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8,701
daddit
Pregnant. Arguments. I had doubts of staying but, that's my son. No way I'm walking. Stick it out. Birth. 6 months in, she was argumentative, left me to handle all the day to day stuff after I arrived from work. Still stuck it out. Has to get better, right? A year later, confirmed what I knew for months. Prepped...
8,702
daddit
I never thought I would either, now I’m happily remarried and living my best life. Focus on her, good things will come to you.
8,703
daddit
Tell me about it. I'll never understand it. Although there's a lot of things people do that I can't comprehend.
8,704
daddit
you're my goddamn hero man
8,705
daddit
My mom decided when I was very young that she’d rather party and do drugs. My dad wanted to keep her in our lives (his 3 daughters age 3, 4 and 8). She exposed us to her molester boyfriend and neglected us (even though she got the house and most of his money). She died when I was 6 of an overdose next to her molester d...
8,706
daddit
There's no playbook for the tier of crap you're dealing with but it sounds like you're doing everything right so far. So here's another internet dad here to say: well done. Do your best to keep it together, and that will require self-care. Accept help from trusted loved ones. And tell your sweet daughter that a bunch o...
8,707
daddit
Do it man, I'm considering doing it myself. I'm on the same boat as you are bud. It'll get better , never forget who you're busting your ass for.
8,708
daddit
Reading all of this, you're getting fantastic advice, and also from this I can see you have a wonderful outlook. I'm just a stranger but from what I can tell you're going to be one of those legendary dads. Soldier on good sir. You got this!
8,709
daddit
It was very hard for me too. What worked for me was reading [this bit of advice from another Redditor](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://amp.reddit.com/r/NonZeroDay/comments/1qbxvz/the_gospel_of_uryans01_helpful_advice_for_anyone/&ved=2ahUKEwjErOznnqPrAhXOQs0KHSFQA4kQFjABegQIChAB&usg=AOvVaw3T...
8,710
daddit
I was crying a lot but I was still holding a lot in. I thought that, at some point, I would explode, and I was preparing for that. I went to the doctor who diagnosed me with acute grief disorder and prescribed me some happy pills. I'm still going through my Separation so I can't post much here, but i was able to rele...
8,711
daddit
is moving back an option? you need support and you look like you would move heaven and earth for that kid but you still need to look after you before it gets too much.
8,712
daddit
Good for you! I wish you the best! Ask them for a written letter stating that!
8,713
daddit
Please don’t go to r/legaladvice. It’s actually terrible and the advice given is enough to make even the worst attorney cringe. This is too important to leave to the Internet.
8,714
daddit
What area of SC? Are you in the Charleston area? Do you need help?
8,715
daddit
I’m eternally grateful that my mom let me discover on my own how much of an asshat my dad was, even if I got burned a few times over. By the time I realised what was happening I was old enough to know that it was his fault alone and I’m perfectly fine.
8,716
daddit
I am. She doesnt want my daughter right now but I know that could change on a moments notice. Even her family is telling me to secure custody as soon as possible.
8,717
daddit
Best advice ever!
8,718
daddit
I think too if any emails or electronic communication save it.
8,719
daddit
I'm not in the same situation as OP. But a great way to document things is just taking pictures and videos. And automatically upload them to Dropbox/Google drive/one drive. They get catalogued by date and it's harder to lose. Not just for documenting the mother's absence. Just great for memories in the future and to...
8,720
daddit
That's a biggie. Never bad mouth the ex in front of the daughter. If she's ever back in the kids life, she (the daughter) will remember who was civil and who was cruel
8,721
daddit
Yeah it is. She already had pretty severe depression and then postpartum psychosis afterwards. I understand and I tried to help. But ultimately she doesnt want help, she wants to sleep around and party. I can't force her to try and make our marriage work or be there for our daughter.
8,722
daddit
Having a child is hugely disruptive and can have big impacts on someone's mental health, with or without postpartum. Not excusing what OP's wife did in the slightest, but we see an awful lot of men do this exact same thing when they have new babies because they cannot come to terms with their life, and try desperately ...
8,723
daddit
Its the only thing going through my mind and its ripping me apart. Everyone says its not my fault but every effect has a cause. I can't help but ask myself. Am I that boring? That unpleasant to be around? That bad in bed? My self esteem and confidence is shot.
