the half sister meaning

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(Definition of half-sister from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary © Cambridge University Press)

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the ability to move freely or be easily moved

Keeping up appearances (Talking about how things seem)

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What is a Half Sibling?

Do you want to know what a half-sibling is? In this post, you will learn the definition of half-siblings, whether they are considered immediate family, and if they share DNA.

You will also find out:

• How closely related half siblings are
• The difference between a half-sibling and step-sibling
• How much DNA half-siblings share

“Half” relationships can be very confusing, but they do not have to be. Once you learn the basics, it will all become clear to you.

It is important to understand how half-siblings are related, especially if you have half-siblings yourself, or if you enjoy family tree research. The descendants (i.e. children, grandchildren, etc) of half-siblings have a unique “half” relationship, too.

What is the definition of half-siblings?

Half-siblings are two people who share a single parent in common. Half-siblings may share either a mother or father, but not both.

A male half-sibling might also be referred to as a half-brother, and a half-sibling who is female can be a called a half-sister. However, half-sisters and half-brothers can also be called “brother” and “sister”, as adding the “half” is unnecessary.

Occasionally, the term “maternal half-siblings” is used to refer to two half-siblings with a shared mother. If siblings share only a father, the term “paternal half-siblings” can be used.

The most recent common ancestor of half-siblings is the shared parent. Because of sharing one parent, half-siblings share 50% of their ancestors in common.

Are half-siblings considered siblings?

Yes, half-siblings are real siblings. Even though half-siblings share one parent instead of the two parents shared by full-siblings, they are genuine sisters and brothers to each other.

In fact, half-siblings might even feel closer to each other than some full-siblings, especially if they grew up in the same household together.

Are half-siblings considered immediate family?

Yes, half-brothers and half-sisters are considered to be immediate family members. This is because the genealogical relationship is that of siblings, even though they share one parent instead of two.

There are many other close relatives that are typically considered to be immediate relatives. In addition to half-brothers and half-sisters, full-siblings, siblings who were adopted into the family, and step-siblings are immediate family.

Are half-siblings more related than cousins?

Half-siblings are more closely related in a genealogical sense than cousins, since half-siblings are very close relatives. However, half-siblings share the same number of ancestors with each other as they do with their first cousins.

Two half-siblings share 50% of their ancestors because they share one parent. Since the common ancestor shared between first cousins are two grandparents, first cousins also share 50% of their ancestors.

If the parents of the first cousins are half-siblings, however, the cousins are technically half-cousins and will share only 25% of their ancestors.

What is a half-sibling versus step-sibling?

Half-siblings are biologically related, while step-siblings are related through marriage. There is usually no known biological relationship between step-siblings, unless the parents are distantly related to one another.

Even though half-siblings are not usually biologically related to their step-siblings, they can still have a very close relationship. Many people do not make a distinction between their biologically-related siblings and their step-siblings in regular conversation.

How do half-siblings show up on a DNA test?

Half-siblings will show up as close relatives on autosomal DNA tests , such as AncestryDNA or 23andMe. On Ancestry DNA, the half-sibling will be in the “ Close Family ” category, while on 23andMe, the half-sibling may be identified as such.

Two people who are half-siblings, whether male or female, will share between about 18-33% of their DNA. In centimorgans (cMs), this measures out to an average of about 1750 cMs, with a range of about 1300-2300 cMs.

Half-siblings who share the same mother will also have the same mitochondrial DNA ( mtDNA ). Half-brothers who share the same father will have the same Y-DNA, so their haplogroup should be identical.

I hope that this post has helped you understand the definition of half-siblings, whether they are considered immediate family, how closely they are related, and whether they share DNA.

If you have any questions about something that you read in this post, please join the discussion below.

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Jhildavetaylor

Wednesday 28th of June 2023

Thanks for detailed explanation on this topic

Linda kenyon

Wednesday 20th of July 2022

I recently did a dna test to determine whether my aunt and I were half siblings after being told we share the same father the results came back that we have a 28%match, we share 1,978 centimorgans across 55 segments and the the longest segment was 98 but it showed we were close family/1st cousins which I know we are not do does it leave us as aunt/niece or half siblings

Tuesday 26th of April 2022

If a mother has two daughters and they are from different fathers, does that make them half siblings or full siblings?

