We often talk about the importance of healthy co-parenting after a split. Usually, this means making sure the kids are happy and schedules are balanced. It is about building a bridge between two homes for the sake of the little ones. However, sometimes that bridge feels more like a one-way street where one person keeps asking for a bit too much.
A young mother recently found herself in a situation that truly takes the cake for high-level audacity. Just six months after her divorce, her ex-husband asked her to be the primary babysitter for his new baby. The child was conceived with the woman he allegedly cheated with during their marriage. This story involves broken trust, business drama, and a request that left the internet completely stunned.
Let’s take a look at how she managed this whirlwind of emotions.
The Story
Oh, honey, my heart just goes out to this woman. It is truly incredible how some people can move on so quickly and then expect their former partner to cheer them on. Asking your ex-wife to watch your new baby is a level of boldness I cannot even fathom.
It feels like she was being asked to raise the very personification of her own heartbreak. The courage she showed in staying polite while her business was being attacked is amazing. You can feel the weight of those ten years in every word she wrote. Transitioning into the psychological reasons behind such a strange request might help us understand how someone could even ask this.
Expert Opinion
When an ex-partner makes a request this big, it often stems from a deep sense of entitlement. They might still see their former spouse as a “service provider” rather than an individual with their own feelings. This is especially common in relationships where one partner spent years taking care of the household while the other focused elsewhere.
According to a report on Psych Central, setting firm boundaries is the only way to protect your mental health after a split. When an ex-husband asks for childcare, he is essentially trying to keep the benefits of a marriage without the commitment. He is placing his own convenience above his former wife’s emotional well-being.
Research suggests that high-conflict personalities often use “triangulation” to get what they want. In this case, the ex-husband seemingly allowed his new girlfriend to believe that the original poster was being “ugly.” This redirected the girlfriend’s anger away from the father and toward the mother. It is a common tactic used to avoid personal accountability for a lack of planning.
Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, often notes that people with entitled traits do not see boundaries as a healthy limit. They see them as a personal insult. This explains why the new girlfriend felt comfortable attacking the original poster’s business. They viewed her “no” as a lack of cooperation rather than a valid personal choice.
The responsibility for a child’s care belongs solely to the parents of that child. Expecting a former spouse to step into a parental role for a child that is not theirs is an overreach. It ignores the emotional history of the divorce. This situation serves as a powerful reminder that “no” is a complete sentence. Protecting your space is a form of self-love that everyone deserves to practice.
Community Opinions
The community was quick to circle the wagons around the original poster. They offered a mix of legal suggestions and a lot of emotional support during this very messy time.
People suggested that the ex-husband was trying to take advantage of her kindness.
![[Reddit User] − NTA. Your ex’s new kid isn’t your responsibility.](https://dailyhighlight.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/wp-editor-1769581389215-4.webp "The Audacity of an Ex-Husband Asking His Former Wife to Babysit His New Baby")
Several commenters urged her to take official action against the new girlfriend for trying to harm her business.
Commenters pointed out the unfairness of the financial offer.
Many people noticed that the pregnancy began very close to the end of the marriage.
How to Navigate a Situation Like This
If you ever find yourself in a position where an ex is making unfair demands, the first step is to stay calm and clear. You do not need to explain your reasons in great detail. A simple statement that the request is not possible for you is enough. Keeping your communication strictly about your shared children can help lower the tension.
If their behavior turns into harassment, like the review bombing in this story, it is time to involve professionals. Document every interaction and reach out to a lawyer if your livelihood is being threatened. Your business and your peace of mind are worth protecting. You can still be a kind and effective co-parent without being a “yes” person to every unreasonable request.
Conclusion
This story is a vivid example of how important it is to stand your ground even when others try to guilt you. The original poster stayed strong through a very difficult transition. She focused on her own children and her career despite the outside noise.
What do you think about this father’s request? Is there ever a situation where it would be okay to babysit for an ex? We would love to hear your thoughts on where the line should be drawn in these complicated family situations.
