[UPDATE] AITAH for wanting nothing to do with my kids and exwife after 2 years of false allegations?

A devastated dad just wants the nightmare to end after his own kids leveled false abuse claims that landed him in jail. What started as a normal night—melatonin gummies, dinner, bedtime—exploded the next morning with cops and CPS at the door. His daughter later admitted making it up, unable to provide details, but the damage was done.

Social media rallied with concern, advice, and tough love, urging everything from therapy to full custody fights. The gut punch? He’s pushing to finalize divorce and go no-contact, terrified of more accusations despite clearing his name. Long work hours make parenting impossible, and the fear of constant paranoia looms large. Truly, sometimes self-preservation means letting go.

The haze of that first post lingers, but clarity came through the fog of hurt.

Home, reputation, and safety all slipped away in the fallout.

A fresh clash reignited the old wounds, forcing a hard line.

Tears come easy when picturing the voids ahead.

This dad’s terror stems from a weaponized family court system where false claims can destroy lives before truth surfaces. His ex may be coaching the kids for leverage in divorce, a sadly common tactic that leaves parents paranoid. The children’s ages make manipulation easier—they’re old enough to repeat stories, young enough not to grasp consequences.

Dr. Craig Childress, child psychologist specializing in parental alienation, warns: “When one parent turns children against the other through false narratives, it creates attachment trauma for the kids and legal nightmares for the targeted parent.” Clearly at play here—the daughter’s admission under pressure screams coaching or confusion, not malice.

Realistic steps include demanding family therapy in court orders, with a neutral evaluator assessing coaching risks. He could push for gradual unsupervised visits only after kids complete therapy confirming no abuse. Documentation is key: journal every interaction, request medical records for the “concussion,” and consider a parenting coordinator to mediate.

Ultimately, his no-contact plea protects sanity, but fighting for structured custody might salvage the bond long-term. The kids need him as a safe harbor, not absent forever. Balancing fear with hope feels impossible, yet many rebuild trust slowly.

Check out how the community responded:

Many users validated his pain while pushing for caution and potential custody battles.

A few raised red flags about possible external abuse or inconsistencies.

Others shared empathy through similar horrors.

Some other comments from readers.

This father’s choice boils down to survival versus shattered dreams of family holidays. False claims eroded trust, leaving paranoia as the only companion. Yet kids might suffer most under potential manipulation. Walking away ends the cycle for him, but therapy and structured custody could rebuild bridges safely. Everyone agrees: protect yourself first. Would you fight through the fear for your kids, or prioritize peace and step back?