this incident. A stepdad stepson relationship is a very difficult one. A stepdad will often try to be more buddy than dad in hopes of gaining acceptance from their non biological child. Doing that can make disciplinary actions awkward and ineffective. I hope this incident is enough to reset the relationship with more appropriate boundaries in place.

aaramos94 avatar
Ashley Duffy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your wife is part of the problem here. It is not ok to foster and enable this sort of behavior. Not only is canceling the trip a very reasonable consequence, it is unreasonable to say it is abusive to have a genuine consequence for what he did. He is 16 years old, I can fathom my children doing something so purposefully vindictive at that age. Not only do they know better, allowing such a both bad mentality to continue and then not ensuring a sufficient punishment is setting your child (who is already practically a young adult) to completely fail in the real world. I think the bigger issue of the parenting decisions your wife is issuing needs to be honestly and kindly addressed here. I want to give my children the world like every other parent, but part of that comes with setting them up for success emotionally. Her thinking a reasonable consequence is akin to abuse is a serious waving giant red flag. I wish you luck, and I definitely do not envy your current predicament.

hahahhihihi avatar
Hahah Hihihi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yoooo, u that dad lucky dont have pets lol, i can imagine what that entitled kids gonna doa if his stepdad have pets

brandimarie1985 avatar
Annabelle W.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He is 16 years old. He knows better. He needs to understand when a prank goes to far and what boundaries are and it's up to the parents to teach him those things. I think they let the kid go too far with his pranks to begin with but him crying and being dramatic? At 16? This kid needs a job and he need to be taught respect and he need to comprehend that he poisoned something that was alive and if he did this to a neighbor or someone other than his stepdad he would be in a hell of a lot more trouble. I absolutely would have cancelled the trip and would be getting my kid counseling if he did something like that and what's up with mom pretending this isn't a big deal? Spraying water on the stepdad while sleeping too?? What if he had a heart condition or something and the surprise killed him? This kid needs to understand the possible outcomes of his actions and needs to think more, prank less. Sounds like the mom is part of the problem though imo.

jenniferjay1717 avatar
Jennifer Jackson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What if he rapes some and then said it was a joke.not ok this kid needs help

shee78 avatar
Shee 78
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

16 is a young man, not a kid. On top of the trip being canceled. He should replace the plants.

graciesister101 avatar
Grace Hamilton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We shouldn’t be so quick to judge. This is an account of what happened online. Obviously the stepfather would try to position himself in the best light. What if the tears and acting out were from something happening at school? The kid could also be struggling with something like depression and doesn’t know any coping mechanisms. What I am trying to say, is that we shouldn’t be so quick to judge what is happening. With the video, maybe the kid felt pressured to post it because of friends and social media in general. With the plants, this kid is 16! So even though they are not a little kid, their mind is still developing and they are struggling with the same hormones that are the reason people have died in the past.

ybutler avatar
Yvonne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not a child at 16. In my country you can marry without parental approval at that age. Can’t drink or smoke mind you. OP is not in the wrong and that young man needs to grown up and learn responsibility. His mum needs to stop mollycoddling him too.

espngrl-12-jh avatar
jessica hovater
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a parent I VEHEMENTLY DISAGREE with ALL OF YOU and feel it shows a lack of understanding when it comes to a child's brain development AND the point of discipline!!! What this "dad" did was punishment. Punishment doesn't TEACH anything. If my kids did this, I'd make them pay for new plants and make them do the work of the new planting. This includes scrubbing the old pots. A consequence like this fits the crime (having to pay to replace the property destroyed) and would have actually strengthened their relationship; the step dad would have applied a fitting consequence while also getting to teach/share his passion. I won't bore everyone with too much science, but you ALL need to read up on the frontal lobe. It doesn't connect until your early 20s. This is why I dont think just anyone should be able to raise kids; science and emotional intelligence matter

kingmae-1313 avatar
that.bitch.mae
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd understand your stance if the punishment was a beating or taking away some kind of food privileges because those are unacceptable and help nothing but the dad literally cancelled a trip. My family does that all the time with and without it being a consequence of someone's actions. It's not a big deal. Besides, the kid killed plants over a goddamn video (one in which he was being a d**k for clout. That kind of behavior shouldn't be encouraged anyway). Taking away a trip over the plants is reasonable. Yes, making him replace the plants should be done but in tandem with the trip being taken away. If only the plants had to be replaced, the dad still loses something he loved and worked on for a long time, while the son gets the trip he so badly wanted. If the trip is taken away and the plants are replaced, the son gets to learn empathy because now he gets something he cared about taken away (and it's not like it's a beloved pet or something. It's a TRIP that they can always go on l8r).

Load More Replies...
giustizia avatar
Jus
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the teenager is old enough to be punished even more and his mother should take care of that. That was a very serious, malicious deed.

reynard99a avatar
Reynard
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That kid is a sociopath, on his way to being a psychopath. Get that kid help before he murders someone.

phil84vaive avatar
Phil Vaive
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly, I think that cancelling a family vacation is not the right punishment. It has nothing to do with what the kid is being punished for, and sets the tone that if he pisses his step-dad off, his punishment will be canceled family time. Since he damaged the plants, make him work to replace them. I'm a big proponent of the idea that the punishment should fit the crime, and that taking away family time should NEVER be a punishment.

erin6051 avatar
Animalsrgreat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You did the right thing. What a little turd! That kid deserves nothing.

karinahenschel avatar
Karina H
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wow, some of these answers are a bit over the top. He's 16, so no fully developed brain. OP should have explained in length, what bleach does to plants, and how that misbehaviour of his stepson needs to be punished. even cancelling the trip, or postponing it is a good idea. But divorce or family is a but too much in my opinion. Good parenting is hard. and as a parent you are entitled to sone situation where you handle things wrong, or be pissed at your kids because of the stuff they did.

leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understood that bleach was bad for living things when I was *seven*. While puberty physically changes where the brain is doing its most development ------ hitn, not the part where rational thinking is ----- he knew what he was doing. He *knew* bleach would kill the plants. That was his own stated motive : Revenge for being told to take down a video!

