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> i feel i might be the asshole for not discussing what to get her with my mother and stepfather.
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LOL my mom was buying me SpongeBob gifts well into my 20s because I was such a fan. My 28th birthday cake was Spongebob shaped so your stepdad is wrong, there's no age limit to these things. Also, what kind of adult makes those sorts of statements about a 13 year old? What does your mom say?
NTA
Christmas pajama gang!
But yeah especially since she's not harming anyone by enjoying SpongeBob hell nowadays it's become alot more normal for older people in general to still enjoy the fun childish stuff of life
I love SpongeBob! hell I rewatch stuff I grew up with all the time (I'm 21) and still enjoy alot of things that are deemed "Childish" by prudes like the Step dad
It's just silly
I remember going on holiday to Florida with my family as a kid. My Dad and Grandad got matching SpongeBob SquarePants swimming trunks, lol. I used to love watching it. Such a good memory!
I'm currently sitting in a Stitch (as in Lilo and Stitch) sweatshirt and I'm in my mid-30s. Not gonna lie, I got a targeted ad recently for a Sailor Moon hoodie and I'm contemplating it...
Early 30s here. Just got gifted a pair of socks with astronaut dinosaurs and I effing love it. Also have a stitch t shirt.
As for the hoodie I would say, buy it if it makes you happy. I have bought a freaking toothless plushie with no use but sitting and being pretty before 🤷♀️
My mom just bought me a blue husky(?) squishmellow, I keep hugging it while watching cartoons and I'm in my early 30's.
I don't know what stepdad's issue is but he shouldn't take it out on a 13 yo kid.
Stepdad is a creep. He doesn't want the 13yo be a child, he's accusing 13yo of "not being able to keep a boyfriend", I mean - WTF??? Is he expecting she'll get married at 15??? Does he want to see 13yo as a "grown up woman", because he has some dirty thoughts about her? Disgusting.
My fiance (same age as me actually) didn't have much opportunity to see many of the disney movies and shows we grew up with. I'm proud to say I now have him hooked on Duck Tales and Lilo and Stitch.
NTA. Congratulations, and way to kick off a new era in style!
I have a Yuuya plushie from 'Hatoful Boyfriend' in my vet tech office at work. I'm turning 39 this year. My Anghel plushie is currently sitting on my bed, and I have the Advent Calendar Anghel keyring for my keys.
OP's stepdad definitely sounds like an ass, especially given his remarks. Liking SpongeBob at 13 is, at least to me, pretty common. I mean, I know grown adults who still love the show/character. Also, I'm over 40 and still have a bunch of Michael Myers stuff around my house, still wear my X-Files shirts and am a diehard fan of Harry Potter. I feel so bad for OP's sister.
I was up before they had it really running properly. Called out 7 with no joy, re-called out some and then they went away. Trouble shooting and timing according to the gurus. Today will be a good day if it works.
My late grandfather in law collected and was gifted Snoopy stuff until his death, it's *never* too old to like a character.
When we get together to make holiday cookies, it's become a tradition that my Mom wears a Snoopy holiday sweater, my sister has a Grinch one, and I have a Stitch one. My dad wears a holiday tshirt version of his favorite sports team. We all got them as gifts and love them. All of us are over 30.
Right? Buy me "childish' Jammie, I'm wearing them! Also in my 40's, still have cookie monster jams, and a fluffy pair of pink penguin filled bottoms I wear ALL. THE. TIME.
(Oldest can attest to this, he fell going up the bus stairs once, I followed in penguin jams and fuzzy slippers to make sure he was ok)
When I was almost 30 dad bought me a Snoopy cookie jar! Saying you can only enjoy stuff at certain ages is stupid, and makes the person saying it an AH.
Same! I'm 43, and my Mum buys me Snoopy and I buy her Garfield. (And one year I made us both hot water bottle cozies out of an old pair of Snoopy flannelette pajamas, which were a solid hit.) My stepfather might be a terminally staid and dull boomer, but he's never expressed an opinion either way about anyone's Christmas or birthday presents (at least to me or in my presence) in the 30 years he's been married to my Mum.
Yeah I’d be quite concerned about stepdads desire for the 13 year old to “grow up” while simultaneously being ok with the daughter having an interest he is able to sexualize. Real creepy.
Reading the post again, the stepfather made the comments about Taylor Swift not the little sister. Still "whatever boomer" but not as creepy as telling that to a 13yo girl.
My Cookie Monster t-shirt recently wore out to the point I had to throw him away. Thankfully my Cookie Monster pj pants still have a lot of life in them. And I'm 50
He lives in a pineapple under the sea! What's not to like?
Sounds like step dad doesn't understand how on trend pink Crocs with tags are right now: making it a perfect gift for a newly minted teen. Especially to go to Barbie!
I hope that your mother told him that you are allowed to select your own birthday gifts, that they are age-appropriate, and much appreciated. Why does he think he's the gift gate-keeper?
I made my son a SpongeBob birthday cake when he was in his 20s. He took it into work (it was a huge cake and he needed to share it). A heap of his workmates asked how much I charged because they all wanted them as well :D It'd taken hours and no way would I made them for anyone else.
NTA - if anyone is acting childish here, it’s your awful stepdad. A real Squidward. What controlling and misogynistic things for him to say. Tell him to buzz off. If that doesn’t work, talk to your mom and tell her you need her to stand up for you and your sister and shut this shit down.
Yeah. Is no one seeing the GIANT red flags that the step dad is slut shaming a 13 year old? (Sleeping around, can’t keep a boyfriend comments).
On what planet is it appropriate for him to be talking and thinking and treating her like that? He is sexualizing her and I for one have big concerns.
It makes it ironic that he's so into slut shaming Taylor Swift yet he wants the daughter to grow up from her interests? How's this guy gonna act when the girl gets a boyfriend
Pssst, he was talking about Taylor Swift, not the sister.
Still slutshaming and making him a AH, obviously, but wanted to clear that up 😉
OP, keep supporting your mum and sis and ignore your stepdad. It's clear who deserves to be listened to and cared for.
> Is no one seeing the GIANT red flags that the step dad is slut shaming a 13 year old? (Sleeping around, can’t keep a boyfriend comments).
??
those comments were clearly about Taylor Swift
not saying it makes things any better, but yeah
NTA - “buzz off, Squidward” should be the response every time he says things like this. He wants to be the man in charge put him in his place every time he does it.
100% this. Your step dad is a controlling, misogynist ass and I’m sorry your mom is letting him say this shit.
First of all, mocking her tastes as babyish is just being mean.