Donald Propp

Sunday 22nd of May 2022

@Nora, Hi Nora. I'm no DNA expert, by far, but unfortunately I have had to learn about half-siblings. Quick answer - If two daughters share a mother but have different fathers, their relationship is HALF-SIBLINGS (half-sister, half-brother). How do I know?

I grew up with Mom, Dad, brother & sister. At age 70, I had my DNA tested and was stunned to find out that I'm the product of a tryst or affair between my mother and one of my dad's Masonic Lodge brothers (despite his oath to be faithful, honest and honorable to his fellow Masons). I couldn't believe it until I had my sister tested and she showed up as my half-sister! That clinched it.

I also have a newly discovered half-brother and half-sister (they grew up with my biological father, who never acknowledged or took responsibility for me). I've reached out to them but they will not respond. Unfortunately my parents (legitimate and otherwise) are long dead so having their DNA tested is not possible. My aunts and uncles are all dead too.

On the lighter side, as I've told my wife and kids: "All those times someone called me a bastard, they were right!" :)

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half-sister noun

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What does the noun half-sister mean?

There are three meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun half-sister , one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

How common is the noun half-sister ?

How is the noun half-sister pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the noun half-sister come from.

Earliest known use

Middle English

The earliest known use of the noun half-sister is in the Middle English period (1150—1500).

OED's earliest evidence for half-sister is from around 1275, in the writing of Layamon, poet.

half-sister is formed within English, by compounding.

Etymons: half adj. , sister n.

Nearby entries

• half-sheet, n. & adj. 1573–
• half shell, n. 1837–
• half-shift, n. 1771–
• half shirt, n. 1578–
• half-shoe, n. 1552–
• half-shot, n. 1875–
• half-shot, adj. 1836–
• half-sibling, n. 1900–
• halfsies, n. & adv. 1922–
• half-silk, n. 1604–
• half-sister, n. c1275–
• half-size, adj. & n. 1746–
• half-sized, adj. 1684–
• half-slip, n. 1928–
• half-smile, n. 1653–
• half-snipe, n. 1668–
• half sole, n. 1836–
• half-sole, v. 1795–
• half sovereign, n. 1504–
• half-space, n. 1681–
• half spacing, n. 1895–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, entry history for half-sister, n..

half-sister, n. was revised in December 2022.

half-sister, n. was last modified in September 2023.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
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Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into half-sister, n. in September 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1898)

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Citation details

Factsheet for half-sister, n., browse entry.

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Definition of half-sister noun from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

half-sister

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Nearby words

Half Sister vs. Step Sister

What's the difference.

Half sisters and step sisters are both types of sisters, but they have different relationships to each other and to their shared parent(s). A half sister is a sibling who shares one biological parent with you, while a step sister is a sibling who is related to you through marriage. Half sisters often have a closer genetic connection and may have grown up together in the same household, which can lead to a stronger bond. On the other hand, step sisters may have a more distant relationship, as they may have come together later in life due to their parents' marriage. However, the strength of the relationship between half sisters and step sisters ultimately depends on the individuals involved and the dynamics within their families.

Further Detail

Introduction.

Family dynamics can be complex and diverse, with various types of relationships forming within a family unit. Two common types of sisterly relationships that often arise in blended families are half sisters and step sisters. While both types of sisters share a connection through marriage or blood, there are distinct differences in their attributes and the nature of their relationships. In this article, we will explore the unique characteristics of half sisters and step sisters, highlighting their similarities and differences.

Definition and Background

A half sister is a sibling who shares one biological parent with another sibling. For example, if two individuals have the same father but different mothers, they would be considered half sisters. On the other hand, a step sister is a sibling who is not biologically related but is brought together through the marriage or partnership of one of their parents. This means that step sisters do not share any biological parents but are connected through the union of their respective parents.

Shared Experiences

Despite their different origins, both half sisters and step sisters often share similar experiences within their family dynamics. They may grow up in the same household, attend family events together, and face similar challenges and joys. Both types of sisters can develop deep emotional bonds and form lifelong connections, just like biological sisters. They may share memories, traditions, and familial support, which can contribute to a strong sense of sisterhood.

Biological Connection

One of the key distinctions between half sisters and step sisters lies in their biological connection. Half sisters share a genetic link through one parent, which can result in physical similarities and shared traits. They may have similar facial features, body types, or even inherited health conditions. This biological connection can create a sense of familiarity and shared identity between half sisters, as they may see themselves reflected in one another.