8,724
daddit
I mean the postpartum and depression is the cause, but she left because she doesn't want the responsibility. She just wants to sleep around and drink/do drugs
8,725
daddit
I'm just afraid of even trying for something like that. The courts aren't exactly known for being kind (or even fair) to dads.
8,726
daddit
Thank you. I needed that. I have to keep going so that she can live a good life.
8,727
daddit
You should go for it. Even if it isn't some life changing experience, it's nice to get stuff off your chest.
8,728
daddit
I'm trying. I know it will get better but I'm still at the bottom. Long climb ahead, even if I know the light is up there somewhere.
8,729
daddit
Yeah. Same here. The worst part is I still love her. Even as she destroys herself and everything we built.
8,730
daddit
Not while I'm in the navy. I'm currently going through a navy separation but it'll be awhile.
8,731
daddit
Yeah im in Charleston. I've got family coming out as soon as they can so hopefully I'll be ok. But I might make another post asking if there's any Charleston dads that want to get together for a beer or something. I could use the support.
8,732
daddit
That's a red flag. See if you can get that in something like email (i.e. in writing).
8,733
daddit
Get custody and get it in writing. Document EVERYTHING. Get a GOOD lawyer. They’re expensive, and worth every red cent to protect that little girl.
8,734
daddit
When my ex said he didn't care about his own son, that was the point when I was completely done. Kids deserve love and care from their parents. And if one of the parents is unwilling to care for their child they don't deserve to be in that child's life. The child does deserve to know who their parents are though so I v...
8,735
daddit
Go to the court and start court ordered child support payments. This will give you some rights as a parent.
8,736
daddit
Idk, my mom was kinda a piece of shit and my dad was just trying to be a dad. This all happened when I was like newborn to 2 and remember nothing really. Like my mom is still an unworkable drunk, but I've kinda pieced together the story from all the drunks that grew up in that area pretty sure my mom promptly left my...
8,737
daddit
I know vengeance isn't a recommended path to catharsis, but if it helps you get through it: your future ex-wife will have many regrets around her decisions as she matures. This will come back to bite her in the ass. If I am wrong, then it's even more important that she not be in your lives.
8,738
daddit
I'm sorry you're going through this! I suffered immensely with PPD with both kids and if your ex ever comes up for air, this will be her biggest regret. This was always my fear...the possibility of spiraling to the point of no return or abandoning my family in my desperation to quiet the storm in my mind. Hail you, for...
8,739
daddit
Honestly, the fact that you’re there wanting to be a dad (a f’n amazing one at that) is enough to show the quality of person you are. Put your self-esteem and self-worth in the person you know you are, not the person you think someone else “thinks” you are.
8,740
daddit
Even if it was something you did, she abandoned her responsibilities to go be the town pump. This is what you need to focus on, not on ruminating over something you may or may not have done. Let her go live the glamorous whore lifestyle that she craves - never forget that she’s a fucking dog that discarded her sweet ...
8,741
daddit
Wow... She’ll regret that one day. Sucks she doesn’t wanna grow up. But you know what- your daughter is going to be strong because of YOU. She’s going to learn to love because of YOU. things will work out, man, just like everyone else says- document everything & stay civil!
8,742
daddit
A person with a hole in their heart so big that their own baby can't begin to fill it is a sad state of affairs. None of those other things she's doing will fill it either in the long run, and she'll realize that some day, far far too late.
8,743
daddit
Might be too late, but... If the courts have a tendency to blindly meet "in the middle," make sure that middle is as high as possible. Get child support.
8,744
daddit
Or record a phone call. If you can get her folks on tape saying she's unfit... wow. Having said that, they are probably really torn up about it. The baby is their family too. I'm sure they wish you no ill will if they're telling you the ex is bad news
8,745
daddit
I would go one step further and ask them to physically write it in a letter because your ex could say the email was faked in one way or another.
8,746
daddit
Exactly. And honestly, make the first move. Establish is now, when she isn't involved rather than try to fight her for it when she changes her mind and gets default.
8,747
daddit
Ah yes. Once you reached the age where you could understand the situation, it would have been good to have a real talk about what happened. I was thinking more about the feuding ex's who call their ex "that bitch", or "that piece of shit" etc. That sets a band tone all around.