Load More Replies...
soorinazarei avatar
Soorina Zarei
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All of them have wrongs and rights. First the mother who thinks with apology everything would be fixed plus she must respect the stepfather and take his side the kid doing was wrong. Second stepfather l know he loves his plants but he could teach his step kid different way not do the same as wrong as kid. Third the boy who is almost adult if he mad as his stepdad he should talk to him not to distroy other living beings.

douglasmock avatar
Douglas Mock
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He takes a video of a physical assault and he's still walking straight? I have no idea how it got past that...

justine_q avatar
Justine Queequag
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well gonna be the unpopular one here, but it seems that the op is more concerned about his relationship with his plants than his stepson, does anyone wonder why or what led up to a kid reacting this way? I doubt that anyone is mature at 16, i know i wasn't and anyone that. Thinks that they were is delusional, the video does not sound like a big deal, sounds like innocent fun but the op was so embarrased? If you ask me the op was a huge bug up his butt, and cares more about the plants, than cultivating relationships with people.

citizensteve avatar
Steve Darnell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want you to imagine having s hobby that brings you joy and relaxation that helps you get through the s**t show the world has become of late. A hobby that takes a great deal of time and money and curating. Now imagine some asshole with a chip on his shoulder and no sense of consequence literally destroys all of it because you disagreed with something they did. Imagine that they just grinned and called it a joke when they destroyed it. If you think anything that kid did wasn't wrong, then you are just as much an asshole as the kid and his c**t mother.

Load More Replies...
jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't agree with what the kid did, but it seems like the poster is going from one extreme to the other. He either doesn't care what's going on, or he's on him like a ton of bricks. I feel like the kid would benefit more from some consistency in his life.

assistanttodj avatar
Karis Ravenhill
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. Sean's an A-Hole, and at 16 he's old enough to start acting like an adult and not some whiny, lacking responsibility little moron. He's on the path to being an abusive cun* and his mother is helping him get there. Fast forward 5 years and he'll be getting arrested for punching his GF, but in his eyes it's fine because "it was just a prank I was filming for TikTok". Where does it end? You annoy him, so next he poisons the cat? This kid is lucky you're respectful of his body, if a 16yr old maliciously killed living things in my house (just because they're plants doesn't make them less living things) I'd have beaten 7 shades of shi* out of him, then thrown him and his mother out of my house. He can apologize to her while homeless, let's see if "an apology is enough" then. If the house isn't yours, pack your stuff and move out right away. Let the mother know she obviously has no respect for anyone else when it concerns her son, good luck to her raising an abusive A-hole.

oaklandcami avatar
ForgotMyPWSendHelp
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry, but why are y'all upvoting this person advocating for beating a kid??????

Load More Replies...
becki_errington avatar
Bex
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Ok, but can we just mention that while the Step-dad was right over the bleaching incident, the whole thing started bc he made the kid take down a video of him getting woken up w water bc "it was embarrassing"? Seriously? It was a video of a kid pranking you w water, it's not like it was a prank that did any harm or led to any consequences such as a tarnished reputation or any repercussion for the step-dad. Agree the kid needed to be punished for the bleach, but the step-dad was TA for being a baby about the original prank video in the first place.

alisa-fender avatar
Honu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He shouldn't be posting videos of other people without their permission. That's a boundary his parents should teach him. As for the prank, I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, it's just being sprayed with water. No big deal. However, a lot of people make "prank" videos like this where they go around annoying strangers in public. That's not a funny prank. That's just being a jerk. There is no inherent humor value in just being a jerk. You can be jerky and funny, but that takes some actual wit and intelligence. This isn't particularly funny. It's just annoying. So while not a huge deal, I wouldn't want my kid growing up to be an annoying git. If your whole joke is "it's funny because they're mad now" then you suck at jokes. I'd want my kid to get some better material. That sh!t's just boring.

Load More Replies...
lisah255 avatar
LH25
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So, kid takes a video of the stepdad and posts it without his permission. He gets mad and sulky when he is told to take it down, and then does something he knows will kill/hurt the plants stepdad cares about? Huge red flag there, the kid needs help.

oaklandcami avatar
ForgotMyPWSendHelp
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sounds like the kid is trying to be like the YouTube stars who got famous doing this sort of thing. They are sometimes awful to people and laugh about it without facing consequences, and kids take notes from that. I like K. Lange's suggestion of making him help clean the pots, and I'd also make him help take care of the plants so he could see what he damaged with his stupid "prank." He needs to actually see how his actions affect others.

Load More Replies...
kayrose avatar
RoseTheMad
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So... taking away something the kid cares about is abuse? So, does that not mean that the kid purposefully destroying something the OP cares about is also abuse? works both ways, lady.

dande060912 avatar
April Stephens
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Works both ways" is spot-on. Gardening and hiking trips are classic pandemic coping strategies, so it's kinda a shame they deprived each other of what might be keeping them sane during the isolation and anxiety. That's the only angle I can try to see it through the mom's eyes to get where she's coming from with the abuse comment. But I don't think OP did wrong. Parents have a duty to teach their children right and wrong.

