A heartbroken mum says she feels torn between her family and her young children, after her sister started hosting ‘no-kids’ family get-togethers.

The mum-of-two says she’s the only one in her family with children – a four-year-old and a six-year-old. Her siblings don’t have children and her parents are retired.

She says her sister recently moved into a new house, and has decided she wants to start hosting family gatherings, but with one rule. No kids allowed.

“She claims her house isn’t “kid-proof” and wants more “relaxed” events,” the upset mum explained.

“She framed it like she’s doing everyone a favour, but let’s be honest—it’s just my kids, so this rule is clearly aimed at me. It’s hurtful because these are family dinners and holiday get-togethers we’ve always celebrated together as a family. Now suddenly, my kids aren’t welcome?

“What bothers me most is how this will affect my children. My six-year-old adores his extended family, and if he finds out he’s being excluded, it would break his heart. I’m worried he’ll never get over it. How do I explain to him that he’s not wanted at these family events? It could create a rift between him and the rest of the family. He’s sensitive, and I don’t want him growing up thinking he’s not important.”

The mum says when her sister told her about the no kids rule, she told her sibling she wouldn’t attend if her kids weren’t welcome.

“She accused me of overreacting, but if this becomes the norm, what happens for holidays like Christmas? Am I supposed to leave my kids at home every time?”

“The rest of my family is siding with her, telling me to just “go along with it” and leave the kids at home for a few hours. My parents, who don’t have grandkids from my siblings yet, think it’s no big deal. They’re even pressuring me to cut my sister some slack since she had a tough time buying her house. But where’s the consideration for me and my kids?

“To top it off, my other sibling, who’s childfree, said, “Maybe this is good for you—you could probably use a break.” Great advice from someone who’s never had to juggle parenting while trying to stay connected to family.”

Now the mum wants to know if she’s in the wrong for refusing to attend the gatherings and calling her sister out.

“I feel like I’m being forced to choose between being part of my family or being a parent.”

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