On the other hand, step sisters do not share any biological connection. While they may develop emotional bonds and consider each other family, their physical attributes and genetic makeup will be distinct. This lack of biological connection does not diminish the depth of their relationship, but it does mean that step sisters may not have the same physical resemblances or inherited traits that half sisters often share.

Blended Family Dynamics

Half sisters and step sisters often find themselves navigating different family dynamics due to their unique relationships. In the case of half sisters, they may have to navigate the complexities of having different mothers or fathers, potentially leading to diverse upbringings or family structures. This can result in varying levels of closeness or differences in cultural backgrounds, depending on the circumstances.

Step sisters, on the other hand, may face the challenge of blending two separate families into one cohesive unit. They may have to adjust to new family members, different household rules, and potentially conflicting traditions or values. This process can require patience, understanding, and open communication to ensure a harmonious relationship between step sisters and their respective families.

Legal and Inheritance Rights

Another significant difference between half sisters and step sisters lies in their legal and inheritance rights. In most jurisdictions, half sisters are entitled to legal rights and inheritance from their shared biological parent. They are recognized as immediate family members and may have legal obligations and responsibilities towards one another.

Step sisters, on the other hand, do not have any legal rights or obligations towards each other. Since they do not share any biological connection, they are not considered immediate family members in a legal sense. However, this does not mean that step sisters cannot develop strong emotional bonds or support each other in various ways. The absence of legal recognition does not diminish the significance of their relationship.

Challenges and Benefits

Both half sisters and step sisters may face unique challenges within their relationships, but they also have the opportunity to experience numerous benefits. Half sisters may encounter difficulties in navigating complex family dynamics, especially if they have different custodial parents or live in separate households. However, they also have the chance to form a deep bond based on shared genetics and familial ties.

Step sisters, on the other hand, may initially face the challenge of adjusting to a new family dynamic and building a relationship with someone who is not biologically related to them. However, they can also benefit from the opportunity to expand their support network, gain new perspectives, and form lifelong friendships with their step sisters.

While half sisters and step sisters may have different origins and face distinct challenges, both types of relationships can be incredibly meaningful and rewarding. Whether connected through blood or marriage, sisters share a unique bond that can withstand the test of time. Understanding the attributes and dynamics of half sisters and step sisters can help foster stronger relationships and promote a sense of unity within blended families.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.

Definition of 'half-sister'

Half sister.

half sister in American English

Half-sister in british english, examples of 'half-sister' in a sentence half-sister, trends of half-sister.

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Definition of half-sib

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“Half-sib.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/half-sib. Accessed 4 Jun. 2024.

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Understanding Stepsiblings vs. Half Siblings: A Closer Look

Unpack what constitutes half siblings and stepsiblings today, and why having them can be awesome.

Amy is an experienced freelance writer who is also a licensed psychotherapist and college psychology instructor.

Learn about our Editorial Policy .

Family, as a concept, has become drastically more inclusive over the years. With roughly 16 percent of children in the U.S. living in a blended family, there are tons of kids navigating new lives with stepsiblings or half siblings, or both. There's less of a social pressure to create the standard 'nuclear' family in our society today, which has led to the beautiful array of family units you can see all over the world.

Given these changes, there can be a learning curve to the new definitions and dynamics of modern family roles. Learn more about how stepsiblings and half siblings are understood today, and how you can integrate these blended siblings into each's other lives.

Types of Sibling Relationships

Many American children live in blended families with a stepsibling or half sibling. The family makeup's so common that a staggering 1,300 blended families are created every day. While most people are familiar with biological siblings, where kids share the same biological mother and father, they don't account for every type of sibling out there. So, what are the different kinds of sibling relationships?

• Understanding What Is Considered Immediate Family (and Why It Matters)
• 7 Ways to Let Go of Your Adult Children (and Grow Closer Because of It)
• Cousin Relationships Explained: First, Second, Removed, & More

What Are Stepsiblings?

Stepsiblings have no blood relation but are related through their parent's marriage. For example, Jane, who's Alexis's mom, married Joe, who's Brandon's father. This makes Alexis and Brandon stepbrother and stepsister.

The key takeaway is that stepsiblings don't share a biological relationship, so they're not blood-related. This biological relation really only becomes a concern in terms of medical history, as a stepsibling or stepparents' diagnoses, like cancer or diabetes, won't put their non-biological family at a greater risk. Whereas, biological siblings' and parents' conditions can indicate a greater risk for you in certain cases.

