AITA for not allowing my kids to go on a Disney trip?
My husband and I have three children ages 10, 8 and 6. We live in Oklahoma and from a financial perspective qualify for and utilize most of the low income benefits available to us. My kids rely on donations from the church for “back to school” necessities, and are part of the adopt-an-angel program at Christmas time.
My husband’s father is well off. Years ago, he gifted us the down payment for our small home as this is one thing he’s offered all of his children, but otherwise is not THAT well off to provide any other kind of monetary assistance.
They have a respectful relationship, but probably only talk on the phone twice a year. It’s also important to note that we live in an entirely different state that is a plane ride away (not easily drivable).
My FIL is not married to my husband’s mother, and after they divorced when my husband was in high school, he remarried and had another child (my husband’s half sibling) with his new wife. My husband has never really shared his feelings on the matter and seems otherwise neutral.
Last Thanksgiving, my FIL called and said his wife and him would love to take “their” grandkids to Disneyland at any point over their Christmas break since they are all now school aged. He offered to pay for their airline tickets as well as all the costs associated with the trip. My husband let him know that we would discuss.
While I have no concerns about my kids traveling and spending the time with their grandpa and his wife, this is not something that my husband and I would ever be able to offer our children. Heck, I’ve never even been to a Disney park myself! I can’t fathom the thought of my children making these magical memories without me.
I shared this with my husband and he simply agreed without really adding any of his own thoughts or emotions, and called his dad back and declined his offer. I shared this all with a close girlfriend who was horrified and said she couldn’t believe I would “rob” my children of such a rare and fortunate opportunity. AITA for not allowing my kids to go on a Disney trip?