AITA for kicking my BF and his kid out because his son was constantly scaring my baby on purpose?

When every day feels like a battle for peace in your own home, even a child’s misbehavior can escalate into a major crisis. Our OP, a 26‑year‑old woman diagnosed with postpartum depression, recounts how her attempt to protect her 3‑month‑old baby from constant intentional scares turned into a full-blown family conflict.

Her boyfriend, with whom she’s been together for six years, has a 12‑year‑old son named Jake who deliberately yells “RA!” at her baby multiple times a day. While the boyfriend occasionally scolds Jake, his attempts to downplay the issue as normal behavior have only fueled OP’s frustration.

After repeatedly asking for an end to these frightening encounters, OP finally lost her temper. When Jake scared her baby again despite her explicit warnings, she threatened immediate eviction for both her boyfriend and his son. Although Jake’s apologies and her boyfriend’s protests followed, OP felt she had no choice but to protect her child’s well‑being—and now she’s turned to Reddit, wondering if she’s in the wrong for taking such drastic measures.

‘AITA for kicking my BF and his kid out because his son was constantly scaring my baby on purpose?’

Letting emotions boil over in the context of parenting challenges is not uncommon, especially for someone dealing with postpartum depression. Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist renowned for her work on relationship stress and trauma, explains,

“When a parent is already vulnerable due to postpartum depression, any behavior that repeatedly endangers their child’s sense of safety can trigger an overwhelming emotional response. It’s not merely about a child’s misbehavior—it’s about protecting your mental and emotional well‑being in a critical period.” (kidshealth.org) Family therapist Dr. Susan Johnson adds, “In blended families, conflicts around child behavior can be particularly challenging.

When one partner’s child repeatedly acts in a way that causes distress, and the other partner is already struggling with postpartum issues, it’s entirely understandable for the situation to reach a boiling point. Boundaries are essential, and if those boundaries are repeatedly violated, taking a stand—even through measures like eviction—is a valid response.”

Her perspective suggests that while the ideal might be for everyone to work through the issues together, the repeated nature of the behavior in question justifies OP’s reaction, as she is acting primarily out of a need to safeguard her baby. Dr. Johnson also emphasizes that “open communication and clear expectations are vital in such situations.

If one party continually minimizes the harmful impact of their actions, it may force the other to take drastic steps to protect themselves and their children.” Although eviction is a significant decision, the experts agree that when a child’s emotional security is repeatedly compromised, taking decisive action may be necessary for long-term well‑being.

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

Many redditors empathize with OP, stating that if your baby is getting frightened multiple times a day by another child’s intentional behavior, you’re well within your rights to set strict boundaries. “When your child’s peace is constantly disrupted, you have every right to protect them—even if it means making hard decisions,” one commenter said.

Ultimately, the OP’s decision to file for eviction and insist on her baby’s safety appears to be a reaction to a prolonged pattern of behavior that is both emotionally and physically disruptive. While some might see her actions as extreme, many agree that when a child’s well‑being is at risk—especially in the midst of postpartum challenges—protecting that child is not only justified but necessary.

Do you believe that when repeated behavior causes genuine distress to a child, drastic measures like eviction are warranted? Or is there a better way to address such issues in a blended family setting? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—what would you do if you found yourself in a similar situation?