Load More Replies...
delphinum4 avatar
Zophra
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The kid sounds like an entitled brat who isn't used to any consequences. And the mom sounds like an enabler. Good for the Dad.

karin_lange_1 avatar
K. Lange
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Use the saved money for the Trip to buy new plants and maybe let him clean the pots from the bleach. You could do the cleaning together and use the time to Talk about this incidence.

donotreplytokjk avatar
Otter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Naw, make the kid pay for new plants. Take him down to the nursery, price plants similar to the ones he destroyed, and tell him to get a job at Burger King and keep working there until he's paid for replacement plants. That would have been more effective than withholding a trip the whole family wanted, that or a choice between cancelling the trip or working at Burger King until he's paid for new plants.

Load More Replies...
leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kid has anger issues toward the stepdad. Pranks are something *both* people laugh at. No laugh? Then it's not a prank. I've seen kids try to say it was a prank when they put poison in *food*. I don't mean a laxative. I mean legit poison. No. They're hating, and hurting, and hurting others, and it's time for serious intervention.

donotreplytokjk avatar
Otter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He wouldn't have posted the sleep-spray video if he loved the stepdad, there's pre-existing tension which is now far worse. And Mom is acting like most family members act during family tension: Refusing to take sides, and desperately wanting to ignore the issue until the tension goes away, because they're afraid that any action on their part will damage their relatioship with some family member or another.

Load More Replies...
zedrapazia avatar
Zedrapazia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That boy was 16, he's not a child anymore. When I was 16 I was already responsible for my own s**t.

xstowe avatar
buttonpusher
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

His behaviour doesn't sound like harmless pranking. It sounds more like he's deliberately being a d**k to make it difficult for the OP and it was building up.

pattonmymike avatar
EEF🤓
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The kid cried? Crocodile tears more like it. Spoilt brat. Hes almost an adult. Actions have consequences.

joannefabrick avatar
Emma Starr
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I recommend family therapy to get everyone on the same playing field.

gerardneaux avatar
Gerard Neaux
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep yep. Youngster has antisocial tendencies and probably needs intervention, so he likely need his separate therapy as well.

Load More Replies...
katlia avatar
kat lia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He is 16 he knows what is right and wrong. He needs to learn the consequences of his actions. His mom spoiled that kid. What the stepdad did is right. It seems that this kid doesn't respect him. If he would not do anything right who knows what will this brat will do in the future.

poppycorn avatar
Nikole
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope this isn't real. What kind of parent would demand their child suffer no consequences for such a horrible act?? I wonder if the mom tries to be "cool".

goes-bart84 avatar
Bart
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beside the kids horrible behaviour, big red flag on the mom! Time to discuss boundaries and respect at least...

552fab0e35350 avatar
Mad Mar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So if this kid poisoned the dog or another child as a prank it would be ok? Keep the trip cancelled. Make him help regrow the plants to teach him how long it takes to get something to grow. Tell him just like a baby it needs attention. Just like an education it takes time to learn. And just like life if you sh2t on it you get that back in return. And the pranks have to stop. It's disrespect and next thing you know he will pour sugar in the gas tank of the car an ruin that too.

imogenecargeaux avatar
Imogene Cargeaux
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Actions have consequences. It seems like the kid only understands this when he feels slighted. "You take my video down, I kill your flowers!" Action. Consequence. Albeit not a reasonable or mature example. But then when the same logic is applied to him, for good reason he can't handle it. Good for dad. NTA ... F**k that kid. Living with ppl who think it's funny to pull "pranks" on unwitting ppl are the worst. Dated a guy like that once. He wanted to be one of those "prank couples" on YouTube... I dumped him after he replaced my medicated, prescription face wash (for cystic acne) with mayonnaise and threw out my real s**t... those types of ppl don't learn unless they're forced to. Stand your ground dad.

sarahspencer avatar
Sarah Spencer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a step parent whose partner expects me to put up with s**t from his teenagers I would NEVER accept from my own child, I totally feel for this guy. At 16 (or older) that kind of behaviour is nasty, deliberate and they should be held accountable for it. They are not babies any more.

idrow avatar
Id row
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The mother is the problem here. She's raising him to be an entitled little psycho who never has to face consequences. I wish there was a way to minority report bad parents and go back and prevent them from having kids.

chrisscritchfield avatar
Chris Scritchfield
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The kid is sorry. That is his general state of being nothing to do with regret. Seriously show the kid that actions have consequences. Tally up the cost to replace every plant he damaged, new soil then the labor of repotting each plant. If he hits 2k explain the consequences of a felony and that you could have the state come in and settle the issue. I would be having a yard sale to replace my stuff. Let's face it with the mom we know this kid has a higher end gaming console/PC probably a drone and losing his stuff would be adequate.

lauraedwards avatar
laura edwards
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Its totally ok to insult someone and say, just kidding. Its totally ok to slap your partner and say it's a love tap. Its totally ok to rape someone as long as you don't mean it, because you're A good guy. Are you the ahole that says no to these things. Thank you

tiinabender avatar
Iifa A.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is it with all the people partnering up with disrespectful entitled people. The stepson is 16, you can go to jail for spraying bleach on other people property. He is old enough to know right from wrong, pranks are only funny is you're laughing. Divorce wife and kick them both out. This kind of behaviour cannot be tolerated. I wouldn't be surprised if ten years from now the stepson gets angry at work and will spray bleach all over workplace. Disgusting behaviour and no apology isn't enough, therapy maybe

savannahyoung avatar
S
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Toxic mom yields toxic offspring. You're better off running far far away.

