AITAH for Not Letting My Brother’s Kids Use My Gaming Setup?

Gaming is more than just a hobby for many—it’s an investment of time, money, and passion. So when someone touches your carefully maintained equipment without permission, it can feel deeply invasive. That’s exactly the situation one Reddit user described in a recent r/AITAH post: refusing to let their brother’s young kids touch their high-end gaming PC during a family visit. What followed was a family drama that spiraled into accusations of selfishness and immaturity.

In this post, we’ll break down the scenario, examine the clash between boundaries and family expectations, and help you decide—was this about protecting property, or prioritizing possessions over people?

The Backstory: When Family Guests Feel a Bit Too at Home

The original poster (OP) lives alone and takes great pride in a custom-built gaming setup: dual monitors, mechanical keyboard, VR gear—the works. During a weekend family visit, OP’s brother brought over his two kids (ages 6 and 8), who immediately gravitated toward the glowing screens. OP politely told them not to touch anything, explaining it’s not a toy and some parts are fragile or expensive.

The brother didn’t take it well. He said OP was being uptight, that “they’re just kids,” and accused OP of lacking generosity and family spirit. Things escalated, and OP ended up shutting and locking the room. Later, the family chat exploded with comments about OP being “cold” and “childish.”

Why Boundaries Around Personal Property Matter

Just because something seems like a toy to a child doesn’t mean it isn’t a valuable tool or prized possession to someone else. Here’s why OP’s reaction might not be wrong:

• Expensive tech is easy to damage. One careless spill or unplug can result in hundreds (or thousands) in repairs.

• Respect for personal space applies to everyone, including family.

• Kids need supervision and structure—not free reign in someone else’s house.

Letting children treat an adult’s workspace like a playroom sets unrealistic expectations and risks serious damage.

The “It’s Just Family” Argument—And Why It’s Tricky

A common response in situations like these is: “But it’s family!” That often comes with the assumption that you should bend your rules to accommodate guests, especially younger ones. But here’s the issue:

• Family visits don’t override personal boundaries.

• Expecting access without permission creates entitlement.

• Being related doesn’t mean you get to bypass respect.

If the roles were reversed—if OP let their pet chew on someone’s tablet or camera—there would be outrage. The same logic applies here.

How to Navigate These Situations Without Blowing Up the Family Group Chat

If you’ve been in a similar situation, here are a few ways to handle it more smoothly while still protecting your space:

• Set expectations in advance: Let visiting family know which areas or items are off-limits.

• Offer alternatives: Set up age-appropriate games on a tablet or console in a common space.

• Stay calm and firm: Don’t let guilt or gaslighting undermine your decision. Boundaries can be loving too.

• Follow up with kindness: Explain your point of view privately after the visit, before resentment builds.

A bit of planning and calm communication can go a long way in preserving both your sanity and your relationships.

Reddit Weighs In

As usual, the r/AITAH community had strong opinions. The majority sided with OP, saying that boundaries are essential, and expecting free use of expensive gear is unreasonable—especially for young children. Some offered middle-ground solutions, like letting kids watch while supervised or having an old console on hand just for visitors.

A few dissenters did say OP might’ve been a bit too blunt or cold, and could have handled the situation more gracefully, especially since this was family.

Final Thoughts: Boundaries Are Not Selfish

You’re allowed to protect your things—especially when they represent time, effort, and financial investment. Wanting your gaming setup to remain untouched doesn’t make you the bad person. It makes you someone with clear boundaries.

The real issue here isn’t about a computer—it’s about respect. And in any relationship, family included, respect should be mutual.