“Until She Divorces Him, She Won’t Get a Dime from Us”: I Told My Daughter I Won’t Help Her Anymore Until She Leaves Her Lazy Husband

My husband and I have always prided ourselves on being supportive parents. We’ve helped our daughter, Emily, through thick and thin. But lately, our patience has been wearing thin, especially when it comes to her husband, Jake.

Jake has been a thorn in our side ever since he married Emily. At first, we thought he was just going through a rough patch, but it’s been over a year now, and he still hasn’t found a stable job. Instead, he picks up odd jobs here and there, never committing to anything long-term. Meanwhile, Emily is left to shoulder the burden of raising their two young children and keeping the household afloat.

Emily is currently on maternity leave after giving birth to their second child. She’s exhausted, both physically and emotionally. She can’t work full-time right now, and even if she could, it wouldn’t be fair for her to be the sole breadwinner while Jake lounges around at home.

My husband and I have been helping Emily financially for the past year, but we’ve reached our breaking point. We’ve had countless arguments about Jake’s laziness and lack of responsibility. My husband thinks we should continue to support Emily for the sake of our grandchildren, but I believe it’s time for some tough love.

Last week, I sat Emily down for a serious conversation. I told her that we wouldn’t be giving her any more financial support until she divorces Jake. She was shocked and hurt by my ultimatum, but I felt it was necessary. I can’t stand by and watch her struggle while Jake does nothing to contribute.

Emily tried to defend Jake, saying that he’s been looking for work and that he’s just had a string of bad luck. But I’ve heard that excuse too many times before. I told her that actions speak louder than words and that if Jake truly cared about his family, he would have found a stable job by now.

The conversation ended with Emily in tears and me feeling like the worst mother in the world. But I knew it was the right thing to do. Sometimes, tough love is the only way to make someone see the reality of their situation.

Since then, things have been tense between us. Emily has stopped calling as often, and when she does, our conversations are brief and strained. My husband is furious with me for putting Emily in such a difficult position, but I stand by my decision.

I’ve heard through the grapevine that Jake still hasn’t found a job and that things are getting worse at home. Emily is struggling more than ever, and it breaks my heart to see her like this. But I refuse to back down. I believe that this is the only way to make her realize that she deserves better than a lazy husband who won’t lift a finger to help.

I don’t know what the future holds for Emily and Jake, but I hope that she finds the strength to leave him and build a better life for herself and her children. Until then, my husband and I will be waiting with open arms, ready to support her once she makes the right decision.