mariezellmer avatar
Eiram
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. Destroying months and years of work is not a prank. It's a lawsuit as an adult, a missed trip as a kid is barely a punishment at all. Plus, your wife has NO idea what abuse actually is, so I bet the kid is extremely spoiled.

francesca-eleonora_caplan avatar
Frannie Kaplan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That was an appropriate punishment, even lenient. Plants aren't free and they're good for the environment. I don't understand this "he's only 16 bla bla." 16 year old can do cruel things but this is more like an 11 y.o

minabecker avatar
grouchybooty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That little asshole definitely deserves this punishment. This "prank" bullshit isn't funny, posting a video of someone without their permission isn't funny, sulking and murdering the plants is super s**t. Deserved. I'm worried that the mom doesn't have dad's back and if she continues bringing up her son like this, he will only become an even bigger asshole than he already is.

kathrynbaylis_1 avatar
Kathryn Baylis
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey Mom, a deliberately cruel act is not a “mistake”, and 16 is way too old to be crying and sulking. At 16, a lot of kids are working part time to save up for a car or college. Sounds like this kid is a good candidate for about 20 hours a week at a very physically taxing job, with a boss who won’t take any of his bullshit, and will put him right in his place when he acts up. He’ll come home too damn tired to pull any stupid “pranks”. In two years, he needs to be given a choice: full time work or (preferably) the military for two years before even talking about college. That’ll straighten his sorry ass out.

betsynovack avatar
Betsy Novack
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would have taken away computer time with the water prank. His practical jokes may be harmless but there is a thread of hostility in there. I would keep my eyes open because he may just pull another prank more harmful because he figures he's got nothing to lose. I would also make him replace the plants he damaged.

mandygora03 avatar
BorPand8
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Killing your plants that you've spent a lot of time and care on is not harmless. It's not on par with murdering your pets but it's in the same ballpark.

Load More Replies...
tamrastiffler avatar
Tamra Stiffler
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It is reasonable to admit wrong-doing and apologizing with genuine remorse, and then being forgiven. HOWEVER, that in no way means that there shouldn't be consequences. I agree with most here, this kid has some anger that needs addressing.

amytalbot avatar
Amy Talbot
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think hes a little s**t who needs punishment! If someone woke me up by spraying cold water on me i would find that really rude, let alone some snotty teenager who gets away with too much, spraying plants with bleach is actually really spiteful! I would have given him a fing smacked a**e! As for his mother......she needs to wisen up and realise how rude her son is

kona4me avatar
Kona Pake
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Funny, after F’ing up, they always say sorry or excuse me.

joereaves avatar
Joe Reaves
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He can go on the trip as soon as he pays to replace every single plant out of his own money ...

jenjoyner avatar
Xenon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm not sure taking away the trip is ENOUGH punishment in this case.

icanhazpanda avatar
Raven DeathShade
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You kill the plants? You're lucky that's all your dad did, kiddo...if I did that, my mom would kill me.

gw14rychelrowan avatar
malenchki
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup same and if my brother did that to one of my plants I would kill him. I ament that good with plants so the ones that actually grow are literally like children to me. I protect them with life and soul

Load More Replies...
mmgies avatar
MaggieWest
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What is this brat's mother teaching him? My kids (much younger than 16) are growing up watching pranks being performed on YouTube by moronic "content creators" but know not to play any pranks that cause a mess!

holliemarie1995 avatar
Hollie Marie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA Aloe plants are expensive. You don't destroy someone's hobby then think you can say sorry. It doesn't work like that. If you are angry fair enough but sabotage is not on

linbot1 avatar
Lily Mae Kitty
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

omg. what a hateful little prick. he'd have gotten WAY worse punishment from me. Like I'd take his phone away for a month so he can't post stupid videos. What a shitty thing to do to living things.

kenroberts avatar
Imma Letchoofinish
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yeah, not going to go out on a limb here and say this is a relationship in trouble. Stepson acting out anger issues through 'pranks' and a Mom that is willing to let abusive behavior directed at her husband continue.

deedee_4 avatar
dee dee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh boy, if anyone touched ny plants....... i fear to think of the outcome. Once, my fiancé accidentally knocked over one of my orchids, which was just about to flower. It got all upset and did not flower anymore. That was almost a year ago. I still remind of it when he goes in the balcony, and ask him to very careful (limited space with lots of plants). I don't think i *can* let it go. My plants are my children. I would be so devastated and angry if anything happened to them. My orchids are just about to flower again.... the boy's actions are despicable and personally i don't think i could ever forgive him.

danielmasonx avatar
DanieLegz
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bro that kid needs help, why would that even enter your head to put bleach in the plants? :|

benfancomplex avatar
Dark Pigeon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good parenting from the stepdads side. That was a horrible thing the boy did. Have him help finding replacement plants, geting them, repotting and learnig about them. Make him understand what it takes to take care of them.

eglbukauskait avatar
PADNA
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would keep him under punishment for as long as those plants regrew (year+?)

philfichtinger avatar
Phil Fichtinger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry, but the recounting of events the article does between the screenshots of OP's post is simply wasting time. Both the author's and the readers' time, that is. So is this comment, btw. That's why it says "Sorry" in the beginning.