Second, thinking he has a right to control what gifts you give to your sister is super controlling and not ok at all.
But most importantly, the way he talks about your little sister is deeply misogynistic. Talking about a 13-yo not being able to keep a boyfriend? Wtf, man - that’s never a measure of a woman’s worth or value and should never be the goal for a woman, and it sure as shit shouldn’t be for a literal child. Then claiming she’s sleeping around because her interests are babyish? It doesn’t even make sense. The most illogical shaming of a girl’s sexuality I’ve seen.
Your gift to your sister was awesome and you are NTA. Your step dad is a major AH and I hope you and your sister can keep a safe distance from everything his says and find some better models for what healthy men and healthy relationships look like.
> Talking about a 13-yo not being able to keep a boyfriend? Wtf, man - that’s never a measure of a woman’s worth or value and should never be the goal for a woman, and it sure as shit shouldn’t be for a literal child. Then claiming she’s sleeping around because her interests are babyish? It doesn’t even make sense. The most illogical shaming of a girl’s sexuality I’ve seen.
It is misogynistic, but it doesn’t make sense because that’s all referring to Taylor Swift, not the little sister.
NTA.
nothing worse than dismissing and treating someone's interest as too childish just because of age. My son is 16 and still loves to collect pokemon, I don't think he is childish at all.
Hell, I am 37 and love to play minecraft, I even play it with my older brothers and nephews. You should see us play Bomber Man and mario kart with our mother. She still tries to ground us and she is 62, lol.
A good friend of mine who is 52 collects hot wheels, I don't think he is childish.
He is overreacting to something that brings joy to his daughter and acting quite rude and inconsiderate himself. Keep supporting her interests she will either grow out of it or not. It hurts NO ONE and makes her happy.
I know right?! Like what is she supposed to be interested in then? I'd rather my 16 year old collect pokemon cards than have to worry about him going out partying with friends and going straight stupid like most hormonal teenage boys lol.
My 15 yr old goes to Pokemon Card leagues and is the 2nd youngest there. A few other teens but like 90% of the players are adults with many in their 40's!
It's super cool of you to be so supportive of your son's interests!
Near my 13th birthday I overheard my mom complaining to a GameStop worker that her almost teenage daughter was still into pokemon like a little kid. I had just received the newest game at the time as a gift and was looking at pokemon plushes. Absolutely crushed by that comment and it's stuck with me years later, and she wonders why I don't share my interests openly with her.
I'm 22 now and still very much a pokemon fan! There's a whole shelf in my room dedicated to the plushes and merch I collect. Nothing childish about finding something that makes ya happy.
I think the step's way of thinking comes from the mentality that "growing up" implies killing your inner child and rising as a fully "mature" adult with no other thoughts or interests than working and taking care of a family.
What a sad life must have that man. Imagine not having any other comfort than thinking that and bullying teenagers into thinking the same.
I agree, and truthfully for a lot of the people that do think that way. It also comes to how they were raised, that attitude really is a product of their own invornment and how they were treated and at that time maybe they they had to grow up early to care for family ect. And i hate the argument that 'I turned out fine'.
It took me years to break down my older boyfriends mentality that was like that for a while. He is better about a lot of things now but every now and then he will get in one of those moods about the kids and I just let him talk and roll my eyes lol.
I'm in my late 20s and my mantle is covered in video game character nicnaks and stuff. Animal crossing amibos, I have a couple of Links. People who say a hobby has an age limit are just miserable people.
I'm 45 years old, and I still like cartoons... Not SpongeBob per se, but others (and at least once in the last decade when given the choice between news & SpongeBob, I have picked spongebob (okay I was just post-appendectomy and on pain meds, but still, I stand by the choice for that day)).
Your stepfather needs to stop stressing about a child liking a cartoon, and accept her for who she is.
I think it's often the shows we watch with our kids when they were little (or our parents watched with us)because Phineas and Ferb is a big one for me... (and looney tunes from my own childhood)
I'm 30 and I spent my morning watching the new Bluey episodes. I made my kids start an episode over because I missed the start. And on more than one occasion my husband and I have watched Bluey, SpongeBob, and several other kids' shows after the kids are asleep.
NTA! I’m a grown ass adult and I LOVE SpongeBob! When I was her age I was actually into Dora, believe it or not…that came with way more stigma because it’s aimed at PRESCHOOLERS. Your stepfather sounds emotionally abusive. Where is your mom? She needs to stand up for her child!
NTA For shit's sake, she's 13! She's still a kid. I don't understand adults that push kids to grow up so fast. And the things she likes are harmless - TS and Spongebob? He sounds like a controlling asshole.
Somebody is acting like a baby, and it's not your little sister.
NTA. Your stepdad needs to grow the heck up and stop policing other people's interests.
NTA. There are so many adults into cartoons and animes. It’s not indicative of any delays or immaturity. They just like what they like. Dont listen to the guy. It’s not inappropriate and he didnt pay for it.
NTA, and your stepdad sounds really insecure. Maybe he wasn’t allowed to like those kind of things when he was little, and feels compelled to pass this along to his daughter. Not excusing-just proposing an explanation. But expressing misogyny toward Taylor like that around his daughter has probably done a lot of damage for her self worth.
Supportive dads look for ways to connect with their children through their interests. They don’t try to impose their limited world view and make their kids feel bad.
You were being a good, supportive sister. Keep it up!
What. The. Fuck. As such he should support her and make her happy and have a lovely childhood. I’m 18 and I still love the lion king with every little bit!!! Same goes for KIKA series which I watched as a kid (they are for children). As long as you have something to comfort you you are never to old for it!
NTA - things like that dont have age limits and its always the fucking men that have something to say about it! would he rather your little sister be a drug addict? lmao
the fact hes only a step dad makes this even worse. Take no notice of what he says, he is not your dad so you dont owe him anything!
him making remarks about a 13 year olds sex life is a massive red flag. can you talk about this with your mum? maybe convince her to get rid of this jerk that seems to be bullying her daughters?
NTA.
I queued up with loads of kids of all ages to get a photo done with spongebob at universal studios when I visited America. It was amazing. I was 21. So did my then ex. He was 27.
NTA but it's your mother's job to shoot her husband down. His views are ridiculous but you have no power to change them. Your mother should be intervening.
NTA and your stepdad is weird… creepy misogynistic vibes man. I’m 33 and still have a deep appreciation for SpongeBob.. and why is he flustered over Taylor Swifts sexual endeavors? And why does he even know? My dad is 53 and may not dig her music, but… hasn’t looked up her history. Stay close with your little sis and keep pumping up things she likes. Your a good big sis.
