AITA for telling my son about my ex wife’s infidelity?

Imagine a father, eight years post-divorce, shielding his kids from the messy truth of why his marriage ended. But when his ex-wife spins a tale that paints him as the villain who abandoned her, turning their 16-year-old son against him, he cracks. In a quiet heart-to-heart, he reveals her infidelity as the real reason, hoping to clear his name. Now, guilt gnaws at him: was honesty worth the cost?

This Reddit story is a poignant tangle of truth, loyalty, and parental love. Was the father’s disclosure a necessary defense, or a burden too heavy for his son? It’s a tale that probes the delicate balance of protecting kids while facing lies, pulling readers into a moral tug-of-war.

‘AITA for telling my son about my ex wife’s infidelity?’

This Reddit post lays bare a father’s struggle to reclaim his son’s trust amid a co-parent’s deception. Here’s his story, raw and heartfelt:

This co-parenting clash is a stark reminder of how lies can ripple through a family. The father’s decision to reveal his ex-wife’s infidelity was driven by her false narrative, which alienated their son. At 16, the son is mature enough for a measured truth, but the disclosure risks reshaping his view of his mother, complicating their bond.

Family therapist Dr. Joshua Coleman notes, “Honesty with teens about divorce must be age-appropriate and avoid vilifying the other parent” (Source). A 2023 study in Journal of Family Psychology found that 70% of teens exposed to parental conflict narratives feel caught in loyalty binds (Source). The ex-wife’s lie was self-serving, but the father’s truth, while justified, could have been softened by emphasizing mutual respect for the son’s sake.

He should reassure his son that loving both parents is okay, avoiding further criticism of his ex. “Focus on the child’s emotional safety,” Coleman advises. A mediator could help align their co-parenting narratives. The ex-wife needs to own her lie to prevent further damage.

Heres what people had to say to OP:

Reddit weighed in with takes as sharp as a family secret. Here’s what the crowd had to say:

These Reddit opinions are as bold as a courtroom confession, but do they miss the long-term impact on the son’s trust?

This story is a bittersweet blend of truth and consequence. The father’s honesty aimed to mend his bond with his son, but the shadow of infidelity lingers. Could a gentler approach or a neutral story have spared the son’s heart? What would you do if your ex’s lies turned your child against you? Share your thoughts—have you ever had to reveal a hard truth to protect a family tie?