AITA For snapping at my dad that family therapy is a waste of time because my stepmom and her kids just point fingers and I’m already 18 and on my way out anyways?

In a post shared by a Redditor, he expresses his frustration with mandatory family therapy sessions his dad insists on. Despite not feeling connected to his stepmom and her kids, who he believes aren’t receptive in therapy, he feels obligated to attend—even as he’s focused on leaving home soon and moving forward with his own life.

After snapping at his dad about his views, he’s left wondering if he was too harsh. Was his reaction justified, or should he be more supportive?

‘ AITA For snapping at my dad that family therapy is a waste of time because my stepmom and her kids just point fingers and I’m already 18 and on my way out anyways?’

My stepmom Sarah’s kids do not like me or my dad. But they’re moreso angry at Sarah because her and their dad aren’t together anymore. The issues are here because Sarah lied about the kind of person their dad actually was for most of their lives, so Sarah’s kids worship him and blame Sarah for the marriage not working.

We all go to family therapy. But the whole thing is a waste of time because Sarah and her kids just point fingers the whole time and aren’t receptive to anything the therapist says. My dad forces me to come too, saying I’m also part of the family. But I didn’t willing marry into this mess and I don’t want anything to do with it.

This week, I said I wanted to stay home because I had a lot of homework, including a huge presentation I had to rehearse for. My dad gave me the usual spiel about two hours of therapy a week not getting in the way of anything and it’s to make our family better.

I was stressed about the presentation and snapped at my dad that family therapy is a waste of time, Sarah and her kids just want to point fingers, and I don’t get why I have to be there because I’m 18 and on my way out anyway. I didn’t marry into this family and don’t want any part in their mess.

My dad originally grounded me and took away my electronics. Luckily, he gave me my electronics back the same night, but then lectured me about how he was disappointed, I could make time to help Sarah and the kids are struggling (you get the whole jazz.) I still think there’s no reason for me to be there, and me snapping at him was deserved. AITA?

Take a look at the comments from fellow users:

Apart-Ad-6518 −  NTA. My dad forces me to come too, saying *I’m also part of the family*. But I didn’t willing marry into this mess and I don’t want anything to do with it. That’s a crystal clear statement on how you feel.

Also, you’re *18*. A legal adult. Your Dad can’t *force* you to do anything *or* take away your electronics.. It’s to make our family better. No. It’s to make *him* feel better. Your education & future take precedence over your Dad’s agenda with his step family. I hope you can get away, go to college. I wish you the very best for the future OP.

LouisV25 −  NTA. You are 109% correct.
1) Sarah can solve her own issues with HER kids, why does your Dad think you can.
2) You didn’t marry a woman that lied to her kids enough for them to resent her.

3) You need willing participants to have any kind of relationship. Her kids aren’t willing.
4) Hopefully you don’t have to stay in this mess much longer. There’s nothing you can do about it
5) Your Dad is 100% INCORRECT to be disappointed in you. This is HIS mess.

Squinky75 −  <<I could make time to help Sarah and the kids are struggling (. Way above your pay grade.

BothWorldliness5128 −  NTA. Be a nice time to remind dad you are coming up to a crossroads and he can decide to be apart of your past or your future but those crazy circus monkeys aren’t yours.

Ghost3022 −  NTA. This problem doesn’t really even involve you. This is a mess that Sarah created so it’s a mess she needs to fix with her kids without putting you into this. Ues they need family counseling but THEY do, not you! If you’re dad wants to go that’s on him, but you shouldn’t be required to!

Pups_the_Jew −  “I understand that you are willing to let them treat you like garbage, but I’m not.”. NTA.

Common-Ad718 −  NTA. It’s not your mess to fix. I hope this post helps woman in Sarah’s situation. Don’t lie to your kids, don’t try to hide the bad things. If the father or mother is trash, I’m sorry but you have to let them know.

I know everyone wants their kids to have both parents but you don’t owe the other parent a relationship with their kids, it’s not your responsibility. Obviously you wouldn’t be blunt with them but you do have to tell them the truth in a way that is age appropriate for them.

VTMaid −  NTA. I find myself wondering why therapy isn’t just Sarah and her kids for now. It sounds like she and the kids need to work on their animosity before there’s any hope of the kids accepting OP’s dad, much less OP.

Vyedr −  He wants you in the family therapy? Fine, its your turn then. Take the floor and start laying out the truth – he’ll change his mind fast enough.

ApprehensiveRoad8818 −  NTA. You and your dad are basically observers during these sessions. There as passive support for Sarah while she tries to fix her kids.

Personally, I don’t think either you or your dad should be there. If your contributions to the discussions aren’t welcome then the therapist should be dealing with Sarah and her kids alone without unwelcome distractions.