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AIBU?

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Original poster

Nothing from teens

256 replies

Rebecca7300 · 27/12/2025 16:02

I’m hurt that my 3 teens - 13, 16 & 17 didn’t get me a single thing for Christmas. No Christmas card, no chocolate bar. I put in a lot of effort for Christmas and do it all by myself & I just feel so under appreciated. They all get pocket money & live near shops. My husband got me some earrings that I knew about because we chose them together but no surprises, no card. I just feel very sad. Is it normal that teens just ignore you at this age? I’m really finding these teenage years very, very difficult.

OP posts:
Rosealea · 27/12/2025 16:06

I have made it very clear to my kids since they were old enough to understand that I never want gifts or cards from them for anything. It is my pleasure to be their mum and I'm not a selfish or greedy person so gifts or cards or anything at all are not required or expected.

I don't understand why parents expect their children to buy them things. It's pure greed and selfishness

Giddykiddy · 27/12/2025 16:06

That's bloody awful - i'd be telling them in no uncertain terms

Imaginingdragonsagain · 27/12/2025 16:05

Did you remind them to get anything for your dh?

Ilovelifeverymuch · 27/12/2025 16:05

Teenagers cns be selfish but it's also important to teach them to be considerate and in this situation I would speak to them to let them know you feel and how their actions were not nice.

And this is not just for future Christmas with you but also teaches them how to treat future partners.

Having said that, it doesn't look like your DH made much effort tbh given he only got you earrings that you picked together.

Imaginingdragonsagain · 27/12/2025 16:04

Is this unusual behaviour for them? Did your dh remind them that they should do something for you? The oldest ones shouldn’t have needed reminding but the 13 year old probably. If all your dh got you was earrings that you had chosen that suggests surprise presents aren’t a big deal to your family?

Onelifeonly · 27/12/2025 16:03

I used to get my husband to jog their memories.....

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