AITAH for wanting to divorce my husband over kids?
Imagine tying the knot with a “no kids, ever” pact, only for your sister-in-law to dump three little surprises on your doorstep and vanish. One Redditor (29F) is staring down this nightmare: her childfree husband (likely early 30sM) wants to keep his sister’s abandoned trio, while she’s ready to bolt via divorce. Two months of air mattresses, WFH chaos, and a CPS deadline have her at wit’s end. Is she the jerk for bailing, or is he for rewriting their vows? Let’s cradle this mess.
Our couple’s been rocking the DINK life—until SIL’s vanishing act left them with a 5-year-old and 2-year-old twins. Expenses spiked, the living room’s a campsite, and she’s the default mom while he clocks long office hours. CPS says decide fast—bigger house or bust. She’s out; he’s in, accusing her of abandoning him. She fires back: this breaches their kid-free deal. Yesterday’s “divorce” drop? A line in the sandbox. Who’s at fault here? Snuggle up to the full story below!
‘AITAH for wanting to divorce my husband over kids?’
Dropping kids on a childfree couple’s life is like tossing a grenade into a zen garden—our Redditor’s reeling. She’s been clear: no kids, ever. He was too—until his sister’s stunt made him pivot. Divorce over it? Harsh, but let’s burp out the perspectives.
She’s got a rock-solid case. They vowed no kids—custom vows, not “death do us part” boilerplate—and she’s drowning in a role she never signed for. Two months in, she’s the 24/7 caretaker—WFH, no breaks—while he’s barely on deck (7 a.m.-8 p.m. gig, Sunday flops). A 2023 Pew study says 44% of childfree adults cite lifestyle as king—hers is trashed. Forcing parenthood’s a betrayal—therapist Dr. Harriet Lerner says, “Unilateral life shifts break trust” (source). She’s not abandoning him; she’s saving herself.
He’s not evil, though—those kids are blood, and foster care’s a dice roll. Child Welfare stats show 20% of fostered kids face instability—his heart’s tugging. But wanting her to shoulder it? That’s where it cracks. He’s not planning—house, cash, care? Crickets. He’s outsourcing the grind to her, not stepping up. “I need you” can’t mean “you do it.” The real AH? SIL—abandonment’s a crime in most states; she’s the spark.
Divorce too far? Nope. She’s not obligated to rewrite her life—kids deserve willing parents, not resentful ones. He’s got to own his choice, not guilt hers. Readers, your coo: is this a fair exit or a hasty hop?
Let’s dive into the reactions from Reddit:
Reddit’s rocking takes louder than a toddler tantrum—hear them! [comment block] Are these cries spot-on or just diaper rash rants?
From a childfree dream to a forced family nightmare, this Redditor’s divorce card flipped a kid-crowded script. Was she right to bolt before his “yes” to kids locked her in, or did she ditch too quick? How’d you dodge a curveball this big? Rock your thoughts below—we’re all ears!