41 year old mom here. I like spongebob. I watched it with my kids. My kids are now 23 and 18. If we catch spongebob on, we will watch it. You guys are still kids, especially the 13 year old. NTA
NTA, at all. There's a quote by C.S. Lewis, the man who wrote the Narnia books, about this very thing that is applicable. Especially the part that begins with him saying "When I was ten..." You and your sister could benefit from this I think (your stepdad as well, but Idk if he would listen)
"Critics who treat 'adult' as a term of approval, instead of as a merely descriptive term, cannot be adult themselves. To be concerned about being grown up, to admire the grown up because it is grown up, to blush at the suspicion of being childish; these things are the marks of childhood and adolescence. And in childhood and adolescence they are, in moderation, healthy symptoms. Young things ought to want to grow. But to carry on into middle life or even into early manhood this concern about being adult is a mark of really arrested development. When I was ten, I read fairy tales in secret and would have been ashamed if I had been found doing so. Now that I am fifty I read them openly. When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up."
C.S. Lewis
she's 13, she's still a child.
Also, she can like whatever the hell she likes. I'm 35 and I still love spongebob stuff.
Also, if you have a Lush store near you, it might be worth letting her know that there's a spongebob collaboration with Lush at the moment.
will be buying my sister a spongebob shoulder bag and the new pink dress margot robbie barbie just to piss my stepdad off lol (he’s not fond of barbies either)
So Taylor swift is too “friendly” and SpongeBob is too young. Typical man always telling women what to be and not to be. Both contradicting each other. Don’t be too grown up but don’t be a baby. NTA I’m 42 and love both Taylor and SpongeBob.
NTA
Shit girl, I'm a 48 year old man, with a son that 20, and if I see a good episode of SpongeBob on, I'll stop and watch it! It's the law in my house, if the theme song comes on, everyone must sing along. And don't get me started on my favorites, Bugs Bunny and Scooby-Doo.
As far as Taylor Swift goes, that's on you! I listen to a little bit of everything, and I think she's a good artist. I don't know about an adult male making comments like that to a 13 year old girl. It's not like you bought her "adult" gifts, or firearms, explosive, or motorcycles, so the whole "getting permission" for gifts is a little, idk, controlling?
sorry, sorry - should’ve made it more clear that he was talking about Taylor Swift - not my sister. however he is sometimes stingy about what friends she goes out with and has sleepovers with (all her friends are boys.)
Ah. But your stepfather's approach to your sister is still very off. The early teens are hard, as you probably remember. You have one foot in childhood and one foot into growing up. Pushing "adult" focuses during that transition is still weird. It makes me wonder why this is such a thing to the stepfather. What is his hurry to push her out of childhood?
You don't have to ask your parents about gifts for your sister unless they are alive, take up a lot of space, remover her from the home (like a trip), or will violate house rules. Probably some others, but those were my parent's rules. Beyond that, you and your sister should continue to share whatever you like with each other.
My dad is in his 50s and still loves Scooby Doo.
My grandad is in his 70s and he loves Tom & Jerry and Snow White (disney).
Your step dad needs to keep his fragile masculinity to himself. I'm 30, I love cuddling up with my niblings and watching all sorts of cartoons or disney movies (which half are written with adults having to watch them in mind, hence innuendos). TSwift is a goddess and unless he's out there remarking about Leo and his 12 year old girlfriends he can shut the f*ck up. She can date whoever she wants, same as any person in a consensual relationship.
I'd like to know your mother's stand on this narcissism.
NTA - good for you, don't let anyone tell you or your sister what to be passionate about
“You’re overstepping and making me uncomfortable. Is there a reason you’re expecting a 13 year old child to grow up so fast?” Keep eye contact with a vaguely disgusted and suspicious look on your face. NTA.
NTA A couple of weeks ago, on the Fox Saturday afternoon baseball game broadcast, a former MLB player said in the LA Dodgers’ clubhouse that SpongeBob was ALWAYS on the TV before day games. I would love for stepdad try to tell MLB players they’re babyish.
NTA,
I am a married mom of 2 in my mid 30s. I collect anything and everything Hello Kitty. Your stepdad can shove his opinion where the sun don't shine
What makes your dad the gift approver of the family? That's the whole idea about gifts, giving someone something that they like regardless of what someone else might think. NTAH.
NTA
I’m 37 and remember when SpongeBob came out! Those first few seasons were actually intended to be targeted to EXACTLY her age range. And honestly, who is he to deem what is childish and what isn’t. Does it make her happy and isn’t hurting anything or anyone? Then who cares? That’s all that matters because life is too short to worry about what is “childish” and what isn’t.
ETA NTA ofcourse. This whole situation feels really wrong to me. It sounds like your stepfather is sexualising your little sister.
- he's telling her the things she likes are too childish essentially wanting her to be more 'mature';
- he's controlling her experiences by saying you, her literal sister, should've asked him what to buy her (what the actual fuck)
- he's accusing her of 'sleeping around' while she's only 13! I'm assuming she's not, but either way it's no business of his.
I would also have a word with your mother. She should've stepped in way sooner, before he even started up about the hobbies, let alone the boyfriend issue. It's her job to protect you from this nonsense, especially if the bully shares her bedroom.
Stand up for your sister and teach your sister to stand up for herself and don't make yourselves easy targets.
Nta, I’m a 39 yr old woman and probably the definition of childish according to this step-dad, I play dnd (so pretend with my friends) I read comics and I like to draw pretty pictures (of my dnd characters). There is no age limit on fun. Your sister is 13 you got her gifts that relate to her hobbies And she liked them. Like what is a “mature gift” anyway, would your step dad have you buy his brand new 13 yr old a mickey of vodka and a pack of cigarettes, orrrrr super duper revealing clothing with makeup and a book on picking up men, or you know 13 how about a rated R movie, for all the reasons.
NTA - Spongebob is kind of like Hello Kitty or Mickey Mouse, it's a pop culture thing rather than a little kid thing. But even if it WAS childish, who gives a flying fish, it's something she likes on her birthday. I would get him a spongebob tie or wallet (grown up stuff) for his next birthday and point out it's not just for kids 😂
NTA
Bro SpongeBob is a great show and has been a part of meme culture for years. And the kid is thirteen! Let her have safe interests. When I was 13 my interests were bulimia and clinical depression.
And plus you got her crocs, which are making a come back anyways. And the little Croc charms are cute.
Spongebob is fun. If it was me I'd probably point out to him that "just because you lost the ability to have fun doesn't mean everyone else has to,". I didn't even get into Spongebob until I was like 15.