What Are Half Siblings?

Half siblings are related by blood through sharing one biological parent. For example, Alexis and Brandon are stepsiblings, and their parents' Jane and Joe have a baby together, who they name Sarah. Sarah is both Alexis and Brandon's half sister. Sarah is Alexis's half sister through a shared biological mother and Brandon's half sister through a shared biological father.

What Are Full Siblings?

Full siblings are what most people automatically think of when you say you have a sibling. Basically, it just means you share the same biological parents as your other siblings. For example, Jane and Joe have a second child together, who they name Todd. Like Sarah, Todd is Alexis and Brandon's half sibling.

However, Sarah and Todd are full siblings since they share both the same biological mother and father. And, since it's biological relation, you don't stop being full siblings if your parents get divorced and re-marry.

What Are Adopted Siblings?

Adopted siblings don't share any biological parents but are legally related. Continuing the same family example, if Jane and Joe adopt a child named Jen together, Jen would be Alexis, Brandon, Sarah, and Todd's adopted sister. While they all legally share at least one parent, Jen doesn't share any biological parents with her siblings.

Sibling Relationships in Blended Families

Living in a blended family with a stepparent, stepsibling, or half sibling comes with some differences than living in a historically traditional family does. There are some potential bumps in the road that can come from changing the family unit. But there are awesome things that come from living and getting to love new people.

Challenges of Stepsibling and Half Sibling Relationships

Potential hang ups for kids who are stepsiblings or half siblings living in a blended family can include social, emotional, and physical challenges. Not all stepsiblings experience trials and tribulations, and each child's experiences largely depend on the unique makeup of the family, their own background, and the personalities of everyone that's coming together.

Age Difference Challenges

A large age difference between stepchildren and half siblings is one potential challenge that blended families must sometimes navigate. Without a shared family culture (stemming from not being raised by the stepparents), it can be hard to connect. This bond of shared experiences can make bridging the age gap easier, but when it's not there, some kids find it hard to make a relationship with someone that much older or younger than them.

Half Sibling Bonding Concerns

Sibling bonding can be really difficult when half siblings live with different parents, and so don't share the same visitation routine. Children may have a hard time developing the same closeness that they have with their new family members because of the unique living situation they find themselves in.

Stepsibling Bonding Concerns

When it comes to stepsiblings, you can't ignore that congregating a bunch of underaged strangers into the same roof might pose a problem. Often, stepsiblings enter into a relationship with one another before emotional bonds have been fully formed, unlike the way that the parents have been able to spend time building a relationship with each other. Of course, this isn't always the case, but it does happen.

Grieving Your Previous Family Structure

Many half siblings experience feelings of new loss when they enter a blended family unit. When parents separate or divorce, children may mourn the family structure they knew. Similarly, when a new half sibling is born, children may re-experience loss as they deal with sharing a parent with another child, and mourn the setup they were used to.

• Effects of Divorce on Children and How to Help Them Through It

If kids are experiencing these emotions, it's key to recognize them, validate their feelings, and help them feel loved, important, and included.

Feelings Less Jealous of Your Siblings

Jealousy is something that can run rampant through a household, biologically related or not. For instance, a stepsibling that moves into the home where a child already lives with their bio parent can drum up feelings of jealousy and resentment over sharing space, sharing their parents' attention, etc. These feelings of jealousy can only be made more complicated when the stepsiblings don't share the same house aka they live with the "other" bio parent.

Feeling Like You Don't Have a Home

Because of the potential uprooting and changes in the family structure they knew (and one they're never getting back) some half and stepchildren feel like they can't really call any place home. While many children of separated parents gather a sense that they don't truly have one home, children who have siblings at both parents' homes may feel this more profoundly.

Sibling Order Changes

Loss of "place" in the family can be a challenge for all siblings when the addition of new children mixes up the existing birth order . The oldest child can suddenly find she's not the oldest anymore, and the baby can become a middle child. This loss of "place" in the family can be confusing and cause resentment toward the incoming child because birth order can be a huge piece of someone's identity. These changes might cause different emotions and issues.

Things That Make Having Stepsiblings and Half Siblings Great

For all of the bumpy road stuff in the first few months of getting used to the new dynamics, there are so many benefits that come with having half siblings and stepsiblings. In some cases, children grow up in a blended family situation and are better for it. While it's often assumed that more negatives than positives dot the blended family experience, don't underestimate how awesome it can be.

