Internet Defends Uncle for Giving Teen $1,000 Despite Parents' Wishes

One generous uncle drew the support of thousands after revealing how—and why—he slyly gave his 17-year-old nephew $1,000.

In a viral Reddit post published on r/AmITheA**hole, Redditor u/Dangerous-Work6020 (otherwise referred to as the original poster, or OP) lamented over his nephew's misfortune and detailed his attempt to turn the tides in the teenager's favor.

Titled, "[Am I the a**hole] for giving my nephew $1,000?" the post has received nearly 8,000 upvotes and 500 comments in the last day.

"My...nephew got the short end of the stick," OP began. "He's the oldest kid in his family and his mom and dad (my brother) force him to be his younger brothers' caretaker."

Continuing to explain that his nephew "doesn't have anything of his own and has to share everything," the original poster said that when the 17-year-old attempted to secure a summer job, he was immediately shut down.

"His parents punked him on it because they can't afford camp for the younger kids," OP wrote. "He was really upset over it."

The original poster also said it was at this moment that he knew he had to step in.

"I'm just a single guy and do well financially," OP wrote. "I asked him if he wanted to make me a cake and lasagna (he likes to cook) and I'd pay him."

"He did a pretty good job and I paid him $1,000," OP continued. "I was just looking for an excuse to give him money."

"Later, his parents told me I shouldn't shive a [17-year-old] $1,000 in cash and that was irresponsible," OP added. "They asked me what he was going to buy and I said whatever he wanted."

As families across the United States weather record inflation rates and a rapidly rising cost of living, parents have been forced to slash many items and services from household budgets, including summertime childcare programs.

Last year, the American Camp Association reported that the average cost of summer camp in the U.S. was $76 per day for daytime programs and $172 per day for overnight programs.

This year, those figures have skyrocketed, jumping to $178.49 and $448.53.

To combat rising camp costs, some parents have looked to their older children as viable replacements, sticking teenagers with younger kids for the duration of their summer vacation.

But while relying on an older brother or sister for childcare is cost effective, the lasting impacts can be startling.

When children are "parentified" by their own parents, they often hold onto similar responsibilities long into adulthood, according to Psychology Today.

"Kids that were parentified often need inner child work," Psychology Today contributor Whitney Goodman asserts. "They usually struggle with having fun and are easily pulled into the caretaker role.

"Their worth is often tied directly to what they can provide for others," Goodman adds. "Structure typically feels safer to them than play or improvisation."

Despite the long-term effects of children taking care of children, however, research published by the American Psychological Association shows that roughly 1.4 million kids between 8 and 18 serve as caregivers for their siblings.

Responding to the viral Reddit post, Redditors acknowledged the dangers involved with pushing children into parental roles and called out the original poster's brother and sister-in-law for taking advantage of their 17-year-old son.

"They don't want him to [be] able to be independent because they would lose their free babysitter when he turns 18," Redditor u/NikkeiReigns wrote in the post's top comment, which has received more than 16,500 upvotes.

"Have a talk with his parents about the fact that parentification is child abuse," Redditor u/MariaInconnu added. "And preventing him from working could constitute financial abuse."

Redditor u/LouisV25, whose response has received more than 4,000 upvotes, also commented on the financial implications of the viral post.

"[Not the a**hole]," they wrote. "It's your money. You could take him to a bank and open a custodial account. It would be in his name [and] you would be the adult that controls it.

"That's a good way to help him manage money and escape the parentification," they added.

In a separate comment, which has received more than 1,500 upvotes, Redditor u/SagaciousSagi echoed that sentiment, but with an additional warning and piece of advice for the original poster.

"Make sure his parents don't steal that money," they wrote. "[Not the a**hole], but be wary of giving so much in cash.

"If he wants anything specific, give that instead," they added.

Newsweek reached out to u/Dangerous-Work6020 for comment.