My ex called and asked to pause child support for months. “My wife needs a new car.
You don’t need the money, anyway,” I let him think I agreed.The next week, when I came to drop off our son, I handed him an envelope. “Since you won’t pay, I’ll take responsibility in a different way,” I said calmly. Inside wasn’t a bill or a demand—just a neatly typed letter outlining the updated parenting schedule I intended to file with the court.
It proposed reducing his visitation until he could consistently support our son’s needs. He looked confused at first, then surprised, as though the consequences of his casual request had just begun to sink in. I didn’t raise my voice or offer a lecture; I simply stood there, steady and clear.In the days that followed, he called several times. Not angrily—just uncertain, asking whether I truly meant to move forward. I explained gently that parenting wasn’t something to take a break from, financially or otherwise. Our son needed stability, not promises that shifted with convenience.