Blending families can present unique challenges, as Carla is discovering. She’s currently navigating the complexities of caring for her husband’s three children for extended periods each day, a situation that has arisen due to his ex-wife’s demanding work schedule. Feeling overwhelmed and unsure about this arrangement, Carla sought our guidance on how to manage these expectations and find a solution that works for everyone involved. This is Carla’s letter:My husband’s ex-wife works long hours, leaving their three kids- aged 10, 8, and 5- constantly at our house. I’m a housewife, and these kids are here almost every day, even when my husband isn’t around. She claims she’s “too busy” with work, but it’s becoming my burden.

Yesterday, I finally confronted her. I said, “I’m not a free nanny. If you want me to loy-Ste perckids I demand $150 al My husband was eerily silent, and his ex-wife looked absolutely floored. As she left, my husband turned to me with a cold smirk and said, “And I’m not an unlimited ATM. I work hard to provide a comfortable life for you, and I won’t stand for you treating my kids like they re outsiders. This is their home too!” I was livid and argued that being a housewife is already exhausting; how could he expect me to care for three kids who aren’t mine without any acknowleagment? This morning, I was utterly shocked to find all my belongings packed into boxes. My husband left a note that read, “Since you think your services are worth $150 a day, maybe you should start paying for your own things.” I feel deeply insulted by his actions. This isn’t like him at all.