This dad got roasted by his 3-year-old at bedtime—and the internet is siding with her

Toddlers might be tiny, but make no mistake, they’re experts in emotional warfare, especially at bedtime. Just ask TikTok mom @mrssimonds, whose viral video has moms everywhere nodding along, laughing, and silently high-fiving her daughter.

In the now-viral TikTok, viewed over 3.8 million times, @mrssimonds can be heard laughing as her husband recounts how bedtime went with their daughter. He tells his wife that after saying “I love you” and “Goodnight” to their 3-year-old, their daughter coolly responded, “I’m not saying I love you, I’m not saying goodnight”—holding up her fingers to count off each refusal.

@mrssimonds Watching my husband handle bedtime with our tiny drama queen has me wheezing lol #toddler #bedtimeroutine #drama #sassy #toddkersoftiktok #viral #bedtime #parenting #viral @Matt Simonds208 ♬ original sound – Careylee Simonds

Cue emotional damage.

The dad’s hilarious look of shock is relatable to every parent who’s been verbally destroyed by their pint-sized opponent. As he turns to his wife for backup, her laughter—captured perfectly in the video—is the sound of a seasoned parent who knows toddlers hold grudges, set fierce boundaries, and never forget a snack injustice.

Related: 7 activities that teach preschoolers + toddlers social skills

Threenagers are real, and they know their power

Toddlers, especially three-year-olds (or “threenagers,” as seasoned parents aptly call them), have an uncanny ability to pinpoint exactly what will wound your parental pride. Chips today, bedtime stories tomorrow—nothing is sacred.

“He doesn’t understand why you’re laughing…. his feelings were hurt and he needs you to go talk to the bully….🤣😂,” commented TikTok user @Katie Carter, echoing the sentiment of thousands of others who recognized the classic dynamic unfolding.

Bedtime isn’t just a routine anymore

Bedtime battles are notorious among parents, a mix of negotiation, pleading, and, occasionally, outright bribery. It’s not just about sleep—it’s about independence, power dynamics, and a toddler’s first steps into boundary-setting.

One commenter, @Beaux-dazzle, summed it up perfectly: “She clearly set boundaries, lol.”

Toddlers instinctively know bedtime is their territory, and they’ll defend it fiercely, even if that means throwing shade at their beloved parents.

Why toddlers set boundaries (even if they involve chip-related disrespect)

It might seem dramatic, but toddlers setting boundaries, even silly ones, actually plays a crucial role in their emotional development. They’re learning autonomy, asserting preferences, and understanding their own emotions and reactions.

But sometimes, as many parents pointed out in the comments, those boundaries can hilariously involve snacks. User @MorganR observed, “Ma’am, he is looking to you for help😂😂 he was bullied,” highlighting how parenting often involves finding humor in those “pick your battles” moments.

And honestly? We love to see a little one who knows their worth and isn’t afraid to call out someone violating their chip boundaries. Here’s looking at you, dad. 

Related: May we all have the confidence of this hilariously ‘feral’ toddler