AITA FOR NOT LETTING MY SON GO TO HIS BEST FRIEND’S BIRTHDAY—AFTER WHAT HIS FRIEND’S DAD SAID TO ME?

That’s my son in the green tank top, crying while hugging his best friend Micah. They’ve been inseparable since preschool—sharing snacks, finishing each other’s sentences, even trying to run away together once. So seeing them like this was heartbreaking.

Micah’s family invited us to his sixth birthday party—superheroes, balloons, the whole deal. I RSVPed weeks ago, and my son was excited. But at the grocery store, I ran into Micah’s dad. Out of nowhere, he said kids their age “shouldn’t get too close” because of race differences. My son is white; Micah is Black. I’d never thought it mattered to them.

I didn’t argue but later told my son we wouldn’t go to the party. He sobbed, confused. When we bumped into Micah afterward, he was hurt too, asking if he did something wrong. Micah’s dad told me, “Adults make mistakes, but kids see things clearer.” That hit me hard.

I called my sister Clara, who pointed out that instead of cutting the boys off, I should have talked to Micah’s dad. Her advice stayed with me, and I reached out to Seth.

Over coffee, Seth explained his fears—he worried about Micah facing racism and wasn’t trying to judge our families. We agreed that shielding kids from friendships because of race only hurts them. We needed to model openness.

We let the boys reconnect. When I told my son, his face lit up. Seth brought Micah over, and the boys played happily, unaware of the drama between adults.

Seth and I grew closer too, learning from each other. Parenting is messy, but communication and empathy can heal divides.

That night, my son said, “Mom, I’m glad Micah’s my best friend.” And I agreed.