AITAH for refusing my uncle’s generous offer of Wicked tickets if I don’t think my kids can handle it?

A Reddit user shares their dilemma about refusing their uncle’s generous offer of Wicked tickets for the entire family, including themselves and their three children. Despite the kindness of the offer, the user is concerned that their children’s unique needs—one with Down syndrome, one with severe autism, and one with ADHD—might make the experience overwhelming for everyone, especially other theatergoers. While the family insists they try, the user feels this could lead to a challenging situation for all involved.

‘ AITAH for refusing my uncle’s generous offer of Wicked tickets if I don’t think my kids can handle it?’

My uncle who I adore generously offered to purchase tickets to see Wicked for the whole family including myself, my husband, and our three girls. In a perfect world we’d all go and have a magical time but I don’t live in a perfect world and have spent the past 10 years navigating said imperfect world through trial and error.

Context: our 10yo has Down syndrome, our 8yo has severe autism, and our 4yo is textbook adhd. Between their sensory needs, their ages, and the nearly 3hr runtime, I’m almost certain this will be a nightmare for everyone involved mainly the other paying customers who just want to enjoy the movie without our real life flying monkeys.

I’ve tried to politely decline, explaining my concerns, but my uncle and mom are insisting we try, and they won’t take no for an answer. They seem to think I’m being overly negative and that it could be a great experience. This isn’t about me underestimating my kids but fully estimating their abilities and needs so frankly the idea of going fills me with dread.

AITAH for standing firm and refusing such a generous gift, even if they mean well?

Here’s how people reacted to the post:

analyst19 −  NTA. “Sorry, the kids can’t handle that. Why don’t you ask Aunt Kathy to join?”

TheFishermansWife22 −  I have three kids on the spectrum and I just got so mad for you. They’re insisting you do this for their happiness, while having no regard for your family’s. It’s not like so people think, like “oh it might be tough”. No!! With the wrong triggers that can be downright traumatic for your kids. I’m sorry they haven’t taken the time to understand your children, that must hurt the worst of all. This mama thinks you’re a badass for standing your ground. Happy Holidays love.

Bulky_Ability_6991 −  Some cinemas offer sensory friendly showtimes which means lights are turned on volume is lowered and it’s ok if kids make sounds. Celebration is the best for accessibility. It may still not work which is fine but if you think your girls would. Enjoy it then that might be worth a try.

Edit to add NTA you know your kids needs best. Edit 2 I saw that it’s coming to Amazon prime after new years so you could do that instead and let your uncle pay for it.

SwtSthrnBelle −  NTA. And honestly their response seems ableist to me.

enchylatta −  NTA – don’t set up your children for failure and PLEASE don’t do this to other people in the audience.

pollyPuggles22 −  I’m a 32 year old with ADHD and I was struggling with the run time.

LordBearing −  Take the offer, insist that they’re the ones to take them, but get in text that you have reservations again it. Refer to said text when they inevitability freak out over rowdy, overstimulated kids. Either that, or they handle it fine and the kids get a free movie.

No_Goose_7390 −  I’m a special educator teacher and parent. I agree with you. Sometimes people mean well but just don’t understand. It sounds like a potential nightmare, especially for the 4 year old.

kmactane −  People who really “mean well” would listen to you. People who won’t take no for an answer are not “offering” you a “generous gift”, but rather trying to force you to do something against your will.. NTA.

CaliforniaJade −  Even if your children were all neurotypical, I don’t think wicked is a kids movie, there are a lot of nuances that really make up the movie, a kids mind taking it all a face value would be bored, at the least restless kids in the theater I saw it in did not appear to get into, especially at the finale, they had bailed on the movie and were just talking. NTA. Take him up on just 2 tickets and a sitter.