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Mom Tells Jealous Daughter To “Shut Up” After She Cries Every Time Sister’s Wedding Is Mentioned
Single sister feeling overwhelmed and stressed while coping with sibling's engagement news at home.
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Mom Tells Jealous Daughter To “Shut Up” After She Cries Every Time Sister’s Wedding Is Mentioned

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Sometimes, the truth can be unbearable to hear. It’s why giving someone a reality check can quickly turn into a tension-filled scenario that, at worst, can put a strain on the relationship

A mother learned this the hard way when she had to deal with her daughter’s self-centered attitude. While she understands that her behavior may come from a place of pain, she has also grown fed up with how it has affected everyone around. 

The mom snapped one day while they were all in public, causing her daughter to bite back with harsh words of her own. 

RELATED:

    Giving someone a “reality check” can backfire on you

    Image credits: undefinedstock / freepik (not the actual photo)

    A woman experienced this with her older daughter, whom she’s had difficulty dealing with

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    Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)

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    Things blew up one day when she finally snapped

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    Image credits: lifestock / freepik (not the actual photo)

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    The mom provided some extra details to her story

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    Image credits: mydaughterssplitiek

    Angrily calling out an adult child can only make the situation worse

    The mom’s incendiary reaction to Sara’s behavior while at the bridal store was seemingly out of frustration. It appeared to be pent-up anger from putting up with her daughter’s behavior, and her snapping was likely her boiling point. 

    While her response was understandable, it only made things worse. According to psychologist and parent coach Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein, parents should focus on showing understanding rather than responding with anger. 

    In his article for Psychology Today, he stated that parents can acknowledge their child’s perspective without necessarily agreeing with them. 

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    Sara’s choice of words for her mom may also be an indicator of emotional wounds. In another article, Dr. Bernstein pointed out that blaming or faulting a parent may also be a result of unmet expectations and unresolved childhood trauma. 

    While these deep-seated issues require professional intervention, Dr. Bernstein shared some tips for dealing with an adult child, especially during moments when they are acting up. His first piece of advice: Don’t lecture your child about what you’ve done for them. 

    As Dr. Bernstein explained, demanding that they should “show some respect”—or in the story’s case, that Sara should stop making it about herself—is like “pouring gasoline on a slow-burning or ready-to-erupt fire.”

    He also advises reframing conversations in a more understanding tone, like, “You may want to consider ___” or “It may make you feel better if you ___.” 

    The mom could’ve been more empathetic toward Sara, who was clearly dealing with something. At the very least, she could’ve not shamed her while they were in public. This does not excuse Sara’s behavior, but as the parent, it would’ve helped to have shown a bit of sensitivity.

    The author provided more information by answering some questions

    Many readers sided with her, stating her reactions were warranted because she’d been pushed long enough

    However, others criticized her for enabling her daughter’s behavior

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    Miguel Ordoñez

    Miguel Ordoñez

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

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    Struggling writer by day. Frustrated jazz drummer by night. Space Cowboy 24/7.

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    Miguel Ordoñez

    Miguel Ordoñez

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Struggling writer by day. Frustrated jazz drummer by night. Space Cowboy 24/7.

    What do you think ?
    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The older sister needs to grow up. She's acting like a jealous toddler. That's pathetic. If I were the bride she'd be uninvited from my wedding. I agree that the entire family needs to stage an intervention and let her know her behavior is ridiculous. Or just ignore her altogether.

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

    The OP and the younger daughter are probably at their wits end with the nonsense. If it's as bad as the post implies it's a miracle they're still dealing with her at all.

    Load More Replies...
    Emilu
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Okay, so OP should possibly have put her foot down sooner, but better late than never (and personally I don't think her delay in doing so makes her an as‍shole; she was trying to be compassionate to Sara and probably also hoping that she'd grow up). I feel for Anna though, having her wedding planning overshadowed by a selfish brat. No wonder Sara's wedding fell through if this is how she behaves. The ex was probably like "err, sorry; I don't find children attractive" and bailed 🤷🏽‍♀️

    The Other Guest
    Community Member
    5 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, of course Sara was going to pout every time the wedding was brought up, because she was rewarded for that behavior ("Every time something comes up about the wedding Sara starts pouting and we end up Consoling [sic] her and talking about her.") Must have been a shock that last time when she got scolded instead. (edited to correct spelling)

    Load More Comments
    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The older sister needs to grow up. She's acting like a jealous toddler. That's pathetic. If I were the bride she'd be uninvited from my wedding. I agree that the entire family needs to stage an intervention and let her know her behavior is ridiculous. Or just ignore her altogether.

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

    The OP and the younger daughter are probably at their wits end with the nonsense. If it's as bad as the post implies it's a miracle they're still dealing with her at all.

    Load More Replies...
    Emilu
    Community Member
    Premium
    5 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Okay, so OP should possibly have put her foot down sooner, but better late than never (and personally I don't think her delay in doing so makes her an as‍shole; she was trying to be compassionate to Sara and probably also hoping that she'd grow up). I feel for Anna though, having her wedding planning overshadowed by a selfish brat. No wonder Sara's wedding fell through if this is how she behaves. The ex was probably like "err, sorry; I don't find children attractive" and bailed 🤷🏽‍♀️

    The Other Guest
    Community Member
    5 months ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, of course Sara was going to pout every time the wedding was brought up, because she was rewarded for that behavior ("Every time something comes up about the wedding Sara starts pouting and we end up Consoling [sic] her and talking about her.") Must have been a shock that last time when she got scolded instead. (edited to correct spelling)

    Load More Comments
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