Dear Ms. Sincere Jones,
I am a proud single mother. I have been separated from my husband for two years. He has decided to disappear from his financial responsibility. We have a beautiful little boy together. He is my heart. My ex-husband and I were sharing all of his expenses for the past year. Now, we are entering into our second year of separation and he feels like that he is doing his part by being there emotionally for our son. The emotional part is an important aspect of parenting. I am grateful. I get that. I haven’t said anything to him about contributing financially to our son’s well-being. I have a good job, and I can do it. There are days when I want to say something to him, but my pride gets in the way. I get furious because he knows that this is his son too. I shouldn’t have to tell him to contribute. It infuriates me that we have ended up on this road. What should I do? Should I say something? Should I remain silent?
Sincerely,
A Misguided Soul
Dear A Misguided Soul,
It is great that you can provide for you and your son. You shouldn’t have too. You didn’t start on this journey as a single parent. You are separated, but you both share equal custody of your son. You are right. You shouldn’t have to tell him that you need financial support. He is the father. In your first year of your separation, he was contributing financially to assist with your son’s expenses. You know your husband. It could be that something has come up. For example, he could be that some additional expenses hit his pockets. Things happen. I understand completely. There is the one thing. If you never ask the question, you will never know. You have to ask the question in order to find out the answer.
I do not know your circumstances, but I would suggest you two sit down and discuss your son’s expenses. I would suggest you meet with your ex-husband and write it all down. As a result, there will not be any unwanted tension between the two of you about your son’s expenses. If you don’t feel comfortable meeting by yourself, there are free resources available to assist you in this manner. I want you to remember to set aside that pride when it comes to your son. He deserves the best from both parents. You didn’t conceive your son alone. Why would you raise him alone?
Sincerely,
Ms. Sincere Jones
Bible Inspirational Verse(s): Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection, and compassion, may my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in the spirit, intent on one purpose. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own person interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2: 1-4