AITAH for refusing to talk to my wife about her contributing child support for my sons?

A man recently opened up about the tension surrounding child support and financial responsibilities in his blended family. Although his wife is involved with his two sons from a previous relationship, he refuses to discuss her contributing to child support, believing it’s not her responsibility.

With his ex-wife pushing for her to help financially, he’s left questioning if he’s being unreasonable—follow the story below to see how this situation unfolds.

‘AITAH for refusing to talk to my wife about her contributing child support for my sons?’

My wife makes a lot more money than me. I also have a lot of debt and have to pay a lot in child support. Given that she wanted to protect herself financially, so we got a prenup and keep all our finances separate. I don’t mind that at all. I’ve made some bad financial choices in my life and I’m just happy she wants to be with me.

My ex, who I share two boys with, is not happy about the situation. She thinks that since my wife acts like a parent to the boys when they are with us that she should also be contributing child support.

My wife is admittedly very involved with the boys and they are close. My ex wife’s reasoning was that there is such a big difference in the standard of living in our homes that it was making the boys not as happy when they are with her.

I don’t think it is my wife’s responsibility. I think it’s nice enough that she offers to pay for the boys to do fun activities when they’re here with us and gets them gifts they appreciate.

Here’s what people had to say to OP:

Apart_Foundation1702 says:

I agree! OP’s ex is e*titled! His wife is not responsible to pay her child support! She’s greedy, and has no right to count someone else’s money. How would she like it if OP said to her your husband/bf should contribute to the support of the kids, so I’ll pay less child support!

Initial-Promotion-77 says:

It does for some people. I am not talking about everyone in the world, just my personal experience with one man. He does prioritize work and his personal hobbies over spending time with the kids. So his big house doesn’t do much for them because it’s cold and lonely, and they would tell you that.

Fr0hd3ric says:

Sounds like you’re an awesome, loving parent, who is present in their lives. That’s valuable beyond compare!

ChaiHai says:

I grew up with a poor mom, relying on food banks, and a slightly above middle class dad. Going out to eat every weekend, a yearly summer vacation.Love is what matters. I enjoyed being with both parents, though being both rich and poor at the same time throws you through a mindfuck or at least it did with me.

It was a different world with each parent, which wasn’t a bad thing.I saw my mom every other weekend during school year, and alternating 2 week blocks during summer until school started. Alternate school breaks and holidays yearly.

Minimum-Arachnid-190 says:

Even if we can sympathize with how much that might hurt as a parent, it still doesn’t make it step mom’s responsibility. Ops ex should have taken that hurt and used it as motivation to provide a better home life for her kids.

This scenario highlights the complexities of blended families and the differing expectations regarding financial contributions. Is the husband right to keep finances separate, or should his wife step in to support the boys? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments!