Standing Up for My Kids
When my husband, Eric, suggested having a third child, I knew things had to change. Raising our two children, Lily, 10, and Brandon, 5, was already exhausting. I worked part-time from home and managed everything at home while Eric thought his job was done after bringing in his paycheck. Diapers, school runs, bedtime stories? All fell on my shoulders. Meanwhile, Eric relaxed with hours of TV or video games.
One day, desperate for a break, I asked Eric to watch the kids while I met my friend for coffee. His response shocked me.
“I’m tired. Take them with you,” he said, glued to the TV.
I pushed back, “Eric, I need a break. It’s just an hour.”
His reply hit me hard. “You’re the mom. Moms don’t get breaks.”
That was my breaking point.
Days later, Eric dropped a bombshell at dinner. “We should have another baby.”
I couldn’t believe it. “Another? Eric, I’m drowning with two.”
He shrugged, “We managed before. What’s the big deal?”
I was blunt. “I do all the work. I’m exhausted.”
His mom, Brianna, and sister, Amber, visiting at the time, sided with him.
“Eric works hard,” Brianna said. “You should be grateful.”
Amber added, “Mom did it without complaining.”
Their old-fashioned views infuriated me. “Raising kids isn’t one person’s job,” I argued.
Eric ignored me and insisted on a third child. Frustrated, I stood firm.
“Pack your things and leave,” he snapped.
I remained calm. “The kids stay. Whoever stays is responsible for them.”
Eric paled. “Wait… what?”
“You heard me,” I said firmly. “You want me out, fine. But the kids stay.”
That night, I left with my sister, determined to stand up for myself and my kids. Eric called, but I stuck to my decision. His threats only made me more resolute.
In the end, Eric couldn’t handle being the main caregiver. I filed for divorce, kept custody of the kids, and the house. Eric pays child support, but parenting remains solely my responsibility.
It wasn’t easy, but I don’t regret standing up for myself. I’m proud to show my kids that self-respect matters.
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