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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think parents use “I’d die for my kids” as a way to cover the fact they often don’t actually live for them?

37 replies

WryAmberBee · 16/09/2025 21:41

It’s dramatic to say you’d die for your child but AIBU to think it’s more impressive to live for them - be present, patient and consistent, which many parents don’t manage?

OP posts:
OnlyMabelInTheBuilding · 16/09/2025 21:54

What now?

ScrambledEggs12 · 16/09/2025 21:53

It's not something I can imagine saying myself. I can't imagine many (at least not likely ones) situations where me dying would be helpful for my children....

Original poster
WryAmberBee · 16/09/2025 21:50

Kdubs1981 · 16/09/2025 21:45

Would you not die for your kids then OP?

I meant that living for them day to day is the harder part, dying for them is hypothetical but showing up consistently is real.

OP posts:
idontlikefruitpastilles · 16/09/2025 21:49

Yes I agree. In my previous work I spoke to many men who said that, but they wouldn't help with homework, brush their teeth, take them to clubs, read at bedtime, pay child support. They wanted 1 opportunity to "be a hero" instead of putting in the constant boring grind.

DorothyStorm · 16/09/2025 21:49

I know what you mean op. Ive seen people post this on social media and think, you dont even take them to hobbies they might like. They are accessories.

it is a dramatic meaningless statement.

Rainbowqueeen · 16/09/2025 21:47

The only people I know who say things like this are dads who live apart from their DC and do the minimum. Take lots of photos though.

Matildatoldsuchdreadfullies · 16/09/2025 21:47

I think it's easy to say (and mean) that you'd die for your child.

It's much harder to give up the small things, e.g., a quiet cappuccino on a day out.

blandana · 16/09/2025 21:46

You can live for your kids and die for them too.

DinaofCloud9 · 16/09/2025 21:46

I think you're overthinking a meaningless statement.

Shortdaysalready · 16/09/2025 21:45

It's a meaningless ridiculous saying OP.

Kdubs1981 · 16/09/2025 21:45

Would you not die for your kids then OP?

BluePeril · 16/09/2025 21:42

Why don’t you get a life?