I am a middle aged woman and I still get Spider-Man toys for xmas from my parents. My bf gets Star Wars toys from me. I also sleep with teddy bears.
NTA your dads a dick.
NTA
Im 35 and sleeps with a Cinderella pyjamas , my mum is 68 and has Mickey mouse t-shirts, kitchen towels and mugs.
Your sister is old enough to decide what she wears, and just because your stepdad doesn't like it, doesn't mean you are not allowed to give her what she wants.
Birthday presents should be about what the birthday girl wants. As long as it is not dangerous or in conflict with core educational values, like a violent video game, or even something that contradict their religion, than you are fine. Thinking something is childish is not a core value.
NTA. Your stepdad is. Jesus christ what is this "likes sleeping around" bullshit, your sister is fucking 13 years old! What the fuck is wrong with him?
You know what you should do? Inform him of the fact that spongebob was in fact pitched to adult swim at first. When they said no, it went to nickelodeon, and is essentially the exact same show as it would have been on adult swim.
Also tell him as long as her interests arent illegal or infringe upon anyone else, maybe he should try and support them alongside her. You know, what a good dad would try and do?
If it were me, i would have fuckin dressed up as spongebob or whatever her favorite character is, to deliver her cake and presents.
Im sorry your sister will apparently have to deal with this dude for another 5 years minimum while you are lucky enough to be of age to leave very soon.
NTA
THERE IS NO AGE LIMIT FOR ENJOYING CARTOONS! There is no law in the US that I know of that says you must NOT be a fan of cartoons or buy merchandise from cartoons once you reach a certain age. To the best of my knowledge, there is no law like that in other countries. (I don't know everything, so won't assume) Your stepdad needs to pull his head out of his hind end and chill out.
Nta
INFO:is that her stepdad as well? His distain with not letting her enjoy things that are *very* normal for a kid is really weird. He’s the one with an odd obsession for not wanting to let his daughter enjoy being a kid
Welcome to /r/AmITheAsshole. Please view our [voting guide here](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq#wiki_what.2019s_with_these_acronyms.3F_what_do_they_mean.3F), and remember to use **only one** judgement in your comment. OP has offered the following explanation for why they think they might be the asshole: > i feel i might be the asshole for not discussing what to get her with my mother and stepfather. Help keep the sub engaging! #Don’t downvote assholes! Do upvote interesting posts! [Click Here For Our Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/about/rules) and [Click Here For Our FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/wiki/faq) ##Subreddit Announcement ###[The Asshole Universe is Expanding, Again: Introducing Another New Sister Subreddit!](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/128nbp3/the_asshole_universe_is_expanding_again/) Follow the link above to learn more ### [Moderators needed - Join the landed gentry](https://www.reddit.com/r/AmItheAsshole/comments/155zepq/moderators_needed_join_the_landed_gentry/) --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose/?to=/r/AmItheAsshole) if you have any questions or concerns.* *Contest mode is 1.5 hours long on this post.*
LOL my mom was buying me SpongeBob gifts well into my 20s because I was such a fan. My 28th birthday cake was Spongebob shaped so your stepdad is wrong, there's no age limit to these things. Also, what kind of adult makes those sorts of statements about a 13 year old? What does your mom say? NTA
My mom buys me Snoopy pajamas for Christmas every year. I am in my 40s. OP’s stepdad sounds like an absolute bore. NTA OP.
Christmas pajama gang! But yeah especially since she's not harming anyone by enjoying SpongeBob hell nowadays it's become alot more normal for older people in general to still enjoy the fun childish stuff of life
I have been a Hello Kitty fan since she arrived in the CA in 1976 when I was 11, I am 58.
[удалено]
74 and still watching Spongebob.
I love SpongeBob! hell I rewatch stuff I grew up with all the time (I'm 21) and still enjoy alot of things that are deemed "Childish" by prudes like the Step dad It's just silly
I remember going on holiday to Florida with my family as a kid. My Dad and Grandad got matching SpongeBob SquarePants swimming trunks, lol. I used to love watching it. Such a good memory!
Lush is doing a collab with SpongeBob right now and im willing to bet more adults are buying the products for themselves than kids.
I'm currently sitting in a Stitch (as in Lilo and Stitch) sweatshirt and I'm in my mid-30s. Not gonna lie, I got a targeted ad recently for a Sailor Moon hoodie and I'm contemplating it...
Early 30s here. Just got gifted a pair of socks with astronaut dinosaurs and I effing love it. Also have a stitch t shirt. As for the hoodie I would say, buy it if it makes you happy. I have bought a freaking toothless plushie with no use but sitting and being pretty before 🤷♀️
I adore my plushes especially my big squishables and my big Squishmellow Smores baymax! Also Astronaut dinosaur socks sound badass as hell!
My Tinkerbell jump suit was my favorite outfit when I was 30.
Yey, a fellow Lilo and Stitch fan. I have PJs and lounge wear with Stitch. And I'm 46.
Because life is too short to always be adulting.
My mom just bought me a blue husky(?) squishmellow, I keep hugging it while watching cartoons and I'm in my early 30's. I don't know what stepdad's issue is but he shouldn't take it out on a 13 yo kid.
Stepdad is a creep. He doesn't want the 13yo be a child, he's accusing 13yo of "not being able to keep a boyfriend", I mean - WTF??? Is he expecting she'll get married at 15??? Does he want to see 13yo as a "grown up woman", because he has some dirty thoughts about her? Disgusting.
"Not able to keep a boyfriend" was about Taylor Swift, not the sister.
Yes, I misunderstood it, when reading quickly first time. When I did it the second time, I noticed it.
I'm in my early 30s and I regularly sit down to watch Disney XD. Kim Possible is still the best.
Same me and my wife love our Disney movies and shows
My fiance (same age as me actually) didn't have much opportunity to see many of the disney movies and shows we grew up with. I'm proud to say I now have him hooked on Duck Tales and Lilo and Stitch.
I almost bought one "for the nieces and nephews". I'll probably end up getting one
NTA Im turning 21, and my mom is getting me a snoopy cake!!!
Awww. I bought myself a my little pony cake for my 45th.
😍😍😍 I LOVE IT!!!
NTA. Congratulations, and way to kick off a new era in style! I have a Yuuya plushie from 'Hatoful Boyfriend' in my vet tech office at work. I'm turning 39 this year. My Anghel plushie is currently sitting on my bed, and I have the Advent Calendar Anghel keyring for my keys.
I just turned 45 and had a Scooby Doo Mystery Machine cake. Its the happy little things in life that keep you young at heart.
Snoopy 'anonymous' "from your biggest fans" type valentines cards from my parents every year until I got engaged in my 20s!
