UPDATE: AITA for refusing to give my newborn’s social security number to my aunt.
A father’s fierce protectiveness over his newborn’s future clashes with family tradition and trust, igniting a quiet storm of misunderstanding and hurt. Bound by love but divided by fear, he stands resolute, determined to shield his child from unseen dangers lurking in a world far changed from the past.
In the face of old arguments and entrenched beliefs, he forges a new path—a compromise born from respect, communication, and unwavering care. This is a story of boundaries, bravery, and the delicate balance between family loyalty and safeguarding what matters most.
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As renowned financial educator and author, Suze Orman, states, “Protecting your Social Security number is paramount; it is the key to your financial life.” This principle applies with even greater urgency to minors whose financial identities are entirely dependent on their guardians' vigilance. The OP's refusal to immediately hand over the Social Security Number (SSN) directly addresses the modern reality of identity theft, a risk significantly higher now than 40 years ago, especially following major data breaches like Equifax. The initial motivation from the aunt and mother—setting up funds—was rooted in positive intent, but their methodology was dangerously outdated. This scenario highlights a common intergenerational conflict where established social practices clash with current security requirements. The OP correctly prioritized legal and digital security over familial convenience. The compromise reached—a restricted deposit-only account—was an appropriate resolution, balancing the relatives' desire to contribute financially with the OP’s need to maintain control over withdrawal access and account secrecy. Moving forward, the OP should proactively communicate that all future financial gifts for the child must be channeled through vetted, legally structured custodial accounts (like UTMA/UGMA or 529 plans) where SSNs are not required for initial setup by third-party contributors, thus preventing future boundary discussions.
REDDIT USERS WERE STUNNED – YOU WON’T BELIEVE SOME OF THESE REACTIONS.:
The crowd poured into the comments, bringing a blend of heated opinions, solid advice, and a few reality checks along the way.
The original poster (OP) faced significant conflict when attempting to protect their newborn's sensitive financial information from well-meaning relatives. Despite initial resistance and arguments based on past traditions, the situation forced a reevaluation when the mother experienced actual identity theft, validating the OP's precautionary stance.
Given that modern financial risks now outweigh historical norms, was the OP correct to stand firm on protecting the child's Social Security Number, even at the cost of temporary family friction, or should they have relied more heavily on familial trust?