Mom moves into sister's house with iPad kids, gets annoyed when she limits screentime and gives them routine: 'I send them to bed at 8 PM'

Author image for Ally Perry
Ally Perry • Writer and Editor
May 14, 2026 7:45 PM EDT

Few people enjoy being told how to parent, but sometimes interventions are necessary.

Sadly, many parents seem to think the task of parenting begins and ends with producing the kids. Anyone who has observed how children work knows that this couldn't be further from the truth: it is a full-time job parenting kids who are likely to grow up into pleasant and well-adjusted adults (and even some of the less well-adjusted ones).

One of the more annoying things about parenting is dealing with other people judging your parenting skills, especially when you are struggling. However, there are times when it is pretty much justified. Also, if that judgment is combined with a successful attempt at help, what is there to complain about? Not a lot of non-parents are willing to step up and make a parent's life easier without a price tag attached. 

Coming to terms with the fact you have not been doing some things right as a parent can be a tough pill to swallow, not least if it is somebody else pointing it out to you. Even if they're nice about it, there is every chance it will trigger some deeply-held inadequacies. It can become a very awkward situation.

Advertisement
  • A boy and a girl sit on cushions by a bed, playing on their phones
    via Andrej Lišakov (Unsplash+)

    A boy and a girl sit on cushions by a bed, playing on their phones

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • In this story, a mom and her kids moved in with her childless sister. The aunt was dismayed to see that the children had a lot of screentime and went to bed late, which had a negative impact on their health and behavior. She suggested to the mom that they needed a change, but she disagreed.

    In response, the aunt decided to enforce earlier bedtimes and give the kids other activities to do that didn't involve screens. She immediately saw their well-being improve—but her sister was angry that she had begun parenting them without her permission. With the wider family agreeing, the aunt wondered if she had done something wrong.

  • Am I wrong for giving her kids a routine? I’m not a parent…

    My sister and her kids recently moved in with me. Her kids are screen kids & her 12yr old had dark circles under her eyes. The others are extremely emotional/sluggish. They're on their devices the entire day and my sister sends them to bed at 11pm. I told her that she needs to give them a routine/hobbies and send them to bed earlier since school starts 7:30am.
    via Nottybarbie
  • She told me they're fine but clearly they're not. She's been going out more/working so I've been home with the kids. I limited their screen time, bought art supplies(little one loves them), sent the 12yr old on 10min walks around the building with music(
    via Nottybarbie
  • A preteen girl sits on a bed reading a book, with her brother sitting on an office chair beside her
    via Andrej Lišakov (Unsplash+)

    A preteen girl sits on a bed reading a book, with her brother sitting on an office chair beside her

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • she's been walking 20+min by choice now) and I don't feed them that processed trash my sis buys. I send them to bed at 8, 12yr old @9/9:30.
    via Nottybarbie
  • My sis witnessed this last night and told me that her kids will go to bed at 11pm bc 8pm doesn't work for them. Sorry but it has been working for over a week now & I told her that. She's upset and told the family. They want
    via Nottybarbie
  • me to apologize for overstepping a boundary and not understanding "parenting." I don't think I attacked her parenting. I felt like I was coming from a good place...AITA for going over her head?
    via Nottybarbie
  • A girl lies on a small skateboard and a boy lies with his arms outstretched on top of a rug
    via Andrej Lišakov (Unsplash+)

    A girl lies on a small skateboard and a boy lies with his arms outstretched on top of a rug

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • thechaoticstorm You are "overstepping" but this is a situation where overstepping is sorely needed.
    via thechaoticstorm
  • If this has been going on for a week and she just now noticed, she is not a very attentive parent. Also, it is your house, and routines are important for shared spaces. You sound like an incredible loving aunt. Your sister should be embarrassed. NTA
    via thechaoticstorm
  • GloomChampion NTA. Yes, you're overstepping. Yes, you're parenting. But you're also doing what those kids need. Your sister is a lackluster parent who can't take care of her own children. She should be thanking you for doing for her kids what she can't.
    via GloomChampion
  • Bri64anBikeman Your house...your rules. Tell your sister she can raise walking screen zombies AFTER she moves out. And tell the rest of your family the same thing.
    via Bri64anBikeman
  • Nightlilly2021 It sounds like you're the one babysitting the kids while she's gone or she would know these things. Why is she complaining about receiving free childcare?
    via Nightlilly2021
  • buckylug Being a parent and parenting are two very different things. You can't undermine her "parenting" when she isn't doing any.
    via buckylug
  • Glum-Mulberry-9430 One of the times I'll agree w "my house my rules". It doesn't seem like she understands what parenting is and should be grateful you're showing her what it means. NTA
    via Glum-Mulberry-9430
  • ironchef8000 Overstepping a boundary? What is your family on about?! You're doing far more for these kids than their actual parent that wildly neglects them. NTA
    via ironchef8000
  • bullgod 1964 NTA. Your house, your rules. If the family is miffed then let them take her and her kids in.
    via bullgod1964
  • glurgyy NTA. Tell your sister to get her sh together
    via glurgyy
  • queenofthequeens Nta your sister is a bad parent.
    via queenofthequeens
  • MercuryJellyfish NTA. Also, hit your parents with the old "When they're living under my roof..." line, that's always fun.
    via MercuryJellyfish

Want More? Follow Us and Add Us as a Preferred Source on Google.

Tags

family drama ipad kids routine screen time parenting aunt family mom
Scroll Down For The Next Article