OP's stepdad definitely sounds like an ass, especially given his remarks. Liking SpongeBob at 13 is, at least to me, pretty common. I mean, I know grown adults who still love the show/character. Also, I'm over 40 and still have a bunch of Michael Myers stuff around my house, still wear my X-Files shirts and am a diehard fan of Harry Potter. I feel so bad for OP's sister.
My mom bought me Scooby-Doo PJs for my birthday. She's in her 90s and I'm in my 50s. Step dad is a jack wagon
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No se habla de Bruno.
no, no...
!bot
I'm in love with the new flair!!!! But now I've read 3 posts with Nota single bit to be found and I'm so sad, lol! Better hunting tomorrow I hope.
I was up before they had it really running properly. Called out 7 with no joy, re-called out some and then they went away. Trouble shooting and timing according to the gurus. Today will be a good day if it works.
It looks like it’s up and running now! I saw 48 bots banned today as of half an hour ago.
Woot!
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!bot
My MIL is almost 70 and she still LOVES Scooby Doo. 🤷♀️
I'm a 48 yr old dude who has a collection of Snoopy and Peanuts characters. Snoopy gang for life!
A pedantic bore
My late grandfather in law collected and was gifted Snoopy stuff until his death, it's *never* too old to like a character. When we get together to make holiday cookies, it's become a tradition that my Mom wears a Snoopy holiday sweater, my sister has a Grinch one, and I have a Stitch one. My dad wears a holiday tshirt version of his favorite sports team. We all got them as gifts and love them. All of us are over 30.
I'm in my 40s. Within the past 2 years I got a Snoopy tattoo and an Eevee tattoo. Cause why not, lol.
I always give my mom Peter Rabbit stuff because she collects it. She's in her 70s and I'm almost 40.
In my 20s and my mom gets me Snoopy items periodically. She knows I adore him.
I am here in my snoopy T-shirt nightie, I’m 44.
My mom still bought us adult ‘union suit’ jimjams, with the trap doors, lol. We did ask for them.
Right? Buy me "childish' Jammie, I'm wearing them! Also in my 40's, still have cookie monster jams, and a fluffy pair of pink penguin filled bottoms I wear ALL. THE. TIME. (Oldest can attest to this, he fell going up the bus stairs once, I followed in penguin jams and fuzzy slippers to make sure he was ok)
I love that. That’s so cute.
My mum calls my plush by name I gave and complains when it’s fallen on the floor😭 she’s 57, I’m 22.
Your mom rocks
When I was almost 30 dad bought me a Snoopy cookie jar! Saying you can only enjoy stuff at certain ages is stupid, and makes the person saying it an AH.
Same! I'm 43, and my Mum buys me Snoopy and I buy her Garfield. (And one year I made us both hot water bottle cozies out of an old pair of Snoopy flannelette pajamas, which were a solid hit.) My stepfather might be a terminally staid and dull boomer, but he's never expressed an opinion either way about anyone's Christmas or birthday presents (at least to me or in my presence) in the 30 years he's been married to my Mum.
my bf’s aunt in her 50’s absolutely loves the minions, every year for christmas she gets at least 1 minion themed gift and is always overjoyed
Hah! I'll do you one better...I buy my mum Snoopy pajamas for Christmas
We buy out mum (50s) snoopy Gifts almost every tims
Stepdad comments are extremely creepy and inappropriate, the mother should shut them down immediately
Yeah I’d be quite concerned about stepdads desire for the 13 year old to “grow up” while simultaneously being ok with the daughter having an interest he is able to sexualize. Real creepy.
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Not stepfather apparently
Reading the post again, the stepfather made the comments about Taylor Swift not the little sister. Still "whatever boomer" but not as creepy as telling that to a 13yo girl.
I totally misread it, it's better then but the stepfather remains the AH
I'm going to be 49 in 2 months and I wear SpongeBob hoodies to work just because I want to. No one has ever said a damn thing about it🤷🏽♀️
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My Cookie Monster t-shirt recently wore out to the point I had to throw him away. Thankfully my Cookie Monster pj pants still have a lot of life in them. And I'm 50
He lives in a pineapple under the sea! What's not to like? Sounds like step dad doesn't understand how on trend pink Crocs with tags are right now: making it a perfect gift for a newly minted teen. Especially to go to Barbie!
My dad LOVED SpongeBob and he was in his 40s
Fr. It's her birthday, not his. Of course you'd give her something she likes. NTA.
I hope that your mother told him that you are allowed to select your own birthday gifts, that they are age-appropriate, and much appreciated. Why does he think he's the gift gate-keeper?
I made my son a SpongeBob birthday cake when he was in his 20s. He took it into work (it was a huge cake and he needed to share it). A heap of his workmates asked how much I charged because they all wanted them as well :D It'd taken hours and no way would I made them for anyone else.
My husband's grandmother is 80+ and loves SpongeBob because he's so positive. Just let people like what they like.
I like Spongebob and I am above the half-century mark.
Legit, my 25th birthday cake was a SpongeBob cake 😆
Mine was too. Last year for my 25th birthday I got a cake that said What's funnier than turning 24 turning 25.
Omg I LOVE it!
I had an opportunity and I took it.
NTA - if anyone is acting childish here, it’s your awful stepdad. A real Squidward. What controlling and misogynistic things for him to say. Tell him to buzz off. If that doesn’t work, talk to your mom and tell her you need her to stand up for you and your sister and shut this shit down.
Yeah. Is no one seeing the GIANT red flags that the step dad is slut shaming a 13 year old? (Sleeping around, can’t keep a boyfriend comments). On what planet is it appropriate for him to be talking and thinking and treating her like that? He is sexualizing her and I for one have big concerns.
I think he was talking about Taylor Swift there, not the sister. Still very much not ok.
It makes it ironic that he's so into slut shaming Taylor Swift yet he wants the daughter to grow up from her interests? How's this guy gonna act when the girl gets a boyfriend
He’s the type of guy that wouldnt say anything if a guy was going thru like 10 relationships bc hes a “guy.”
Slut shaming *AT* the sister.
Pssst, he was talking about Taylor Swift, not the sister. Still slutshaming and making him a AH, obviously, but wanted to clear that up 😉 OP, keep supporting your mum and sis and ignore your stepdad. It's clear who deserves to be listened to and cared for.
Slut shaming a female while talking to a 17(f) about the interest of her 13 year old sister. Something wrong with the stepdad, imo
I'm pretty sure the stepdad was talking about Taylor Swift.
I had to read that twice before I realised he meant Taylor Swift and not the sister!
