Navigating blended families isn’t always simple, and Carla is seeing the difficulties firsthand. She is expected to care for her husband’s three children for lengthy hours every day, while his ex-wife works extensively. Carla was dissatisfied with this arrangement and contacted us for guidance.
This is Carla’s letter:
My husband’s ex-wife works while I’m a housewife. Their 3 kids, aged 10, 8, and 5, are spending so much time at our place, even when my husband isn’t around, because she’s been “so busy” with work lately.
Yesterday, I told her, “I’m not a free babysitter. 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 surprised to find all my personal 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?
