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AITA for going out of town for a concert while my daughter is sick

· 3 min read

Picture this: You’ve been counting down to a Papa Roach concert for six months, the tickets are in your wallet, the hotel room is booked, and the only thing missing is a good pair of headphones. Suddenly, your 10‑year‑old starts coughing, has a “slight fever,” and refuses to eat her lunch. You’re at home, working from the couch, and she’s your only reason to stay put. You’ve got a split‑custody schedule that’s practically a well‑orchestrated relay race—she’s at her dad’s on Fridays, you pick her up the next Sunday for horseback riding, and the summer is a whirlwind of family adventures.

Enter the villain: the other parent, who apparently thinks you’re a “selfish bitch” for dropping her off at his house while you’re headed to a concert. He claims you’re the one who should keep her at home “until she’s feeling better.” Oh, and he’s already had her at his place last weekend, so the risk of transmission is practically zero.

So the big question: Is the mom an AITA for ditching her sick kid to rock out?

The “I’m Going to the Concert” Argument (Because My Life Is More Important Than a Mild Cough)​

  1. Ticket Takedown – “I bought a ticket 6 months ago. It’s non‑refundable.”
    We all know that’s the most emotional justification for anything these days.

  2. Non‑Sick‑Kid‑Allowed – “She’s feeling better.”
    Sure, she’s on a 10‑point scale of “mildly uncomfortable.” How could you possibly be responsible?

  3. Dad’s “Selfish” Label – “He called me a selfish bitch.”
    And he’s the one who can’t handle a little cold? What’s next, a broken heart?

The “Dad’s the One Who Should Be the One” Argument (Because He’s the One Who Has to Decide)​

  1. Split Custody – “I’m the one who picks her up on Sundays.”
    But wait, he’s got her on Fridays, so why should he be the one to keep her at home?

  2. Risk Assessment – “She was already at his house.”
    Yes, but your mom is the one who’s going to the concert, so the exposure is you and your audience, not him.

  3. Responsibility – “He’s the one who can’t be bothered to care for a sick child.”
    Because apparently the “parenting time” is a one‑way ticket to the good life.

The “Let’s Get This Straight, We’re All Adults” Perspective (Because Who’s the Real Adult Here?)​

  1. Parenting Time – “His time is his parenting time.”
    That’s true, but it doesn’t mean he can’t take the kid when she’s sick.

  2. Concert vs. Child – “Don’t you think the kid is more important than a concert?”
    You’re right. The kid is more important than the 20‑minute encore.

  3. Communication – “Make it a condition in your custody agreement to discuss everything in writing.”
    That’s good, but it doesn’t fix the fact that the kid is still sick.

TL;DR​

You’re the mom, you’re a dad’s “selfish bitch,” and you’re about to rock out to Papa Roach while your daughter coughs up a storm. The dad’s got his own “not caring about a mild cold” attitude, the kids’ schedule is a relay, and the only thing you’re missing is a good headphone. Bottom line: AITA? Probably, unless you can convince the universe that a 10‑year‑old with a “slight fever” is exactly the same as a 30‑year‑old with a “slight cough.”

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute parenting advice. The real recommendation? Call the doctor, stay home, and let your daughter know you’re still the best mom—maybe with a surprise pizza delivery.