The Focus Is on Fun

Kids don't just become family, they also become friends. They may be close in age and share friends, likes, and interests, or be farther apart in age and be able to focus on fun instead of sibling rivalry and competition. That distance from not living in each other's pockets for years can let them not carry some of that competitive sibling baggage around.

There's Less Sibling Competition

Half siblings and stepsiblings tend not to feel as competitive to assert their individuality with each other since there isn't a need to differentiate between themselves. They came into the family as someone uniquely their own and they have an established identity. When this happens, they can feel like they don't have to chafe against their sibling's achievements, actions, mistakes, etc.

They Have New Role Models

Some blended families can develop relationships that benefit everyone. Children may discover that through the marriage, they've gained a new role model. Just like any other family relationship, these relationships are lifelong and a great source of comfort and support over the years.

There Can be Improvements in Behavior

Many blended families see improvement in children's behavior . Contrary to popular belief, moving into a blended family doesn't automatically mean that kids will develop more behavior problems than children whose parents never divorced. How a child responds to changes in the family has more to do with parenting decisions and the individual people in the family than with the transition itself.

There are More People to Love and Be Loved By

A blended family means new family members and grandparents! Once children get new stepsiblings, they also get new grandparents (and possibly aunts, uncles, and other family members) who will love them. And as they say, no kid was ever harmed by being more loved.

Ways You Can Help Siblings Adjust and Bond

There are several things parents can do to help all the siblings in the family adjust to their new family and bond with one another . Understand, however, you can't do everything, and you can't force anything. Some relationships'll grow naturally, while others may take more time. Do what you can to foster love and kindness between the children in your blended family and help them feel comfortable, safe, and connected.

Encourage Open and Honest Conversations

Talk about everything and don't ignore anything. Create an environment where all of your kids feel comfortable coming to you and your spouse about anything that's bothering them. From what they want to call their new stepparent to what they're worried about, these issues are important to your kids, even if they seem silly to you. Be patient and try to guide them as best you can so that they can better work through personal anxieties and stressors that may serve as roadblocks to better bonding.

Ignore Sibling Relationship Titles

Don't force your kids to claim their siblings, but encourage them not to use terms like "step" and "half." The closest, most successful blended families don't differentiate between these relationships. This helps all members to not think of one another differently or as less. If they don't want to call a stepbrother their brother, they can refer to him by name instead.

Ultimately, though, it's their decision how they want to define their new siblings' relations to them. So, make sure you're being accepting of whatever their choices are, whether or not it's the one you want them to use.

Create an Environment of Equality

Treat all of the kids equally. Since your history with your kids will be longer than your history with your spouse's kids, treating kids equally might seem challenging. In fact, you may not even realize you're being more doting or stricter.

However, love is love, house rules are house rules, and everyone needs to be treated equally. Reflect on your own behavior and attitudes often and make sure that you are helping to create an environment of equality and respect by opening the floor for the kids to address your mistakes as they happen.

If you mess up and treat a kid better or worse than the others, immediately apologize and acknowledge what you did. This shows the kids that you're not infallible, and that you're holding yourself to the same standards that you're holding them to.

Ease Into Disciplining New Children

Ease your way into a disciplinarian role. Disciplining stepchildren too soon will cause resentment and interfere with bonding. Let the step-child's parent discipline at first, and then begin to discipline them slowly yourself. Always discuss this process with the child's biological partner first so that the pair of you stay on the same page. Start by verbally correcting inappropriate behavior, for example, long before attempting to remove privileges.

Make One-on-One Time a Priority

Make sure you and your spouse spend time with each kid individually, as well as a group. It's important you build a relationship with your stepchildren, but you don't want to neglect your own in the process. Take stepsiblings out together who have common interests or are close in age. By fostering connections together, you can encourage each child to start building a relationship with the other kids in the family.

Respect Old Traditions and Create New Ones

Make new traditions together, but don't abandon old ones. Introduce the new side of the family to existing traditions and encourage them to introduce you and your kids to theirs. Then, try to build new ones that are unique to your blended family that can bring you closer over the holiday season.

Keep Adult Relationships Positive

Do everything possible to develop a relationship with your stepchildren's other parent. By forming a positive relationship with your stepchildren's mom, for example, your stepchildren won't feel the need to have to pick a "favorite mom." Having a good relationship with your stepchildren's other parent will make the family environment more positive overall.

