Caught between love for her family and the sting of being unseen, she faced a heartbreaking choice. Her parents justified their actions as necessary to keep peace and manage their limited resources, but to her, it felt like her dreams were being trampled in favor of others’ needs. In that moment, the bitter truth settled in: sometimes, growing up means confronting the painful imbalance of sacrifice and recognition within the walls meant to protect you.
I (soon 16f) don’t get to celebrate my birthday every-year because my parents can’t afford it. I got myself a summer job months ago and saved money for my “sweet 16” birthday since my parents won’t be doing anything for me this year either.
My birthday is next week. Yesterday I discovered that mom searched my room and took the 120$ I saved and hid under my bed like she always does. I called her and she said she was keeping it safe and we’ll talk after she get home since she and dad and my autistic 14yo sister were out.
I waited til they got back and my sister started yelling cheerfully telling me to look at the new sneakers my parents got her. I asked mom for my money but she said she spent it on new sneakers for my sister.
I was like what???
Conclusion
The original poster (OP) is facing a painful situation where personal savings, accumulated through hard work for a significant milestone birthday, were taken and spent without permission on a sibling. The central conflict is the parents’ decision to prioritize the immediate needs and emotional regulation of the younger sister over respecting the OP’s earned property and autonomy, leading to a severe escalation when the OP confronted them.
Was the OP justified in using strong language when confronting parents who took and spent their saved money, or did this cross a necessary line of respect for parental authority? The core question remains whether the parents’ alleged necessity in preventing a meltdown outweighs their violation of the OP’s right to their own earned funds and birthday plans.
Here’s how people reacted:
If they don’t, you have proof they stole it, proof of where it went, proof of how they treat you, and etc. You can call the police, (and CPS,) to get THEM to sort it out. People are going to be screaming under this comment “but then she’ll be taken away!!” and “but then they’ll just take it out on her!!’ but they won’t. They won’t lift a finger against you because CPS and the police are breathing down their necks.
You should also take those screenshots and post them on FB so your whole family can shit on them for being such crappy parents. As well as make sure to record their treatment of you (don’t let them see the phone.) Your sister isn’t safe in this environment even if they treat her like a queen. You would be surprised how well the authorities can/will handle this situation. And even more surprised how quickly your own family, if presented the evidence right, will flip shit on your parents.
You are also old enough to emancipate yourself from your parents. You should find someone else to stay with, someone you trust to tell all of this to.
I’m just a personal fan of “airing out the dirty laundry”, because on the outside, people see drama, but really they always look past the cry for help and label those people “spoiled” and “trashy”.
Happy late birthday u/Deerzy1986 I hope you get REAL help. I’m sure that after 16 years of their BS, you’ll make the right choices for you.
A. Do you have Aunts/Uncles/Grandparents you can Stay with?
B. A Little Friend Called Emancipation (Child Emacipation)
C. Press Charges (They Might Kick you Out for this One)
Some More About Emancipation (Child Emancipation)
You must be 14 years old, or older.
You must be willing to live apart from your parents with their consent. (This May be Overlooked if the Court Feels you are In Danger, Refering to the “Father” and the Aggressive/Dangerous Behavier)
You must be managing your own financial affairs.
Your income must be from a legal source.
Emancipation must be in your best interests.
You should be in school.
(Here’s the video, your story is the very first one https://youtu.be/zk_HjSXmx9s)
Also, as an autistic person, your dad sounds like a bastard. Looking out for his autistic daughter till someone challenged his fucking ego, and then having a screaming match? Can’t imagine she was fond of that turn of events.
You parents sound awful . You should tell your other family members about this or maybe even the police since they stole from you