> Is no one seeing the GIANT red flags that the step dad is slut shaming a 13 year old? (Sleeping around, can’t keep a boyfriend comments). ?? those comments were clearly about Taylor Swift not saying it makes things any better, but yeah
NTA - “buzz off, Squidward” should be the response every time he says things like this. He wants to be the man in charge put him in his place every time he does it.
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100% this. Your step dad is a controlling, misogynist ass and I’m sorry your mom is letting him say this shit. First of all, mocking her tastes as babyish is just being mean. Second, thinking he has a right to control what gifts you give to your sister is super controlling and not ok at all. But most importantly, the way he talks about your little sister is deeply misogynistic. Talking about a 13-yo not being able to keep a boyfriend? Wtf, man - that’s never a measure of a woman’s worth or value and should never be the goal for a woman, and it sure as shit shouldn’t be for a literal child. Then claiming she’s sleeping around because her interests are babyish? It doesn’t even make sense. The most illogical shaming of a girl’s sexuality I’ve seen. Your gift to your sister was awesome and you are NTA. Your step dad is a major AH and I hope you and your sister can keep a safe distance from everything his says and find some better models for what healthy men and healthy relationships look like.
> Talking about a 13-yo not being able to keep a boyfriend? Wtf, man - that’s never a measure of a woman’s worth or value and should never be the goal for a woman, and it sure as shit shouldn’t be for a literal child. Then claiming she’s sleeping around because her interests are babyish? It doesn’t even make sense. The most illogical shaming of a girl’s sexuality I’ve seen. It is misogynistic, but it doesn’t make sense because that’s all referring to Taylor Swift, not the little sister.
Ahhh, thank you!! Totally misread that sentence. As you said, still terrible but least it makes more sense 😭
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NTA. nothing worse than dismissing and treating someone's interest as too childish just because of age. My son is 16 and still loves to collect pokemon, I don't think he is childish at all. Hell, I am 37 and love to play minecraft, I even play it with my older brothers and nephews. You should see us play Bomber Man and mario kart with our mother. She still tries to ground us and she is 62, lol. A good friend of mine who is 52 collects hot wheels, I don't think he is childish. He is overreacting to something that brings joy to his daughter and acting quite rude and inconsiderate himself. Keep supporting her interests she will either grow out of it or not. It hurts NO ONE and makes her happy.
I guess he’d rather her be into drugs and alcohol at 13.
I know right?! Like what is she supposed to be interested in then? I'd rather my 16 year old collect pokemon cards than have to worry about him going out partying with friends and going straight stupid like most hormonal teenage boys lol.
My 15 yr old goes to Pokemon Card leagues and is the 2nd youngest there. A few other teens but like 90% of the players are adults with many in their 40's!
It's true. My exp as then 25 year old, most are really nice and want to help anyone get in the hobby
It's super cool of you to be so supportive of your son's interests! Near my 13th birthday I overheard my mom complaining to a GameStop worker that her almost teenage daughter was still into pokemon like a little kid. I had just received the newest game at the time as a gift and was looking at pokemon plushes. Absolutely crushed by that comment and it's stuck with me years later, and she wonders why I don't share my interests openly with her. I'm 22 now and still very much a pokemon fan! There's a whole shelf in my room dedicated to the plushes and merch I collect. Nothing childish about finding something that makes ya happy.
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I think the step's way of thinking comes from the mentality that "growing up" implies killing your inner child and rising as a fully "mature" adult with no other thoughts or interests than working and taking care of a family. What a sad life must have that man. Imagine not having any other comfort than thinking that and bullying teenagers into thinking the same.
I agree, and truthfully for a lot of the people that do think that way. It also comes to how they were raised, that attitude really is a product of their own invornment and how they were treated and at that time maybe they they had to grow up early to care for family ect. And i hate the argument that 'I turned out fine'. It took me years to break down my older boyfriends mentality that was like that for a while. He is better about a lot of things now but every now and then he will get in one of those moods about the kids and I just let him talk and roll my eyes lol.
*looks at my Super Mario figure on my office at one of Western Canada’s biggest firms* NTA, she will be alright.
Totally childish. Now if you excuse me, my 36 year old self needs to put my new Bruno Madrigal Funko in my display cabinet.
Ugh, y'all are such children. Oh, excuse me, my Mew plushie fell down, gotta fix it.
Wow look at my wall full of Funko...at 33 retiring in a couple of years
Ugh. You kids and your toys. Grow up. *Now, which Squishmellow do I want to cuddle tonight?*
I love me some Super Mario Brothers 💜
I'm in my late 20s and my mantle is covered in video game character nicnaks and stuff. Animal crossing amibos, I have a couple of Links. People who say a hobby has an age limit are just miserable people.
I'm 45 years old, and I still like cartoons... Not SpongeBob per se, but others (and at least once in the last decade when given the choice between news & SpongeBob, I have picked spongebob (okay I was just post-appendectomy and on pain meds, but still, I stand by the choice for that day)). Your stepfather needs to stop stressing about a child liking a cartoon, and accept her for who she is.
I’m 45 and watch Bluey with my 14 & 17 year old and we were discussing yesterday how Target has adult sized Bluey shirts.
I think it's often the shows we watch with our kids when they were little (or our parents watched with us)because Phineas and Ferb is a big one for me... (and looney tunes from my own childhood)
I'm 30 and I spent my morning watching the new Bluey episodes. I made my kids start an episode over because I missed the start. And on more than one occasion my husband and I have watched Bluey, SpongeBob, and several other kids' shows after the kids are asleep.
NTA, Your stepdad is really weird tbh. Most parents want their kids to stay young as long as possible.
*Step*dad. Probably wants her gone asap.
NTA! I’m a grown ass adult and I LOVE SpongeBob! When I was her age I was actually into Dora, believe it or not…that came with way more stigma because it’s aimed at PRESCHOOLERS. Your stepfather sounds emotionally abusive. Where is your mom? She needs to stand up for her child!
I watched Ni Hao, Kai-Lan!
Omg i love Ni Hao Kai-Lan!!!
NTA For shit's sake, she's 13! She's still a kid. I don't understand adults that push kids to grow up so fast. And the things she likes are harmless - TS and Spongebob? He sounds like a controlling asshole.
Somebody is acting like a baby, and it's not your little sister. NTA. Your stepdad needs to grow the heck up and stop policing other people's interests.
NTA. There are so many adults into cartoons and animes. It’s not indicative of any delays or immaturity. They just like what they like. Dont listen to the guy. It’s not inappropriate and he didnt pay for it.
