AITA for My husband cheating and leaving me causing our kids to hate him (he has a new family now and cut our kids off)?

The sting of betrayal lingers like a shadow, but for one single mom, the real pain hits when her ex-husband, who cheated and left, shuts out their kids for his new family. Years ago, her teens cut him off, hurt by his infidelity, but now as adults, they crave connection—only to face a cold rejection. His new life, complete with five kids and retirement plans, has no room for them, leaving her reeling with hurt and anger.

This saga of fractured family ties cuts deep, raising questions about forgiveness, responsibility, and second chances. The mom feels her ex should step up as the parent, but his firm stance and Reddit’s mixed takes muddy the waters. Was she wrong to expect more, or is his rejection a final betrayal? Let’s unpack this emotional rollercoaster and weigh the fallout.

‘AITA for My husband cheating and leaving me causing our kids to hate him (he has a new family now and cut our kids off)?’

Betrayal in marriage is tough, but when it fractures a parent-child bond, the scars last a lifetime. This mom’s hurt is palpable—her ex-husband’s cheating shattered their family, and his choice to prioritize his new family over their now-adult kids feels like a second abandonment. The kids’ initial rejection as teens was emotional, not malicious, yet his refusal to reconnect, citing his new kids and retirement, stings as cold and final.

This story reflects a broader issue: navigating estrangement in blended families. A 2021 Pew Research study found 40% of divorced parents face long-term estrangement from their kids, often due to unresolved pain from infidelity. The ex’s attempt at custody early on shows some effort, but his later cutoff suggests he moved on entirely.

Family therapist Dr. John Gottman notes, “Rebuilding trust requires consistent effort, even after years of distance.” The ex could have left the door open with small gestures, like letters or financial support, to show care. For the mom, therapy for her kids could help process their grief and rejection.

These are the responses from Reddit users:

Reddit rolled in with takes as raw as an open wound, mixing sympathy with tough love. Here’s what the community had to say about this family fracture:

These Reddit opinions are fiery, but do they heal or hurt? Some slam the ex’s heartlessness, while others point to the kids’ long silence. What’s your take on this tangled family mess?

This tale of cheating, abandonment, and rejected reconciliation leaves hearts heavy and questions swirling. The mom’s pain for her kids is raw, but the ex’s new life and Reddit’s split verdict complicate the blame. Was she wrong to hope for a bigger gesture from him, or is his rejection a fair response to years of distance? Family ties are tough to untangle, especially when betrayal’s involved. What would you do in this messy saga? Share below and let’s keep the convo alive!