I Refuse to Babysit My 3 Stepchildren for Free

Navigating blended families can be challenging, and Carla is experiencing these difficulties firsthand. She is expected to care for her husband’s three children for long hours every day while his ex-wife is busy with work. Carla was unhappy with this arrangement and reached out to us for advice.

Here’s Carla’s letter:

“My husband’s ex-wife works while I stay at home. Their three children, aged 10, 8, and 5, are spending a significant amount of time at our house—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 a day, $40 for each kid.”

My husband remained quiet, while his ex-wife looked uncomfortable. After 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 three kids who aren’t mine!

Today, I was shocked to find all my personal belongings packed in boxes, along 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 three kids?