proteus1203 avatar
Christoph
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bad Sean! Worse MOM! United front, discuss later. DO NOT TAKE SIDES

abigail-hope-cullen avatar
Gay_Forg
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does the kid know how much time and effort and love goes into a healthy plant, expecially indoor plants

reynarudydharsono avatar
Reyna Rudy Dharsono
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm pretty sensitive when it comes to these subjects, but damn 16? Bleach could have seriously hurt OP, yes? I think the punishment is more than deserved. You don't just water plants w/ bleach over taken down videos

lauren_schosger avatar
Lauren Smisch
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If things like that continue, it'd be a trip to the psychologist... He's testing limits,filming private family stuff,and getting revenge at 16? How far could it go?

cescaper avatar
Francesca Perondi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow. Please consider that plants are living beings. Water them with bleach is like torturing and killing pups. If the mother is not able to understand that the difference between pranks and actions with hurtful consequences is to correct then sorry but this mother is TA as the kid himself.

hillerhomecreations avatar
Doug Hiller
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wow. Kid has definite issues with anger management and boundary control. When he asked if he could water the plants, he knew he was going to kill them. Yes, cancel the trip and get some SOLID counseling.

abigailwilliams_2 avatar
Call Me Mars
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have a plant collection that I LOVE with all my heart, and if anybody did that to my plants, I would have been BEYOND mad. If Sean is doing harmless pranks that don't harm anybody, go ahead. But there is a line and he crossed it.

smythers00 avatar
RJ
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So... is Bored Panda ever going to invest in Spell Checking? Asking for a friend.

eeyore163_1 avatar
Heather Menard
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The kid is 16. He knows wtf he is doing. He sounds like a spoiled brat.

taranw avatar
Okiedokie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kid kind of seems abusive to stepdad even before flower incident and this was just the straw that broke the [extremely tolerant] camel’s back. Mom should have stepped in long before this, so it does fall on her somewhat, but this man has patience & tolerance I would not possess in the same situation.

rahni avatar
Rannveig Ess
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This kid isn't "pranking", he's malicious, sociopathic and abusive. He's 16? It'll get much worse as he grows up. He needs therapy. The fact Mom enables it is even worse. The kid is dangerous.

griffinx avatar
Fluffy Griffin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Here's something I learned from Daniel Tiger. You say "sorry" then "how can I help? " IE make reparations for your mistake. Sorry isn't enough.

glirpy avatar
Glirpy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sounds like the kid should get some counseling. I am guessing that he is possibly feeling a bit angry that his mom got remarried and resentful at the stepdad.

lisanorman2009_1 avatar
Lisa Norman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When will people stop calling deliberate damage (or dishonesty, stealing, whatever) a mistake! A mistake is when you do something not knowing any better. This boy most certainly knew what he was doing. And he didn't 'admit' to it anyway. Only eventually when he couldn't deny it because the evidence was clear. That mother needs a few lessons in life too, by the sounds of things... Take an embarrassing video of her and post it and see if she doesn't refuse to speak to you ever again for daring to humilate her. I'm female myself but by God how I hate these double standards. Why should females be respected by men and not vice versa?

ch_7 avatar
cah
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He probably saw it on tik tok ! He should get more punishment!

mpryts avatar
Monica Pryts
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Either he's testing you to see what he can get away with or it's a cry for attention.

cazoverll avatar
Caroline Overill
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

16 years old is hardly a kid. Sounds like Dudley Dursley syndrome to me.

david_smojver avatar
Dave
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The kid is pushing the boundaries and those are not pranks at all. I would have had a word with him, long before it got this far. He is not just being a kid, he is an asshole in the making who is likely a Narcissist and very likely cannot handle the same treatment that he is giving others. He needs to be sent to the military to learn some f*****g manners and discipline.

elizabeth_decordova avatar
Elizabeth DeCordova
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Appalled wife stood by son. Hoping step dad better treatment or realizes he may be too good for what’s being offered.

bartoszadamek avatar
Bartosz Adamek
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kid's 16 and acts like that? Damn Tiktoks really destroy braincells

avronovaboy avatar
Channo Sagara
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This story have multiple layers of wrong. First of all, why did it keep underlining the step-relationship?? Son is a son, dad is a dad. Being a step shouldn't make any difference. Secondly, it's been a common parenting knowledge that mom and dad should never argue in front of kids. If you have disagreement, discuss it when the kids are not around. This story only teach kids that if one parent try to teach you something, don't bother to learn. Just hide behind the other parent. And lastly, this is why i don't approve prank culture. It's hard to draw the lines between funny and harmful. Even adults still get offended by accidentally over-the-line pranks. And most of the time you can't judge if a prank is a bad prank before seeing the reaction of your victims -before it's too late. Kid is dumb. Dad is stubborn. Mom is spoiling. Everybody are wrong in this story.

wnqliaowat avatar
wnqliao WAT
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

y the dad is a stubborn????? I mean he shouldn't had let more than one prank happen but it's not his fault that he cancelled the trip like y would u ever kill a plant as """"revenge"""""" for deleting a video that u don't want to be posted cuz of UR privacy the """kid""" needs to know that if u do something bad there's consequences and even more if we talk about law that """"kid"""" (I say kid again cuz he's literally 16 wtf) just made all of the time it took to have a healthy time worthless like it's like if someone had a son and literally just cuz the dad told him to respect ur privacy then u could just throw his laptop and break it or damage something of the car or ANY PROPERTY DAMAGE which btw is illegal like c'mon the only shitties here are the mom and the son and overall the mom cuz she let him do all of that AND JUST WITH AN APOLOGY EVERYTHING'S SOLVED in any school if u do something too bad repeatedly u get expelled even at short ages u can get punished very badly so age is no