8,748
daddit
Both our families and our mutual friends have pretty much all said they'll be shocked if she doesn't try to come back within 6 months. Unfortunately its just too late for that.
8,749
daddit
Check your state laws on that one. Some require dual party consent, where you must ask or disclose that you're recording; others, single party, where you don't have to disclose shit.
8,750
daddit
Exactly. When mine checked out, I checked in. I had a written journal of everything that went on. Literally everything, to a scary amount of detail. It left her with no defense in the end. When she left, I had temporary custody written up immediately since I owned the house and she had nothing. Possession is 90% of cus...
8,751
daddit
> "that bitch", or "that piece of shit" etc. That sets a band tone all around. Oh I agree, none of that.
8,752
daddit
Do not settle for that. You’re both worth so much more than the whims if anyone, depression or not. You can be happy together, and if I might say...the stuff you’re made of will be very attractive to someone that will be better suited for you both. I wish you both the very best. It might be very hard, but what yo...
8,753
daddit
Most places are fine with single party consent. The big thing they are trying to avoid is a 3rd party recording. You know, a jealous husband records his wife and her sister without them knowing. I think OP should just get it on tape, and hope its never needed.
8,754
daddit
That sounds like a bullshit law. Everybody should be held accountable for their words whether they were told they were being recorded or not.
8,755
daddit
It would be inadmissible in any custody hearing. And a crime in and of itself. Not a great idea. Depending on the state, of course.
8,756
daddit
Regardless, op shouldn't break any laws, that's only going to cause him possible legal ramifications, aside from that the court might consider it inadmissible evidence.
8,757
daddit
Self explanatory. I was just commenting on the law.
8,758
daddit
My kid is sick every 2-3 weeks and can't go to daycare for the week, but I still pay for it. Nice.
8,759
daddit
Thank you for half of your paycheck. Here is a link to our Amazon wishlist of toys we would like for the classroom
8,760
daddit
Our daycare had hand foot and mouth, impetigo and Strep A last week….it’s like the walking dead!
8,761
daddit
My wife works for a daycare and we both agree daycares just suck. You can either get government help and still pay, pay a lot and hopefully get decent child care, or pay a whole bunch more money for things to barely be better. They just charge so much and it’s unfortunate because the workers don’t usually get paid well...
8,762
daddit
You forgot the part where you are also perpetually sick.
8,763
daddit
And, even though it seems like we don’t enforce this with any other family, and even though it will give you a daily internal struggle of deciding if your child is well enough yet and what the hell you’re going to do if they have to stay home one more goddamn time, your child may not attend if they have even a whiff of...
8,764
daddit
Only half your paycheck! That optimistic
8,765
daddit
Funny but also I hate it. Legit pay as much for daycare as for my mortgage. And then they have the gall to ask for MORE money for other crap. My wife tells me we should give $50 for some charity thing cause they'll give us a picture our son drew on a mug... I'm not paying $50 for something the teacher drew and then sig...
8,766
daddit
In Finland, the max cost is around 400€ a month for two kids. That's if you make over around 60k/year. Otherwise it's covered by the state. The quality of care is great and it includes breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack.
8,767
daddit
I am seriously losing my mind over this shit. Kid had a “fever” reading of 99.7° at daycare the first week of December. I take her home and take her temperature probably 20 times over the course of the day and can’t get a single fever reading, but that means she has to stay out 4 days. She goes back for 1 day, gets...
8,768
daddit
This really stressed us out a few years ago. We were all getting sick twice a month, couldn't send our daughter to preschool with a hacking couch and runny nose, and seriously considered taking her out altogether. It seems ridiculous to be paying for child care when they're at home with you because it is.
8,769
daddit
That’s why my wife is staying home. Not worth the money or the hassle.
8,770
daddit
Seriously though, children really ought to be included in a country's social services. Why should a society be structured against having children?
8,771
daddit
I pay $5,200 USD for 2 kids. Sucks that private equity involved in the daycare biz Edit: $5,200/month
8,772
daddit
Any dads have the fun time during covid where daycares would lockdown and essentially close for two weeks, but you still had to pay while finding other coverage? 8 weeks, just burned to ash.
