I am 16F and my dad passed away last year. My parents were divorced before that, and they used to split custody. My mom has been remarried to my stepdad for years.
My baby sister recently turned 1 and my mom is 5 months pregnant with a baby boy. The issue started when my sister began teething at the beginning of summer break. My mom would leave her crying alone in the nursery, saying it is something all babies go through. My sister’s cries were loud and heartbreaking. I couldn’t just sit there, so I did pick her up, soothe her and let her chew on her fingers. I even tried a cucumber after seeing it help a teething baby on TikTok and it worked like magic.
I thought teething only happened once, but I was wrong. Comforting my sister became a routine. My mom didn’t care as long as she was not crying and I enjoyed spending time with her. Even though I had a part-time job and hung out with friend I always cared for her when I was home.
Over time, my sister grew very attached to me. She’d reach for me the moment she saw me and calm down in my arms. She even refused to sleep for my mom but would cuddle into me and fall asleep easily.
Things came to a head at my sister’s first birthday party. She wouldn’t let my mom hold her for pictures or the cake cutting, clinging to me instead. My grandma joked that my sister and I were like Siamese twins, which I thought was funny, but my mom was furious. She accused me of confusing my sister into thinking I’m her mom and told me to back off.
But what am I supposed to do? Ignore her cries or pretend I don’t hear her babbling for me? I never push my mom away or try to take over. I just respond when my sister needs comfort especially when my mom is busy, napping, or in the bathroom.
AITA for being there for my baby sister when she needed comfort?
Your sister prefers you because you are the one who has consistently provided comfort, love, and care when she was in pain. Your mom might be feeling insecure or guilty because you’ve naturally stepped into a caregiving role she didn’t fully take on. Don’t stop being there for your sister. You’re helping her more than you realize.
I just want to clarify that my mom didn’t completely ignore her. When my sister was teething, she said there wasn’t much she could do because it’s something all babies go through.
Even if teething is inevitable, comforting a baby still matters. Parents have been helping their children through teething forever. Even if the pain can’t be stopped, having someone there to provide love and comfort makes a huge difference. Leaving a baby to cry alone can cause emotional harm in the long run. You stepping up really helped your sister feel safe and cared for.
Final Thoughts:
You’ve clearly shown kindness and emotional maturity beyond your age. Your actions stemmed from compassion, not an attempt to replace your mother. That said, the situation might benefit from open communication with your mom. Express that your intention was never to confuse your sister but to care for her when she was in pain. Encourage your mom to engage more with your sister so that the bond they share can grow naturally. This could reduce future tensions and help everyone involved.