Load More Replies...
leedaluciano avatar
Leeda Luciano
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it sounds like the relationship between this sixteen year old young man and his stepfather is chronically toxic and needs some healthy intervention. Being in a prank war with your stepson sounds like a very poor way to build a relationship. The family needs to be engaged in open conversations to get to the bottom of this negative behavior.

luanamoonlight avatar
Luana Moonlight
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That kid better be happy I ain't the step parent, cancelling the trip would've been the first step for me 😅. He would be cleaning pots and paying for new plants from his allowance until every plant I owned would be replaced and then he'd have to take care of them for at least 2 months, to learn that it's hard work, keeping plants healthy and happy.

ctrteresa avatar
Teresa Taylor
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stuff like this makes me remember why (1) I chose not to have kids and (2) chose not to marry. Every once in a while, I get lonely and think it would be nice... Then I remember my sister's kids or my friend's kids or marital/relationship problems I get to hear about and instantly feel 100% better.

luziabielefeld avatar
Lu Bielefeld
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This kid's a psycho in training. Soon he'll be killing pets if he doesn't get what he wants. And the wife not having her husband's back is inexcusable! Dump her!

christin_heitzinger avatar
Christin Heitzinger
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I pulled a stunt like that on my mums orchids, not going on a trip would have been the least scarry punishment. There is a good chance I would have not seen my phone, social media or my friends in a very long time. I was a rebellious teen but that is too much, considering these plants cost money, time and love. So this is not abuse, it's only fair and that boy is probably an entitled brat...

sabrinapandoo avatar
Nina
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your wife has raised a hateful little s**t there. You're right to cancel any trips. I wouldn't take the AH to the park after that. Your wife's lack of boundaries and discipline has created a vindictive and deeply cruel kid there. Get him to therapy and confront all of his stupid pranks from now on. His mother is to step up and be a parent too. Allowing him to do what he likes has led to the idea that destruction of a dear hobby is actually an acceptable way of lashing out over hurt feelings. Giant red flag. Do not let that brat get away with anything else.

jenngermain avatar
Jennifer Germain
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

if I did that to anyone else I could be charged, made to make reparations... real world, kids do need to understand consequences to actions. Tell a judge or police officer you are sorry and see how far that goes...

edenblack avatar
GaeFrog
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel actual pain for this guy I love plants and if someone damaged the avocado plant I have been nurturing for a year I would be very sad

v_r_tayloryahoo_com avatar
v
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First it's spanking is child abuse. Now it's non-physical punishment that teaches consequences is child abuse. Yep. The world is only going to get better now.

izabelawilson avatar
Izabela Wilson
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This kid is a jerk. He shouldn't be only without his trip, he should be grounded as well. He has age to drive a car, so he has age to bear the consequences of his acts.

patrick_oharris avatar
Patrick O'Harris
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The boy is not 6 but 16. In some countries even allowed to drive a damn car. He IS old enough to know that stuff works other ways than "I said sorry, okay?!".

kielsgpm avatar
Meme Mee
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If he's truly sorry he'd never do that or any of the pranks again. Grow up kid; prank someone else.

zselyke_szekely avatar
UpupaEpops
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Personally, I would make him pay for every single plant that he destroyed and any soil that needs to be replaced, fertilizer, etc. Out of his own pocket of course.

lchaney36 avatar
Linny H
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That kid needs to replace the plants that he killed and be required to help his step dad nurture the new ones. That way he learns a new skill and actually get to see the time and effort that goes into something like that. Could end up being a great experience for both step dad and step son.

bcgrote avatar
Brandy Grote
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Make Sean help you repot all those plants. Show him how much care they need AND WHY, that they are living things. Things that make you happy. Things that could die and go away from his thoughtlessness. Make it a teaching moment, not just a pouting "we're not going".

thomasdjafari avatar
Thomas
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe taking the kid out of social media would be a wise move

marianmoore1948 avatar
Marian Moore
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think stepdad needs to go back in time to see if there is other red flag behavior and if there is I would be headed to a divorce lawyer. Maybe the step kid might do something more harmful to stepdad the next time the kid gets pissed off for any actions he may try to do to get back at his stepdad. Get out while you can.

lisa518us avatar
Lisa Pockat Bork
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The kid is 16. More than old enough to be held responsible for what he did. He deserves his punishment and that is by no means abuse.

circular-motion avatar
Mer☕️🧭☕️
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Dude should make a point to never, ever eat or drink ANYTHING that a*hole kid has been anywhere near. Kid's a psycho in the making.

frenkyver_ avatar
Frenky Ver.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The "article" is poorly written but its not my main issue. It seems to me that the OP is made up this story 16 y.o. posting video on facebook?! Not in 2022. Why not tiktok or even ig? Fb is a boomer s**t and i don't know anybody below 30 who unironically posts there. And also there is no kid who "looks forward to" the National Park trip. Some dude just made this story up for karma or some s**t

viktorfeurer avatar
Viktor Feurer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This kid will be in the breaking new a few years later, I am afraid...

djr4yman avatar
djr4yman
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I believe the actual asshole is anyone willing to censor the word 'abuse'

michpassmich50 avatar
MC ShOrt EkWe-EnUgu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That kid Sean, he needs help. For me, he has all the signs of a psychopath.

fatalerror avatar
Fatal Error
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would like to disagree with the entire comment section. Talk about how the kid is wrong and there should be consequences for taking something the dad cared about, yes. But then yet again the dad isnt any better. Revenge on the kid for revenge, taking something the kid cared about. I assume this is way more then just some simple a "consequence" for his actions. And like 80% of this entire section would make a horrible parent, only being straight minded and blaming the other.

tashacharleton avatar
Rin Ogata
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understand that what the kid did was wrong but don't we all do/say something when we are angry that hurts other people? I'm pretty sure my dad has broken a lot of things that were given to me as a gift from family members and friends out of anger and spite. So the kid wasn't lying about doing it due to clouded judgement. He did it because he was angry and upset that his father cancelled the trip.

winnalibert avatar
Winna Libert
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Nope, angry about a video, the cancelled trip was punishment for him KILLING the dad's plants. The fact ur dad broke ur things when angry does NOT make it ok..don't perpetuate the cycle of bad behavior.

