Life often puts us in situations that test our patience, our resilience, and our sense of justice.
Co‑parenting, in particular, demands balance and sacrifice. Both parents are expected to show up — emotionally, financially, and physically — for the child they brought into this world.
But what happens when one parent suddenly decides to prioritize their own needs and leaves the other to carry the entire load?
It’s a reality many single parents silently endure.
Recently, a reader named Rose shared her story with us. Her letter reveals how she responded to an audacious request from her ex-husband — and how she turned the tables in a way he never expected.
Her letter reads:
My ex‑husband casually called me one afternoon and, without a hint of shame, asked if he could “skip” three months of child support.
Why?
Because he needed to “save up for a summer trip” with his new wife and their two kids.
I remember staring at the phone, my heart thudding in my chest.
I didn’t argue. I didn’t yell. I simply said, “Okay,” and hung up.
But inside, I was boiling.
It wasn’t just about the money — it was about the principle.
Our daughter deserved better than to be treated like an obligation he could opt out of whenever it suited him.
When the next visitation day came around, I didn’t drive our daughter over to his place.
Instead, I drove up to his door with a large suitcase.
He opened it with a smile, probably expecting toys or treats.
But the moment the zipper slid down and he saw what was inside — neatly folded clothes, school supplies, toiletries — his face drained of color.
He blinked in confusion.
“What… what is this?”
I smiled sweetly.
“Oh, I thought I’d help you out. Since you want a break from supporting our child financially, I figured I’d give you an opportunity to support her in a different way. She’ll be living with you for the next sixteen weeks.”
His wife suddenly appeared in the doorway, frowning.
“What’s going on?”
I turned to her and explained calmly, “It’s simple. Since he’s taking a break from financially supporting our daughter, I thought it would be fair for me to take a break too. You’ll be handling full‑time parenting for the next three months. I’ve packed enough clothes and supplies for the first two weeks. After that… well, I’m sure you can figure something out.”
My ex started to panic.
“Wait, hold on! We never agreed to this!”
I tilted my head, still smiling.
“Oh? I assumed you’d be fine with it. I mean… it’s just three months. What’s the big deal?”
I let that sink in.
Then I delivered the final blow:
“Oh, and one more thing — our daughter didn’t feel like visiting Daddy today. She said she’d rather stay with me this weekend. So I’ll drop her off Monday morning… and then she’s all yours for the full twelve weeks. Enjoy!”
The look on his face was priceless. His wife’s jaw actually dropped.
And now? They can’t stop calling and texting me, begging me to change my mind.
But I’m not answering.
I’m standing my ground.
If he chose to prioritize his new family over his firstborn, then he should live with the consequences.
I didn’t make this decision in a vacuum — he did, the moment he decided that child support was optional.
Was I wrong for this? Maybe some will think so.
But as far as I’m concerned, I was simply showing him what fairness really looks like.
Sincerely,
Rose
