The father and grandparents of a 12-year-old aspiring actor have been branded "jealous and delusional" for discouraging his dreams of performing.
In a viral post on Mumsnet, a concerned British mother said while her young son "loved performing" and has been told he's talented by drama teachers, some family members have said he "isn't that good."
After winning a scholarship to a local theater school, the young actor has been chosen to attend a taster day at a London theater school and has even been put forward to audition for West End shows.
But despite his success, the boy's father and grandparents claimed his acting is "embarrassing and cringey" and other kids in his drama class are "far better than him" at performing.
Taking to the website under the name folly115, she wrote: "His grandparents (my parents) and my DH [dear husband] think he isn't that good and I need to stop encouraging him.
"They come to watch the shows and say that the other kids are far better than him and it is embarrassing and cringey watching him.
"His drama teacher at school says he is outstanding at drama and he will go far and friends of mine think he is brilliant.
"DH and my parents say people are being polite and the theater school is just after my money. My MIL [mother-in-law] and I think he really shines on stage. Am I being unreasonable to think I should not listen to them and listen to the people in the know?"
The post, which can be found here, racked up over 100 comments from users advising she ignore the negative attitude from her husband and parents and let her son pursue his dream.
One wrote: "Listen to the experts, not your DH and parents. If he's enjoying it, encourage him, but have a backup plan if he doesn't make it in the theater world. He'll have a lot of rejections no matter how good he is. But don't destroy his dreams, just make sure he is grounded and understands the reality of the world he wants to work in."
Another said: "They sound jealous and delusional. He has been offered a f****g scholarship and invited to the West End. Regardless, he enjoys it. What are you going to say? Sorry DS, you're s*** go home and play your Xbox. Life is hard enough for our kids without us s******g on their parade. Your husband and parents need to take a long hard look in the mirror."
"Your parents and DH (bad language incoming) are some hating a** b*****s. Keep supporting your son, I say. Sounds like he's doing great so far," wrote a third.
Another said: "Could it be a case of the green eyed goddess of jealousy? If he's enjoying it and wants to do it and you can support him—do so and don't listen to 'Mr and Mrs mediocrity.' No one benefits from pushing a poor student to do these events. He must have talent."
If you have a similar family dilemma, let us know via life@newsweek.com. We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
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