8,773
daddit
Real talk: parents are paying a lot, daycare workers barely make a living. Who the fuck is keeping all that money? Somebody we’re not focusing on has to be winning
8,774
daddit
It's fucking insane. We are basically paying a second mortgage. It's either that or send our kid to some sketchy basement daycare. If we had twins we'd probably have to rent out our place and move in with parents, it wouldn't be possible to survive.
8,775
daddit
Half? Daycare was pretty much entirely my partner's gross pay.
8,776
daddit
Just scored disease hattrick with my youngest - tonsillitis, otitis media & scarlet fever! And he really hates taking the antibiotics
8,777
daddit
Don't forget - everyone in the fucking house gets sick with whatever the kid's got.
8,778
daddit
I keep telling myself by the time they get to Kindergarten that they should be nearly invincible by then. That’s how my nephew has been. If it doesn’t go this way….I’m gonna lose my mind.
8,779
daddit
In Sweden, a month worth of daycare will set you back around 120$. The government also gives you around this amount, so no cost really.
8,780
daddit
My kid caught and passed Hand-Foot-Mouse disease to me from daycare. I didn't even know adults could get it. It's much worse for us when we do! They don't tell you how much the condition hurts. Afterwards, my fingernails didn't fall off but I had to cut them in half to avoid ingrown nails, it was awful.
8,781
daddit
Yo i just started searching for daycare for my 9 month old and 2 year old. OMG why so expensive!?!??! Almost 400 per kid a week
8,782
daddit
Jfk ain't that the truth. I was sick 3 weeks out of every month since school got back in this year. We ALL just got healthy at once for the first time since xmas.
8,783
daddit
I’m a stay at home dad/freelance interpreter with a 3y.o. and a 6m.o. Been debating whether or not to find a daycare because I am kind of at wits end and hate turning down some of these jobs I’m being offered because they’re great opportunities (both financially & building a career). But I’ll be damned if posts like ...
8,784
daddit
My wife has drastically reduced her work hours. I work 40 hrs and our in laws watch my kids 1 day a week. We also homeschool. We sacrifice a lot (meaning income) but much better than daycare and public schools.
8,785
daddit
We have 2yr old twins and have been able to get away with my MIL helping a few days a week while we’ve been working from home since the beginning of the pandemic. I know, we’re lucky as hell, but we’ve looked into daycare and hear this horror story a lot. Just paying to get your kid sick. We had met with a potential ba...
8,786
daddit
plus you get to join them! Infinite sick leaves UNLOCKED
8,787
daddit
Don’t forget snow days! Today is closed for snow, Monday MLK, last week sick all week. My normal monthly tuition cleared just fine at nearly 1400. Fuck!
8,788
daddit
What’s that? Your kid is healthy this week? Hmm… mandatory teacher development day on Wednesday. Good luck finding one time child care mid week.
8,789
daddit
But, but, their IMMUNE systems!! (Currently home from work with sick dayce enrolled kiddo), averages about once a week.
8,790
daddit
We don't do daycare but our YMCA offers childcare for up to two hours while you're in the gym. We've taken him twice and he's gotten sick both times.
8,791
daddit
Half? Where are you getting daycare at for only half a paycheck?
8,792
daddit
Or if they decide to close, you receive: nothing
8,793
daddit
Don’t worry, they’ll be healthy on that stat holiday from work that you also pay for, that they won’t be able to go to daycare on.
8,794
daddit
Our 10-day quarantine from a positive COVID test ends Friday. I'm planning a celebratory lunch out with my wife...
8,795
daddit
Daycare in southern California is the whole paycheck for a lot of people, and they'll still hit you with fundraising requests.
8,796
daddit
Never have I ever been more excited for Covid precautions to be dropped. My kid never got Covid but every time there was an exposure I had to take a week off to watch them.
8,797
daddit
It’s been raining here for three weeks. Finally nice yesterday, got out on my bike, felt a tickle. Woke up today full on sick. Last illness lasted Dec 14-January 4th or 5th.
8,798
daddit
It's no joke. The in-facility day care where I worked when we had babies wanted more than my monthly wages to take two kids. It was for employees only. I don't know how that was supposed to work. Before we had kids, ~20 years ago, it was too much. Now? Now it's insane.
8,799
daddit
Both kids have been home all week due to pink eye. F
8,800
daddit
At least mine are in elementary school so I don't lose so much money. Still sick ever other week but, I guess that's just how it works till they are teenagers.