Load More Replies...
txgemini avatar
TxGemini
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That child could grow up to become a Liberal Democrat if he doesn't learn about consequences for his actions! The step-dad did the right thing. I'm glad he's sticking to his guns.

danacan211 avatar
Dana Candella
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Boundaries were crossed way before this incident. A stepdad stepson relationship is a very difficult one. A stepdad will often try to be more buddy than dad in hopes of gaining acceptance from their non biological child. Doing that can make disciplinary actions awkward and ineffective. I hope this incident is enough to reset the relationship with more appropriate boundaries in place.

aaramos94 avatar
Ashley Duffy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your wife is part of the problem here. It is not ok to foster and enable this sort of behavior. Not only is canceling the trip a very reasonable consequence, it is unreasonable to say it is abusive to have a genuine consequence for what he did. He is 16 years old, I can fathom my children doing something so purposefully vindictive at that age. Not only do they know better, allowing such a both bad mentality to continue and then not ensuring a sufficient punishment is setting your child (who is already practically a young adult) to completely fail in the real world. I think the bigger issue of the parenting decisions your wife is issuing needs to be honestly and kindly addressed here. I want to give my children the world like every other parent, but part of that comes with setting them up for success emotionally. Her thinking a reasonable consequence is akin to abuse is a serious waving giant red flag. I wish you luck, and I definitely do not envy your current predicament.

hahahhihihi avatar
Hahah Hihihi
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yoooo, u that dad lucky dont have pets lol, i can imagine what that entitled kids gonna doa if his stepdad have pets

brandimarie1985 avatar
Annabelle W.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He is 16 years old. He knows better. He needs to understand when a prank goes to far and what boundaries are and it's up to the parents to teach him those things. I think they let the kid go too far with his pranks to begin with but him crying and being dramatic? At 16? This kid needs a job and he need to be taught respect and he need to comprehend that he poisoned something that was alive and if he did this to a neighbor or someone other than his stepdad he would be in a hell of a lot more trouble. I absolutely would have cancelled the trip and would be getting my kid counseling if he did something like that and what's up with mom pretending this isn't a big deal? Spraying water on the stepdad while sleeping too?? What if he had a heart condition or something and the surprise killed him? This kid needs to understand the possible outcomes of his actions and needs to think more, prank less. Sounds like the mom is part of the problem though imo.

jenniferjay1717 avatar
Jennifer Jackson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What if he rapes some and then said it was a joke.not ok this kid needs help

shee78 avatar
Shee 78
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

16 is a young man, not a kid. On top of the trip being canceled. He should replace the plants.

graciesister101 avatar
Grace Hamilton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We shouldn’t be so quick to judge. This is an account of what happened online. Obviously the stepfather would try to position himself in the best light. What if the tears and acting out were from something happening at school? The kid could also be struggling with something like depression and doesn’t know any coping mechanisms. What I am trying to say, is that we shouldn’t be so quick to judge what is happening. With the video, maybe the kid felt pressured to post it because of friends and social media in general. With the plants, this kid is 16! So even though they are not a little kid, their mind is still developing and they are struggling with the same hormones that are the reason people have died in the past.

ybutler avatar
Yvonne
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not a child at 16. In my country you can marry without parental approval at that age. Can’t drink or smoke mind you. OP is not in the wrong and that young man needs to grown up and learn responsibility. His mum needs to stop mollycoddling him too.

espngrl-12-jh avatar
jessica hovater
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a parent I VEHEMENTLY DISAGREE with ALL OF YOU and feel it shows a lack of understanding when it comes to a child's brain development AND the point of discipline!!! What this "dad" did was punishment. Punishment doesn't TEACH anything. If my kids did this, I'd make them pay for new plants and make them do the work of the new planting. This includes scrubbing the old pots. A consequence like this fits the crime (having to pay to replace the property destroyed) and would have actually strengthened their relationship; the step dad would have applied a fitting consequence while also getting to teach/share his passion. I won't bore everyone with too much science, but you ALL need to read up on the frontal lobe. It doesn't connect until your early 20s. This is why I dont think just anyone should be able to raise kids; science and emotional intelligence matter

kingmae-1313 avatar
that.bitch.mae
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'd understand your stance if the punishment was a beating or taking away some kind of food privileges because those are unacceptable and help nothing but the dad literally cancelled a trip. My family does that all the time with and without it being a consequence of someone's actions. It's not a big deal. Besides, the kid killed plants over a goddamn video (one in which he was being a d**k for clout. That kind of behavior shouldn't be encouraged anyway). Taking away a trip over the plants is reasonable. Yes, making him replace the plants should be done but in tandem with the trip being taken away. If only the plants had to be replaced, the dad still loses something he loved and worked on for a long time, while the son gets the trip he so badly wanted. If the trip is taken away and the plants are replaced, the son gets to learn empathy because now he gets something he cared about taken away (and it's not like it's a beloved pet or something. It's a TRIP that they can always go on l8r).