Siblings Are Family, No Matter What the Terms Are

There are some technical differences between blood-related siblings, stepsiblings, half siblings, and adopted siblings. And just like any family, the relationships between siblings can offer unique challenges. However, there are plenty of positives when families change and new family members are added too. Just remember that no matter what the technical terms are, you're a family, and that's what matters most.

Her Mother Tried To Use Her Dad To Buy Things For Her Half-Sister. She’s Wondering If She Went Too Far In Calling Her A Terrible Mom.

Divorce can be hard on young children, but as long as everyone treats them right, they can typically adjust pretty well.

One of the worst things a parent can do after a divorce is try to use the kids to get things from their ex.

In this story, mom constantly guilt trips her kids to try to get her ex to buy things for her new daughter, then gets upset when one of them calls her out on it.

Take a look and see what you think about the situation.

AITA for calling out my mom for years of guilt trips and pressure to make things equal between me and my half sister? My parents relationship ended when I (18f) was 4 and my brother (15m) was 1. My mom treated my dad pretty terribly afterward. She called him a thug and all kinds of stuff because of his appearance and tried to chase him off by suing for child support despite them sharing equal parenting time of us.

Things should get better now that mom is remarried and has another baby, right?

My mom got married when I was 7 and within a few months she had another daughter, my half sister. This is where things started to get stressful for my brother and me. My mom and her husband (I don’t and will not call him my stepdad) weren’t doing as great as they expected. I guess my mom got fired and when she got a new job it was a demotion. Her husband’s company lost a lot of money and paid less. My mom went back to court to ask for child support and got it. But it didn’t make the difference she expected.

I don’t care how hard things get, I would never ask my ex to buy presents for a child that is not his!

Mom then started asking dad to buy gifts for my half sister’s birthday and for Christmas. My dad told her he bought for his kids but not for a child she had with someone else.

As if asking her ex for help wasn’t bad enough, now mom is guilt-tripping her kids into trying to get their dad to support her new family.

Mom would then tell my brother and me we needed to ask dad for gifts for our half sister. We’d say no and she’d start guilt tripping us. She’d say we’re big siblings and we have it way better and if we love our half sister we should want her to be pretty equal to us. It didn’t stop there and my mom, even though dad never sent anything for my half sister, started thinking he should be willing to buy clothes and school supplies and random little treats because she knew he did that for us at his house. Mom was really hard on my brother and me because we didn’t ask dad. My brother told her once that dad shouldn’t have to pay when half sister has her dad. Mom said she’s still part of our family though and we should feel guilty for having more than her.

As if things weren’t bad enough, now it seems like mom is trying to turn the half-siblings against each other.

Out of spite a few years ago my mom told my half sister that dad had taken my brother to laser tag for his birthday and bought him a console and that I got to go to this cooking experience that cost like 500 dollars with my friends and that dad had bought me a gaming computer. She told my half sister we never asked him to buy her stuff too and that we didn’t want her to have nice things. She was like 8 at the time. My mom’s husband was just as much of a jerk about it and he would get mad at us for not taking care of our half sister like that.

Surely this can’t even be legal, right?

He even threatened to steal us and leave the country to teach us and dad a lesson because clearly he was a better parent than dad. I stopped going to mom’s a few months ago, before turning 18 but close enough to it that she’d be too late getting back to court. I don’t stay in touch much either but she blasted me for not visiting for my half sister’s birthday and started off the guilt trip again. So I called her out and told her she sucked and was an awful person and parent for treating my brother and me like that. Mom called me selfish and said I showed how little I cared. AITA?

Wow. She is definitely not the AH here. If anything, she isn’t being mean enough to her mother.

Let’s take a look at how hard other Redditors come down on this horrible mom.

This commenter brings up an important point.

Dad would definitely have a strong case if he wanted to go for full custody of his son.

I feel bad for all of Mom’s children, including the half-sister.

Hopefully, these kids can get into therapy and overcome what mom put them through.

Parents can’t be emotionally abusive to children and expect them to have a close relationship as an adults!

If you enjoyed that story, read this one about a mom who was forced to bring her three kids with her to apply for government benefits, but ended up getting the job of her dreams.

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The post Her Mother Tried To Use Her Dad To Buy Things For Her Half-Sister. She’s Wondering If She Went Too Far In Calling Her A Terrible Mom. first on TwistedSifter .