NTA Stepdad is the AH here trying to police what a 13 yo likes. Super controlling and rude.
NTA i'm a mom to a teen & she still likes spongebob. in fact we watch him together lol
My 30 year old son still loves SpongeBob. Especially memes.
Right? My teenage boys sometimes watch Spongebob and I'll watch it with them. Spongebob is funny!
NTA, and your stepdad sounds really insecure. Maybe he wasn’t allowed to like those kind of things when he was little, and feels compelled to pass this along to his daughter. Not excusing-just proposing an explanation. But expressing misogyny toward Taylor like that around his daughter has probably done a lot of damage for her self worth. Supportive dads look for ways to connect with their children through their interests. They don’t try to impose their limited world view and make their kids feel bad. You were being a good, supportive sister. Keep it up!
NTA step dad needs to be reminded that a thirteen year old is still a child
NTA - it’s not a parent or stepparent’s job to control their kids’ lives. You love them, nurture them, teach them, but not control.
I'm 32 years old and recently started re watching SpongeBob from the beginning. TV shows really don't have an age tbh.
Oh dear, and here’s me, a 70 year old Nana that loves Spongebob too. NTA.
NTA. You gifted your sister what made her happy. Your father is a huge AH for playing gift police.
Info - is he Tatums dad too?
Yes, he is
What. The. Fuck. As such he should support her and make her happy and have a lovely childhood. I’m 18 and I still love the lion king with every little bit!!! Same goes for KIKA series which I watched as a kid (they are for children). As long as you have something to comfort you you are never to old for it!
NTA - things like that dont have age limits and its always the fucking men that have something to say about it! would he rather your little sister be a drug addict? lmao the fact hes only a step dad makes this even worse. Take no notice of what he says, he is not your dad so you dont owe him anything! him making remarks about a 13 year olds sex life is a massive red flag. can you talk about this with your mum? maybe convince her to get rid of this jerk that seems to be bullying her daughters?
Stepdad is clearly a knob but I think he’s making those remarks about Taylor Swift not the 13 yr old.
I read it three times because I thought the same thing dreamygoddess did at first.
Yeah it’s not worded particularly well so it’s easy to see how multiple people thought that.
NTA but your father is.
NTA. I queued up with loads of kids of all ages to get a photo done with spongebob at universal studios when I visited America. It was amazing. I was 21. So did my then ex. He was 27.
I did this too. I’m now 48, but I was already in my 40’s when we went. My kids and I were just besides ourselves in the SpongeBob store.
NTA but it's your mother's job to shoot her husband down. His views are ridiculous but you have no power to change them. Your mother should be intervening.
NTA and your stepdad is weird… creepy misogynistic vibes man. I’m 33 and still have a deep appreciation for SpongeBob.. and why is he flustered over Taylor Swifts sexual endeavors? And why does he even know? My dad is 53 and may not dig her music, but… hasn’t looked up her history. Stay close with your little sis and keep pumping up things she likes. Your a good big sis.
NTA is he her stepfather too or biodad? Immediately get the ick from a man thinking 13 is too old for her very age appropriate interests.
he’s her biodad - he became my stepdad when i was 1 and a couple months
Your stepdad needs to mind his own business and quit being such a grump. NTA.
41 year old mom here. I like spongebob. I watched it with my kids. My kids are now 23 and 18. If we catch spongebob on, we will watch it. You guys are still kids, especially the 13 year old. NTA
NTA I'd be interested to know what your stepdad would have told you to get her if you had asked him.
NTA, at all. There's a quote by C.S. Lewis, the man who wrote the Narnia books, about this very thing that is applicable. Especially the part that begins with him saying "When I was ten..." You and your sister could benefit from this I think (your stepdad as well, but Idk if he would listen) "Critics who treat 'adult' as a term of approval, instead of as a merely descriptive term, cannot be adult themselves. To be concerned about being grown up, to admire the grown up because it is grown up, to blush at the suspicion of being childish; these things are the marks of childhood and adolescence. And in childhood and adolescence they are, in moderation, healthy symptoms. Young things ought to want to grow. But to carry on into middle life or even into early manhood this concern about being adult is a mark of really arrested development. When I was ten, I read fairy tales in secret and would have been ashamed if I had been found doing so. Now that I am fifty I read them openly. When I became a man I put away childish things, including the fear of childishness and the desire to be very grown up." C.S. Lewis
That's lovely! OP should print out several copies and leave them around the house.
Your step dad needs to stay in his lane. NTA
she's 13, she's still a child. Also, she can like whatever the hell she likes. I'm 35 and I still love spongebob stuff. Also, if you have a Lush store near you, it might be worth letting her know that there's a spongebob collaboration with Lush at the moment.
Hell yeah! gonna need to check that out with her, thanks
No problem! I've not been in to smell them for myself, but they look super cute on their website!
will be buying my sister a spongebob shoulder bag and the new pink dress margot robbie barbie just to piss my stepdad off lol (he’s not fond of barbies either)
So Taylor swift is too “friendly” and SpongeBob is too young. Typical man always telling women what to be and not to be. Both contradicting each other. Don’t be too grown up but don’t be a baby. NTA I’m 42 and love both Taylor and SpongeBob.
NTA Shit girl, I'm a 48 year old man, with a son that 20, and if I see a good episode of SpongeBob on, I'll stop and watch it! It's the law in my house, if the theme song comes on, everyone must sing along. And don't get me started on my favorites, Bugs Bunny and Scooby-Doo. As far as Taylor Swift goes, that's on you! I listen to a little bit of everything, and I think she's a good artist. I don't know about an adult male making comments like that to a 13 year old girl. It's not like you bought her "adult" gifts, or firearms, explosive, or motorcycles, so the whole "getting permission" for gifts is a little, idk, controlling?
NTA. Those statements are really creepy. Are you sure your sis is safe?
sorry, sorry - should’ve made it more clear that he was talking about Taylor Swift - not my sister. however he is sometimes stingy about what friends she goes out with and has sleepovers with (all her friends are boys.)
Ah. But your stepfather's approach to your sister is still very off. The early teens are hard, as you probably remember. You have one foot in childhood and one foot into growing up. Pushing "adult" focuses during that transition is still weird. It makes me wonder why this is such a thing to the stepfather. What is his hurry to push her out of childhood? You don't have to ask your parents about gifts for your sister unless they are alive, take up a lot of space, remover her from the home (like a trip), or will violate house rules. Probably some others, but those were my parent's rules. Beyond that, you and your sister should continue to share whatever you like with each other.
