It can be quite difficult to manage merged families, and Carla is facing these difficulties directly. She feels obligated to look after her partner’s three children for extended periods daily while his former spouse is engaged in demanding work. Carla was unhappy with this situation, so she sought our guidance.
Hẻre’s what she shared
My husband’s ex has an important job, while I’m a stay-at-home wife. This summer, she started to leave their young boys with me from morning until late evening because she’s “so busy”.
Yesterday, I told her, “I’m not a slave. I want $120/day. $40 for each kid.” My husband was quiet, and his ex-wife looked uncomfortable. When she left, my husband smirked and said, “And I’m not a free provider. I work all day to provide a decent life for you, and I cannot accept you treating my kids as if they are strangers. This is their house too!”
I got furious and explained that being a housewife is work enough; I cannot also care for 3 kids who aren’t mine!
Today, I was shocked to find my entire belongings packed in boxes, with a note from my husband saying, “Since you want to earn $120/day, maybe you can start buying your own stuff yourself.”
I feel completely insulted by my husband’s actions. This isn’t like him at all. Was I really wrong to ask to be acknowledged for looking after 3 kids?
