AITAH for telling my husband’s affair baby’s family to either come get the kid or I’m calling CPS?

A woman shared her experience of her soon-to-be ex-husband bringing home an unexpected baby from his affair, only to leave her responsible for the child when he suffered a health crisis. While she initially agreed to let him and the child stay in her home without any involvement from her, his heart attack has made caring for the baby impossible for him.

When she reached out to the child’s maternal grandparents, they criticized her for her “cold” reaction toward the baby, despite her feeling no obligation to care for her husband’s affair child. With her own children also weighing in, she’s left wondering if she acted too harshly.

‘AITAH for telling my husband’s affair baby’s family to either come get the kid or I’m calling CPS?’

Dealing with the aftermath of infidelity and unexpected responsibilities can be emotionally taxing. In this case, the Redditor is faced with the challenge of caring for a child that is not hers, resulting from her husband’s affair. It’s important to recognize that while the child is innocent, the Redditor is under no obligation to assume parental responsibilities for a child born from her husband’s infidelity.

According to relationship expert Dr. Jennifer Finney, “It’s crucial for individuals to set boundaries that protect their emotional well-being, especially when dealing with the aftermath of infidelity.” In this situation, the Redditor has communicated her boundaries clearly by stating her unwillingness to care for the child and seeking a divorce.

The Redditor’s decision to contact the child’s maternal grandparents was appropriate. It is the responsibility of the biological parents or their families to care for the child. By setting a deadline for the grandparents to take the child, she ensured that the child would not be left without care.

The grandparents’ reaction, scolding the Redditor for being cold, is understandable from an emotional standpoint but does not change the fact that the Redditor is not obligated to care for the child. It’s important to acknowledge the emotional complexity of the situation while also respecting personal boundaries.

In relationships, especially those affected by infidelity, setting and maintaining boundaries is essential for personal well-being. The Redditor’s actions reflect a healthy approach to managing a difficult situation by prioritizing her own needs and seeking support from the appropriate family members.

Update here: https://aita.pics/jRDqs

Here’s how people reacted to the post:

The Reddit community largely supported the Redditor’s decision. One user commented, “NTA. That child was not your responsibility. Yes, it was innocent but you’re literally not responsible for raising it.” Another user added, “NTA. Basically everybody is trying to dumb their responsibilities on you. The baby should be with family. You’re not cold to not want to care.”

These responses highlight the community’s understanding that while the child is innocent, the Redditor is under no obligation to care for a child resulting from her husband’s affair. The consensus is that the responsibility lies with the biological parents or their families.