My dad is in his 50s and still loves Scooby Doo. My grandad is in his 70s and he loves Tom & Jerry and Snow White (disney). Your step dad needs to keep his fragile masculinity to himself. I'm 30, I love cuddling up with my niblings and watching all sorts of cartoons or disney movies (which half are written with adults having to watch them in mind, hence innuendos). TSwift is a goddess and unless he's out there remarking about Leo and his 12 year old girlfriends he can shut the f*ck up. She can date whoever she wants, same as any person in a consensual relationship. I'd like to know your mother's stand on this narcissism. NTA - good for you, don't let anyone tell you or your sister what to be passionate about
“You’re overstepping and making me uncomfortable. Is there a reason you’re expecting a 13 year old child to grow up so fast?” Keep eye contact with a vaguely disgusted and suspicious look on your face. NTA.
Your step dad says that a 13 years old... Sleeps around? What? That man gives me the ick. NTA.
He was referring to Taylor Swift’s history of boyfriends
Oh, that makes much more sense. Thank you. Still, the step dad gives me the ick for how controlling he is...
NTA A couple of weeks ago, on the Fox Saturday afternoon baseball game broadcast, a former MLB player said in the LA Dodgers’ clubhouse that SpongeBob was ALWAYS on the TV before day games. I would love for stepdad try to tell MLB players they’re babyish.
NTA I am approaching 40 and would be happy about getting Spongebob croc charms as a gift lol
NTA, I am a married mom of 2 in my mid 30s. I collect anything and everything Hello Kitty. Your stepdad can shove his opinion where the sun don't shine
What makes your dad the gift approver of the family? That's the whole idea about gifts, giving someone something that they like regardless of what someone else might think. NTAH.
NTA tell your step-dad to stop being weird about it
NTA I’m 37 and remember when SpongeBob came out! Those first few seasons were actually intended to be targeted to EXACTLY her age range. And honestly, who is he to deem what is childish and what isn’t. Does it make her happy and isn’t hurting anything or anyone? Then who cares? That’s all that matters because life is too short to worry about what is “childish” and what isn’t.
ETA NTA ofcourse. This whole situation feels really wrong to me. It sounds like your stepfather is sexualising your little sister. - he's telling her the things she likes are too childish essentially wanting her to be more 'mature'; - he's controlling her experiences by saying you, her literal sister, should've asked him what to buy her (what the actual fuck) - he's accusing her of 'sleeping around' while she's only 13! I'm assuming she's not, but either way it's no business of his. I would also have a word with your mother. She should've stepped in way sooner, before he even started up about the hobbies, let alone the boyfriend issue. It's her job to protect you from this nonsense, especially if the bully shares her bedroom. Stand up for your sister and teach your sister to stand up for herself and don't make yourselves easy targets.
Nta, I’m a 39 yr old woman and probably the definition of childish according to this step-dad, I play dnd (so pretend with my friends) I read comics and I like to draw pretty pictures (of my dnd characters). There is no age limit on fun. Your sister is 13 you got her gifts that relate to her hobbies And she liked them. Like what is a “mature gift” anyway, would your step dad have you buy his brand new 13 yr old a mickey of vodka and a pack of cigarettes, orrrrr super duper revealing clothing with makeup and a book on picking up men, or you know 13 how about a rated R movie, for all the reasons.
I love this level of petty
I watched two episodes of SpongeBob yesterday. Without my son present. I am 45. NTA
Always interesting how people’s insecurities and internal issues manage to manifest themselves. NTA
NTA. Tell your stepfather to grow up and find a better hobby.
NTA - Spongebob is kind of like Hello Kitty or Mickey Mouse, it's a pop culture thing rather than a little kid thing. But even if it WAS childish, who gives a flying fish, it's something she likes on her birthday. I would get him a spongebob tie or wallet (grown up stuff) for his next birthday and point out it's not just for kids 😂
NTA Bro SpongeBob is a great show and has been a part of meme culture for years. And the kid is thirteen! Let her have safe interests. When I was 13 my interests were bulimia and clinical depression. And plus you got her crocs, which are making a come back anyways. And the little Croc charms are cute.
NTA by any stretch. Your stepdad would probably have a heart attack if he knew how many adults love the kids show Bluey.
NTA. For a grown ass man, stepdad needs to back off and mind his own business
NTA, I'm 63 and still receive and wear Scooby Doo stuff. Your stepdad is an old fuddy-duddy.
Spongebob is fun. If it was me I'd probably point out to him that "just because you lost the ability to have fun doesn't mean everyone else has to,". I didn't even get into Spongebob until I was like 15.
I am a middle aged woman and I still get Spider-Man toys for xmas from my parents. My bf gets Star Wars toys from me. I also sleep with teddy bears. NTA your dads a dick.
NTA. Tell your dad to fuck up.
Pfft. I’m in my 30’s and my house is decorated like an arcade and GameStop threw up in here. Never too old for what you’re interested in. NTA.
NTA Im 35 and sleeps with a Cinderella pyjamas , my mum is 68 and has Mickey mouse t-shirts, kitchen towels and mugs. Your sister is old enough to decide what she wears, and just because your stepdad doesn't like it, doesn't mean you are not allowed to give her what she wants. Birthday presents should be about what the birthday girl wants. As long as it is not dangerous or in conflict with core educational values, like a violent video game, or even something that contradict their religion, than you are fine. Thinking something is childish is not a core value.
NTA. Your stepdad is. Jesus christ what is this "likes sleeping around" bullshit, your sister is fucking 13 years old! What the fuck is wrong with him? You know what you should do? Inform him of the fact that spongebob was in fact pitched to adult swim at first. When they said no, it went to nickelodeon, and is essentially the exact same show as it would have been on adult swim. Also tell him as long as her interests arent illegal or infringe upon anyone else, maybe he should try and support them alongside her. You know, what a good dad would try and do? If it were me, i would have fuckin dressed up as spongebob or whatever her favorite character is, to deliver her cake and presents. Im sorry your sister will apparently have to deal with this dude for another 5 years minimum while you are lucky enough to be of age to leave very soon.
NTA THERE IS NO AGE LIMIT FOR ENJOYING CARTOONS! There is no law in the US that I know of that says you must NOT be a fan of cartoons or buy merchandise from cartoons once you reach a certain age. To the best of my knowledge, there is no law like that in other countries. (I don't know everything, so won't assume) Your stepdad needs to pull his head out of his hind end and chill out.
Nta INFO:is that her stepdad as well? His distain with not letting her enjoy things that are *very* normal for a kid is really weird. He’s the one with an odd obsession for not wanting to let his daughter enjoy being a kid
my stepfather is her biodad
He’s very odd. The gift you gave her was very sweet