Redditor Buys Car For His Teen Son—Ex Demands He Fund College For Her Other Kids

One Redditor’s wallet sparked a family feud juicier than a soap opera showdown! This 34-year-old dad, now financially independent, has poured his heart and cash into his 16-year-old son, from vacations to a shiny new car for his birthday. But his ex, mom to their son and four younger half-siblings, blew up, calling him selfish for not spending on her other kids.

She claims his son’s lavish lifestyle makes her brood feel left out, but he fired back that he’s only obligated to his own kid. Now, she’s fuming, and he’s wondering if he’s the bad guy.

Is he a jerk for keeping his money for his son, or is she out of line? Want the full drama? Dive into the Reddit post below!This parenting clash has Reddit buzzing like a family reunion gone wrong. Let’s unpack it with expert insights and community takes!

This Redditor’s saga is a cash-fueled family storm

Family finances are complicated enough without dragging old flames into the budget. In this case, the father chose to go above and beyond for his son—and that’s already more than many co-parents do. The real question: is fairness measured by equality, or by responsibility?

From the moment his son was born, this dad could’ve walked away after paying child support. But instead, he stepped up emotionally and financially—raising the boy, offering stability, and even buying him a car. And still, that’s not enough for his ex.

The ex’s frustration seems to stem from comparison. As her household juggles five kids, her son returns from dad’s house wearing nicer clothes, going on trips, and eventually showing up with a new car. For her, it may feel like he’s flaunting it—even if that’s not the intention.

But legally and ethically, she’s out of bounds. Lisanne Iriks, who has vast practical experience in the fields of conflict resolution, coaching, and education says “Healthy co-parenting requires mutual respect, and respecting each other’s privacy is a foundational part of that.” That applies doubly when the kids aren’t even shared.

Yes, some stepparents or exes choose to treat all children equally—but choice is not obligation. Her emotional plea sounds more like resentment and jealousy than logic. She’s asking her ex to patch holes caused by her own life choices. As some Redditors noted, if her other kids need support, that’s a conversation for their actual fathers.

Instead of guilt-tripping the dad, maybe a better path would be open dialogue. Could he encourage his son to be thoughtful toward his siblings? Possibly. But forcing equality between children with different parents doesn’t solve anything. In fact, it might spark even deeper resentment and confusion.

Reddit’s spilling more tea than a family reunion fight!

Dad’s only responsible for his son—ex should ask her other kids’ dads to step up.

Not his kids, not his problem—ex can’t expect him to shortchange his son.

He could gift the other kids, but he owes them nothing—ex might be unfair to his son.

Ex’s mad she can’t provide like him—taking it out on him is lousy parenting.

As a half-sibling, I was jealous too, but their dad owed me nothing—ex needs to chill.

Not his responsibility—ex should track down the other kids’ dad for support.

Six kids is too many if she can’t afford them—his son shouldn’t suffer for it.

He’s doing right by his kid—ex’s demands are out of line.

Obvious humble brag, but he’s not the jerk—his son’s his only duty.

This Redditor’s money drama is wilder than a reality TV spat! Was he right to shut down his ex’s demand to fund her other kids, or should he spread the wealth? His focus on his son’s future is heartfelt, but her resentment’s stirring the pot.

Should she seek support elsewhere, or is he too stingy? How would you navigate this blended family mess? Drop your spicy takes below—let’s keep the Reddit drama rolling!