At 17, OP has a distant relationship with his dad, who’s been emotionally unavailable since childhood.
When his dad’s girlfriend, Mona, is hospitalized with a complicated pregnancy, his dad demands OP check on her during a work trip. OP refuses, sparking heated arguments, especially after Mona goes into premature labor.
His dad berates him for not stepping up, but OP stands firm, citing his dad’s absence as a parent. Let’s explore the details and see what the online community thinks.
This story probes family duties and personal boundaries. Was OP wrong to say no?
This story reveals an unfair imbalance in family responsibilities, with an emotionally distant father expecting his teenage son to handle adult duties. At 17, OP has no legal or moral obligation to care for his dad’s girlfriend, especially given their strained relationship.
Family psychologist Dr. John Gottman notes, “Children, even teenagers, shouldn’t be burdened with adult responsibilities, particularly without parental support” (The Gottman Institute).
The dad’s berating and demands reflect a lack of emotional awareness for his son’s needs. OP is justified in setting boundaries, especially given his dad’s absence.
The dad should have sought support from Mona’s friends or family instead. OP should maintain his boundaries and consider support from his mom or a trusted adult to cope with this stress.
This case underscores the importance of respecting teenagers’ boundaries and parents’ responsibility to build relationships before expecting assistance.
Here’s what the community had to contribute:
Reddit overwhelmingly supports OP, arguing his dad’s expectations were unreasonable, especially given their distant relationship. Here’s a roundup of reactions.
Many stressed Mona isn’t OP’s responsibility.
Some criticized the dad’s audacity.
![[Reddit User] − Don't visit, and there's no reason to feel. guilty. NTA.](https://dailyhighlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/wp-editor-1758611765813-17.webp "Dad Demands Teen Son Check On Pregnant Girlfriend, A Boundary Battle Erupts")
A few empathized with OP’s boundaries.
![[Reddit User] − Your dad hasn’t been there for you, so it’s unfair to expect to support his partner now. You set a boundary, and that’s okay.](https://dailyhighlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/wp-editor-1758611811806-42.webp "Dad Demands Teen Son Check On Pregnant Girlfriend, A Boundary Battle Erupts")
OP is entirely justified in refusing to check on his dad’s pregnant girlfriend, given their distant relationship and the fact that this is an adult responsibility. Reddit agrees the dad’s demands were unfair, and OP has every right to set boundaries.
How should OP handle his dad’s ongoing criticism? Have you faced unreasonable family expectations? Share your stories!
