upworthy

Greg Sullivan

Parenting

Refusing a tantrum: passenger sparks debate

Parents are calling it a necessary lesson in parenting and boundaries.

Photo by Mohamed Abdelghaffar

'We do not negotiate with tantrumists.'

Flying can test anyone’s patience, but for u/Safe_Ad_9314, one recent flight turned into a surprising lesson in setting boundaries. They had reserved a window seat—an intentional choice aimed at making their journey just a bit more enjoyable. But as soon as they settled in, a family boarded, and a conflict began brewing.

After several attempts to calm her, the father turned to the man and asked if they’d give up their seat for the child, adding, “She’s just a kid.” Yet, he gently stood his ground, explaining that the window seat was not a random perk, but something they had deliberately arranged—and even paid extra for.

The family’s six-year-old daughter quickly grew upset that she didn’t have the coveted window view. Her frustration was clear:

"I want the window! I want the window!"

— the child

via GIPHY

Eventually, the mother distracted the child with a tablet, and the flight continued. But as everyone deboarded at their destination, the mother shot a lingering remark at u/Safe_Ad_9314:

"Some people just have no heart."

— the mother

That stung. It’s never easy to feel judged—especially when you’ve tried to be polite. Unsure if they’d done the right thing, u/Safe_Ad_9314 turned to the online community for feedback. The response was overwhelmingly supportive, reframing the encounter into a conversation about how we teach children empathy, respect, and understanding of life’s little disappointments.

Boundaries Matter—Especially in Public

Do we cave at the first sign of a tantrum, or do we help kids learn that not every wish can be granted? The community weighed in:

"You teach your kids how society works and that not everything is at their disposal all the time."

— u/hierosx

People pointed out that giving in to every demand might soothe tears in the moment, but can set unrealistic expectations for the future. If having a window seat was so important, some said, parents could plan ahead and book one. After all, this wasn’t about denying a child joy, but about showing them how to handle disappointment gracefully.

Why Tantrums Don’t Work

Many commenters stood behind the idea that it’s kinder in the long run to help children learn healthy boundaries:

"I learned when my kids were toddlers that the best policy was 'we do not negotiate with tantrumists.'"

— u/BeBearAwareOK

Setting clear limits doesn’t mean being cruel. It means showing kids that while it’s okay to feel upset, not every feeling must be instantly gratified.

Nobody Owes You Their Seat

The view out a plane's window. Tip for parents: If you kiddo wants this view, book the right seats. Photo by Francesco Ungaro

At the core, many commenters reminded readers that random strangers aren’t responsible for resolving someone else’s poor planning or appeasing a meltdown:

"It’s not your responsibility to accommodate someone else’s poor planning or their child’s tantrum."

— u/experiment_ad_4

Others emphasized that saying “no” isn’t heartless—sometimes it’s a necessary act of kindness to the child, who learns that people have their own boundaries and can’t always bend.

"I am a mum of three. Kids get explained that they can’t have that seat as it’s already occupied, end of it."

— u/Sure_Freedom3

Instead of feeling guilty, u/Safe_Ad_9314 received a gentle reminder that upholding personal boundaries is part of living in a shared world. When we calmly stand our ground, we help create an environment where everyone learns that respect and empathy go both ways—even at 30,000 feet.

In the end, that’s what makes these moments matter. When we model healthy limits, we’re not just keeping a seat—we’re showing kids that there’s a bigger picture out there, one where kindness and fairness guide us all.


This article originally appeared last year.

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Fatherhood

Dad turns his daughter's class president win into a scene straight out of the White House

A fake secret service agent and “Hail to the Chief” made this moment one for the books.

The White House

A hero in a dark suit watches over what matters most.

You might expect a father to feel pride when his daughter wins the election for school president. There might be hugs and smiles. Or, like one father did, you might go in an entirely different direction. When Lydia D. posted a video of her husband’s heartwarming and over-the-top celebration of their daughter’s class president victory on Instagram, it quickly won the internet's heart.

The clip shows her husband going all out to mark the occasion, donning a black suit and sunglasses and pretending to be her Secret Service detail as she gets out of school for the day. With a fake radio hidden in his cuff and "Hail to the Chief" blasting from the car, he transformed an ordinary school pickup into a moment to remember.

