Brother called me a bad, neglectful mother because I won't "arm" my 8-year-old daughter

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:He's on this kick of 2nd Amendment everything, posts non-stop on Facebook about NRA/2nd Amendment/gun rights, etc. (I finally just hid him.) We were not raised in anything close to a "gun rights" house, so this is new behavior for him and in direct response to the Parkland shooting at this point. He admits that the kids' response and mobilization after the Parkland shooting bolstered him to join the NRA and he legitimately believes that people are trying to "restrict my god-given constitutional right to own a gun."

Whatever, I was dealing with his crazy, until he called me a neglectful mother because I won't get my daughter trained and armed. At first I thought he was kidding. Then it was apparent he was not. FWIW, he's never married, no kids, 50+ angry middle aged dude. I was going to let it go, but then I called him out, said, "you don't get to question me about my parenting, you just don't. I don't care what your beliefs are, have them, you're entitled, but stay out of our parenting choices." He spewed all kinds of crap to me about how I'll be responsible when she's attacked by out of control frat boys in college some day.

OK, so he's crazy. But what the hell. This man has been disrespectful, somewhat abusive, awful brother my whole adult life. At this point I want to cut him off, especially don't want him to have contact with my daughter, whom, by the way, he's met all of 5 times in her life.

Am I overreacting? What would people do in this situation?? Thankfully we don't live in the same city.

Not over-reacting. And he and I would be done. Period.

[Anonymous]

Don’t legitimize crazy people by responding to them. Best to unfriend and move on.

[Anonymous]

This election has taught us many things. Who our neighbors and relatives are is just one of them. Proceed accordingly. Hanging around this uncle is probably neglectful, IMHO.

[Anonymous]

Hi, OP, this sounds like a tough situation. I would like to respectfully suggest you check out Outofthefog.net. It has resources for those who have abusive close relationships, including with family. It also provides tools to help people navigate setting and keeping boundaries.

[Anonymous]

Not sure why he is so angry when all the conservative armed people are in charge or are the ones shooting up things.

He needs to mind his own business and you parent the way you need to. Good luck OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi, OP, this sounds like a tough situation. I would like to respectfully suggest you check out Outofthefog.net. It has resources for those who have abusive close relationships, including with family. It also provides tools to help people navigate setting and keeping boundaries.

Thank you for this link.