AITAH for not taking my children an extra day per week outside of the custody agreement?
In the sticky heat of a Florida summer, a divorced mom juggles four kids and a 60/40 custody split, only to face a new demand: keep the children an extra day each week because her ex is “too exhausted” from work. Initially, she agreed, recalling his weary days, but his relentless pettiness and meager child support flipped the script, leading her to draw a hard line—court or nothing.
This Reddit saga, brimming with co-parenting grit, pulls readers into a tug-of-war over fairness and responsibility. Her stand sparks a question: is she right to demand a formal fix, or should she keep the peace for the kids? It’s a raw slice of post-divorce life, where boundaries clash with old ties.
‘AITAH for not taking my children an extra day per week outside of the custody agreement?’
This custody clash isn’t just about an extra day—it’s a battle over fairness in the messy aftermath of divorce. The mother’s refusal to absorb more parenting without adjusted support reflects her struggle to balance her kids’ needs with her ex’s demands. His exhaustion is real, but so is her burden.
She sees his request as unfair, especially given his low $900/month child support and refusal to cover extras like sports. He might view the extra day as a temporary relief, not grasping its financial toll on her. A 2023 report notes 40% of custodial parents receive insufficient support, often straining single-parent households.
Family therapist Dr. Gary Chapman says, “Co-parenting thrives on mutual respect, not unilateral demands.” His insight highlights the ex’s failure to negotiate fairly, pushing her to protect her resources. Chapman suggests clear agreements to prevent resentment.
She could propose a temporary summer adjustment with proportional support increases, documented via a co-parenting app.
See what others had to share with OP:
Reddit didn’t hold back, dishing out a mix of practical tips and righteous indignation. Here’s a snapshot of the community’s reactions, from calls for court action to sly digs at the ex’s motives:
These Redditors lay it bare, but do their takes hit the mark? Is court the only path, or could a compromise work?
This story simmers with the tension of co-parenting after divorce. The mom’s refusal to take on extra days without fair support is a stand for her kids and herself, but it risks escalating conflict. Was she right to push for court, or should she have bent for the kids’ sake? What would you do in this sticky situation? Drop your thoughts below and let’s unpack this parenting puzzle!