In the caption, Lydia D., who originally shared the video, summed it up perfectly:

"If there’s one thing we’re going to do as a family it’s hype each other up!"

— @lydiascrafting

A dad's love and humor steal the show

The video begins with Lydia's husband standing outside their daughter’s school entrance, stone-faced and pretending to communicate into a hidden earpiece. As their daughter approached, he gestured toward the car, where the presidential anthem was blaring from the speakers. The playful scene captured his love for his daughter and his knack for making a milestone unforgettable.

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A moment cherished by all

In the video, one of her friends is seen clapping enthusiastically, adding another layer of sweetness to the moment. User @starleishamichelle highlighted this detail, writing: "The way her friend clapped for her too 🤩😭💛."

Of course, her dad’s sense of humor didn’t go unnoticed. Many viewers laughed along, with @ashleigh.harris31 saying: "This is hilarious 😂 and the music blasting too 😂😂." Another user, @magicallymaya, added: "Ok I LOVE this!! Congrats, madame president!"

"The best!!!! Ahhhhhh coolest dad and memories FOREVER to be remembered!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽."

— @theliteracydive

A call for more moments like this

This story is more than just a laugh—it’s a celebration of family, love, and the joy of lifting each other up. It’s no wonder the internet is buzzing about it. In a world where milestones often pass by in the blink of an eye, Lydia’s husband reminds us all to make memories worth cherishing.

via GIPHY

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Parenting

Viral toddler nap video proves one thing: The nap always wins

From cranky chaos to random snoozes, here’s why toddlers resist sleep—and how parents can cope.

Photo by Ayşegül Akdaş

We know they're tired, why don't they?

In the timeless struggle between toddlers and naptime, sleep invariably emerges victorious. A viral TikTok video featuring young Stella encapsulates this universal truth, resonating with parents worldwide.

In the clip, shared by Stella's mother, @lobeeston, she recounts how her daughter adamantly insisted she wasn't tired and refused to nap. However, when the family later called out, "Stella, where are you?" they discovered her fast asleep at the foot of the stairs, face down and utterly exhausted. This endearing scene has garnered over 3.9 million views and 700,000 likes, with countless parents sharing their own humorous nap-time battles in the comments.

@lobeeston Took 30 minutes to wake her from this slumber hahah
♬ original sound - Lo Beeston

Why do toddlers resist naps?

Stella's sudden slumber is a familiar scenario for many parents. But what drives toddlers to resist napping?

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According to pediatric sleep consultant Camila Martelo, a Pediatric Sleep Consultant, it's a combination of developmental milestones and a desire for independence.

"Toddlers are becoming increasingly aware of their surroundings and may fear missing out on exciting activities or time with family members."

— Camila Martelo

Additionally, as toddlers grow, their sleep patterns evolve. Many transition from two naps to one between 14 and 18 months, and some begin skipping naps altogether between 3 and 5 years old. ( The Baby Sleep Site)

Expert tips for handling nap refusal

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Navigating nap resistance can be challenging, but experts offer strategies to ease the process:

  • Establish a consistent, calming pre-nap routine: A soothing and predictable routine helps signal to your toddler that it's time to wind down and prepare for sleep. (Huckleberry Care)
  • Pay attention to timing: Ensure that naps are scheduled appropriately to prevent overtiredness, which can make it harder for toddlers to settle down.
  • Create a calming nap environment: Minimize distractions and create a sleep-friendly environment to help your toddler relax.
  • Offer choices and give them some control: Allowing your toddler to have a say in their nap routine can reduce resistance.
  • Be consistent and patient: Maintaining a consistent approach and being patient can help your toddler adjust to nap times.

While parenting through the toddler years can be exhausting, Stella's nap adventure serves as a humorous reminder to find joy in the chaos. Moments like these—when a defiant "I'm not tired!" ends in an impromptu snooze—become cherished memories.

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Equality

Why women envy men's "carefree lives" and men envy women's "emotional freedom"

A new study shows that envy between genders reflects deeper societal pressures—but also how we can rise above them.

Photo by Tan Danh

We have different gifts and burdens but we can rise above them.

What do men and women envy about each other? It’s a deceptively simple question, but the answers, as explored in a recent study from the University of Ostrava, dive deep into societal expectations, biological realities, and cultural stereotypes. Researchers surveyed 1,769 people, asking what they envied about the opposite gender. Their findings? A mixture of relatable, surprising, and thought-provoking insights that reveal how society shapes our perceptions of freedom and privilege. The study also uncovered a new type of envy, aptly named "ablative envy," in which we envy the absence of challenges we face.

