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The original was posted on /r/AmItheAsshole by /u/aitah-throwaway234 on 2023-07-27 15:13:55.
My son “Colin” recently turned 20. He’s my youngest kid, I have two older kids from an ex-wife (they’re 32 and 35, respectively). He’s been doing some catching up with them and I guess they’ve been telling him stuff about what they did during their childhood/teen years.
I took him out for beers the other day and out of the blue he starts complaining that I’m some type of dickhead for homeschooling him. That compared to his older siblings his childhood was shit and that thanks to me he has no friends and no social circle. It is true that I sent his older siblings to a private catholic school (I’m not religious but I do think there are higher standards of education there), but that’s because I could afford it then. Times had changed by the time I had Colin.
I don’t get what he’s complaining about. He always seemed so happy as a kid. It’s not like he was stuck inside all day either, we played sports and stuff like that. He had way more free time than regular kids, and he got a way better education, too (my wife is a certified teacher). I understand maybe he should’ve been around more other kids but all he had to do was ask and I would’ve arranged it in a heartbeat. But he always seemed happy, like I said.
I told him he needs to stop comparing himself to other people and just be grateful for the wonderful life he’s had the opportunity to live. He got all sarcastic and moody, said his life was/is horrible and there’s nothing to look forward to.
He wanted me to “admit” the homeschooling was a bad idea. But in my heart of hearts I know it was the right thing to do so I couldn’t agree with him. He got really drunk and weirdly silent, and has been in a funk for the past few days, very unlike his normal self.
I get that he’s upset with me, but I don’t think I should lie and say I agree with him about the homeschooling when I actually don’t. AITA for not backing down?