Load More Replies...
giustizia avatar
Jus
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the teenager is old enough to be punished even more and his mother should take care of that. That was a very serious, malicious deed.

reynard99a avatar
Reynard
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That kid is a sociopath, on his way to being a psychopath. Get that kid help before he murders someone.

phil84vaive avatar
Phil Vaive
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Honestly, I think that cancelling a family vacation is not the right punishment. It has nothing to do with what the kid is being punished for, and sets the tone that if he pisses his step-dad off, his punishment will be canceled family time. Since he damaged the plants, make him work to replace them. I'm a big proponent of the idea that the punishment should fit the crime, and that taking away family time should NEVER be a punishment.

erin6051 avatar
Animalsrgreat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You did the right thing. What a little turd! That kid deserves nothing.

karinahenschel avatar
Karina H
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wow, some of these answers are a bit over the top. He's 16, so no fully developed brain. OP should have explained in length, what bleach does to plants, and how that misbehaviour of his stepson needs to be punished. even cancelling the trip, or postponing it is a good idea. But divorce or family is a but too much in my opinion. Good parenting is hard. and as a parent you are entitled to sone situation where you handle things wrong, or be pissed at your kids because of the stuff they did.

leodomitrix avatar
Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I understood that bleach was bad for living things when I was *seven*. While puberty physically changes where the brain is doing its most development ------ hitn, not the part where rational thinking is ----- he knew what he was doing. He *knew* bleach would kill the plants. That was his own stated motive : Revenge for being told to take down a video!

Load More Replies...
soorinazarei avatar
Soorina Zarei
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All of them have wrongs and rights. First the mother who thinks with apology everything would be fixed plus she must respect the stepfather and take his side the kid doing was wrong. Second stepfather l know he loves his plants but he could teach his step kid different way not do the same as wrong as kid. Third the boy who is almost adult if he mad as his stepdad he should talk to him not to distroy other living beings.

douglasmock avatar
Douglas Mock
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He takes a video of a physical assault and he's still walking straight? I have no idea how it got past that...

justine_q avatar
Justine Queequag
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well gonna be the unpopular one here, but it seems that the op is more concerned about his relationship with his plants than his stepson, does anyone wonder why or what led up to a kid reacting this way? I doubt that anyone is mature at 16, i know i wasn't and anyone that. Thinks that they were is delusional, the video does not sound like a big deal, sounds like innocent fun but the op was so embarrased? If you ask me the op was a huge bug up his butt, and cares more about the plants, than cultivating relationships with people.

citizensteve avatar
Steve Darnell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I want you to imagine having s hobby that brings you joy and relaxation that helps you get through the s**t show the world has become of late. A hobby that takes a great deal of time and money and curating. Now imagine some asshole with a chip on his shoulder and no sense of consequence literally destroys all of it because you disagreed with something they did. Imagine that they just grinned and called it a joke when they destroyed it. If you think anything that kid did wasn't wrong, then you are just as much an asshole as the kid and his c**t mother.

Load More Replies...
jmchoto avatar
Jo Choto
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't agree with what the kid did, but it seems like the poster is going from one extreme to the other. He either doesn't care what's going on, or he's on him like a ton of bricks. I feel like the kid would benefit more from some consistency in his life.

assistanttodj avatar
Karis Ravenhill
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

NTA. Sean's an A-Hole, and at 16 he's old enough to start acting like an adult and not some whiny, lacking responsibility little moron. He's on the path to being an abusive cun* and his mother is helping him get there. Fast forward 5 years and he'll be getting arrested for punching his GF, but in his eyes it's fine because "it was just a prank I was filming for TikTok". Where does it end? You annoy him, so next he poisons the cat? This kid is lucky you're respectful of his body, if a 16yr old maliciously killed living things in my house (just because they're plants doesn't make them less living things) I'd have beaten 7 shades of shi* out of him, then thrown him and his mother out of my house. He can apologize to her while homeless, let's see if "an apology is enough" then. If the house isn't yours, pack your stuff and move out right away. Let the mother know she obviously has no respect for anyone else when it concerns her son, good luck to her raising an abusive A-hole.

oaklandcami avatar
ForgotMyPWSendHelp
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm sorry, but why are y'all upvoting this person advocating for beating a kid??????

Load More Replies...
becki_errington avatar
Bex
Community Member
2 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Ok, but can we just mention that while the Step-dad was right over the bleaching incident, the whole thing started bc he made the kid take down a video of him getting woken up w water bc "it was embarrassing"? Seriously? It was a video of a kid pranking you w water, it's not like it was a prank that did any harm or led to any consequences such as a tarnished reputation or any repercussion for the step-dad. Agree the kid needed to be punished for the bleach, but the step-dad was TA for being a baby about the original prank video in the first place.

alisa-fender avatar
Honu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He shouldn't be posting videos of other people without their permission. That's a boundary his parents should teach him. As for the prank, I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, it's just being sprayed with water. No big deal. However, a lot of people make "prank" videos like this where they go around annoying strangers in public. That's not a funny prank. That's just being a jerk. There is no inherent humor value in just being a jerk. You can be jerky and funny, but that takes some actual wit and intelligence. This isn't particularly funny. It's just annoying. So while not a huge deal, I wouldn't want my kid growing up to be an annoying git. If your whole joke is "it's funny because they're mad now" then you suck at jokes. I'd want my kid to get some better material. That sh!t's just boring.

Load More Replies...
Popular on Bored Panda
Trending on Bored Panda
Also on Bored Panda