Women envy freedom from physical and emotional burdens

When asked what they envied about men, women overwhelmingly pointed to what can be summed up as a less complicated, lower-stress existence. Respondents cited freedom from societal double standards, the ability to age without judgment, and even men’s tendency to "just fall asleep without overthinking."

via GIPHY

“I think that kind of freedom, to do whatever you want, men are just bohemians.”

— Survey respondent

Many women envied men's perceived ability to "take everything lightly" and "not make a big deal out of anything." This sense of ease extended into professional realms. Women expressed frustration over pay gaps and career obstacles linked to motherhood, noting that men often enjoy "higher salaries" and "more favorable financial rewards at work."

The envy also touched on societal expectations around appearance. Women appreciated that men don't face the same scrutiny over aging and physical appearance. As the study notes, women envied "the ability to age into beauty" and not having to "spend an hour in front of a mirror before leaving the house." The freedom from stringent beauty standards was a recurring theme.

via GIPHY

Physical strength and practical advantages were also points of envy. Women highlighted men's greater ability to perform physically demanding tasks, like "opening a jar without difficulty." Additionally, they envied men's convenience in everyday situations, such as urinating standing up.

Men envy women's emotional expressiveness and multifaceted abilities

Conversely, men’s envy centered on aspects of emotional life, relational depth, and domestic skills often associated with femininity. Many men admired women's ability to openly express emotions, form deep connections, and embrace nurturing roles without societal judgment.

The study found that men "envy women’s emotionality," noting that women are "permitted to express emotions at any time." In contrast, men often feel constrained by societal expectations to "earn and provide for their families." This emotional freedom allows women to build strong interpersonal relationships and support networks.

Men employed endearing terms such as "bringing new life into the world" and "a woman as a giver of life."

— Study findings

This envy extended to women's roles in nurturing and caregiving. Several men expressed admiration—and even envy—for women's capacity for motherhood.

via GIPHY

Men's envy also encompassed women's multitasking abilities. They noted that women can "do multiple things at once" and "keep up with multiple tasks," managing both professional responsibilities and family life with apparent ease. One respondent admired that his wife is "adept at cooking, cleaning, washing, and handling various tasks in a playful manner."

Men also recognized women's "physical attractiveness" and the social advantages it can confer, thought perhaps not in the way you might expect. Researchers found that these replies were less about superficial qualities and more about the ease that women can "utilize charm to one's advantage" and the "capacity to influence and control others" through social interactions.

The emergence of "ablative envy"

One of the study’s most groundbreaking insights was the identification of "ablative envy." This form of envy is about wanting the absence of a burden, rather than a possession or trait. Women envied men for their lack of menstruation, childbirth, and menopause—biological processes that can be physically and emotionally taxing.

via GIPHY

Men, on the other hand, envied women for being less pressured by societal expectations to suppress emotions or constantly "prove" their worth through stoicism and achievement. This concept of ablative envy highlights the deep emotional weight of societal expectations and biological realities, opening new avenues for understanding envy as more than just desire—it’s a longing for relief.

Bridging envy into empathy

Despite these differences, the study also showed that over 40% of women and more than half of men reported not envying the opposite gender at all. This suggests that while envy exists, it doesn’t define how people see each other—it’s just one layer of a complex relationship between genders.

via GIPHY

Understanding these dynamics isn’t about fostering division but rather empathy. By recognizing the pressures each gender faces—whether it’s societal expectations, emotional labor, or physical challenges—we can work toward dismantling stereotypes and building a more equitable society.

The study points to actionable steps, like addressing pay inequality, supporting men’s mental health initiatives, and normalizing shared responsibility in caregiving roles. For individuals, it’s about stepping back from assumptions and celebrating the unique contributions of each person, regardless of gender.

What this study says about society

Ultimately, the study highlights how envy reflects societal imbalances. As long as one gender carries heavier burdens in certain domains, envy will persist. But it also shows a path forward—one where we move beyond envy to understanding and collaboration.

via GIPHY

By tackling these underlying inequalities, we don’t just start to resolve envy. We create a society where everyone feels valued and supported—and that’s something worth striving for.

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