Divorced Mother Asks If She’s Wrong For Refusing To Stop Living Her Life For Her Kids

• By Malaika
• April 2, 2024
• 5 minutes read

Parents are sometimes forced to put their lives on hold for their children.

Parenting is one of the most rewarding and challenging responsibilities a person can take on. From sleepless nights with a newborn to navigating the turbulent teen years, parents frequently sacrifice their own needs for their children’s well-being. Despite the immense love and joy that parenting brings, there are times when parents feel overwhelmed and forced to put their own dreams and aspirations on hold. It is critical for parents to prioritise self-care and seek help when necessary in order to maintain their own well-being while caring for their children.

Taking time for themselves can help parents recharge and cope with the demands of raising a family. This is why I don’t believe it is selfish to say that children are not for everyone. While it may be rewarding for many people, we can’t deny that it drains a person, even when you’re with a supportive partner. However, when you have a tumultuous relationship with your partner, things can become even more difficult. That is basically the case in this story, as the original poster (OP) is divorced and has recently started focusing on self-care.

Scroll down to get the full context.

Source: Reddit

Parents have a hard time balancing self-care and taking care of their kids.

OP got divorced from her ex a year ago, and in his words, it was the best decision she ever made as he treated her like a maid.

OP split custody with her husband equally, and while it is difficult, they are somehow making it work.

OP has her freedom back, and thus she joined a modelling club where she gets to let out her creativity.

The main issue arose when her 17-year-old son forgot about the bake sale that he had volunteered for and asked his mother for help.

Via Reddit

OP was quick to reject this request as she was just about to go out and they got into an argument.

OP’s son went to his father, and he ended up calling out OP for not helping their son.

OP wants to teach her son about responsibility and owning up to mistakes, but she doesn’t know where to start.

She also asked Redditors whether she was in the wrong for not helping him out of this pickle.

Via Reddit

I understand that parents are supposed to be there for you in times of need. However, this does not imply that they must always put their own needs aside for you. Even parents require breaks from time to time, and they are permitted to do so as long as it does not cause physical or emotional harm to their children.

Not only that, but teenagers are supposed to understand that their actions have consequences. Furthermore, OP’s son is 17, so he should admit his mistakes and accept full responsibility for them.

I would have to agree that he is 17 and not a baby.

There were many solutions to this problem that didn’t require his mother to stay at home.

I have heard that before, and I would say that I 100% agree with it.

He could have cancelled his prior engagement to stay home and bake.

It is his responsibility, not hers.

Via Reddit

I honestly don’t understand why he needed OP to do it all for him.

This kind of mindset is not good.

People forget stuff sometimes, but he could have made up for that mistake easily.

This was not her fault at all.

I hope the son learns to be better in the future.

There is only one year left until he will be considered an adult, so he needs to learn some life lessons.

Via Reddit

What are your thoughts on how OP dealt with the situation? Do you believe she should have helped her son in this situation? Or do you believe it is his responsibility? What would you have done had you been in her shoes? Comment below to let us know, and don’t forget to share this story with your friends so they can have similar experiences as well.