Oh, the joys of co-parenting during the holidays! ♀️ Meet our divorced dad (35M) and his ex-wife Natalie (34F), who share a daughter, Shannon (13F). After years of communication issues and constant arguments over money, the couple called it quits when Shannon was 8. Despite their differences, they’ve managed to keep one special Christmas tradition alive: taking Shannon to Disney after Christmas. But this year, things took a turn for the worse when Natalie revealed she couldn’t afford her half of the trip. Let’s dive into the drama that unfolded…
The Divorce Backstory
Money Troubles and a Bitter Split
New Partners, Same Problems
A Cherished Christmas Tradition
Making It Work, Despite Dislike
The Trip’s Financial Crisis
A Plea for Help and a Firm Refusal ♂️
Shannon’s Heartbreak
Dad’s Explosive Reaction
The Truth Comes Out ️
Shannon’s Response and Aftermath
A Daughter’s Request
The Blame Game Begins
A Family Tradition Torn Apart
So, our dad spilled the beans and told Shannon the real reason behind the canceled trip, offering to start a new tradition closer to home. Shannon, understandably upset, later confronted her mom and accused her of ruining Christmas. Now, she wants to stay with her dad for the time being, leaving the ex-wife fuming and blaming him for turning their daughter against her. While his ex-in-laws are calling him names, his family believes he did nothing wrong. Let’s see what the internet thinks of this holiday drama…
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Choosing the right words matters, INFO comment offers perspective
Parents’ childish behavior affects spoiled child’s perception of Christmas
Co-parenting done right , prioritizing child’s well-being over personal conflicts.
Daughter’s entitlement leads to ruined Christmas trip. ESH.
Honesty is the best policy, especially with lying exes.
NTA for telling the truth to your daughter about ruined trip
Ex-wife weaponized daughter to manipulate dad for money. NTA.
Ex blames mom for ruined Christmas trip, but can’t take blame. NTA.
Parental blame game: Emotional extortion or necessary honesty?
Ex made Shannon think it’s OP’s fault for ruined trip
NTA – Correcting the lies your ex told isn’t the same
Playing games to get back at your ex hurts your daughter
Teaching life lessons: Disney can’t always work
NTA. Don’t let her guilt trip you into paying.
Using your child as a weapon? ESH in this ruined trip.
Ex’s mother lied and blamed dad for ruined trip. NTA.
Suggests taking the kids to Disneyland without the mother.
EHS: Both parents at fault for ruined Christmas trip
Natalie’s manipulative behavior gets called out by commenter
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Vacationing with your ex every year? Not a good idea
Single dad takes daughter to Disneyland after mom ruins Christmas
Mom tries to play victim, daughter sees through it
Divorced dad handles Christmas trip conflict with ex-wife gracefully.
Daughter’s disappointment and mom’s manipulations lead to custody change.
Advice to dad to be respectful towards ex-wife during holidays.
Supportive comment encourages positive parenting and communication skills
NTA but only by a hair. Honest communication is key
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NTA. Ex lied to daughter. Not obligated to pay for ex’s family.
Mom accused of prioritizing partner’s kids over her own daughter
Co-parenting gone wrong. Don’t involve your child in your fights. ESH.
Divorce didn’t fix family dynamics. ESH for dragging it out.
NTA. You’re handling the ex-wife’s problem well. Mind your business.
Did he handle it maturely or was it retaliatory?
Create a new tradition with just you and your daughter to avoid tension
NTA shuts down manipulative ex and avoids ruined Christmas
Dad stands up to Mom’s financial irresponsibility
Defending oneself against blame-shifting mom, NTA wins parenting points
Ex tried to blame dad for ruined trip, but he’s NTA
Ex-wife lies to daughter, blames dad for ruined trip. NTA.
Dad gets support for taking daughter on Christmas trip alone
Ex tried to guilt dad into paying for trip, NTA
Setting boundaries and standing up for yourself is important.
Encouraging response to dad’s Christmas trip dilemma
Parenting advice sparks debate on raising entitled children
Expensive holiday trips with exes and kids? Recipe for disaster.
User suggests parents stop fighting and plan alternative trip.
User thinks OP is petty and hurting daughter with actions
Gender roles and financial responsibility questioned in comments.
Empathetic comment suggests therapy for parents and child.
Divorced parents argue over Christmas trip expenses, NTA according to commenter.
Co-parenting advice for holiday planning and communication with children.
Divorce can be tough but honesty is important for kids
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Divorced dad gets blamed for ruined trip by ex-wife’s manipulation. NTA
Financial security changes, it’s time to branch out for holidays
Supportive comment defends against parental alienation accusations.
Ex-wife blames dad for cancelled trip, lies to daughter. NTA.
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Financial mismanagement and shifting blame. Not the a**hole.
Dad gets praise for handling cancelled Christmas trip like a pro
Setting the record straight and prioritizing daughter over deadbeat boyfriend.
Divorced dad not responsible for ex’s Christmas trip expectations
Take the high road and create a new tradition
Supportive comment applauds good parenting amidst holiday drama
Co-parenting advice and COVID excuse suggestion for ‘NTA’ comment.
Dad plans a new tradition with daughter after ex’s manipulation
Ex lied to daughter, sent flying monkeys, NTA wins custody
Exclude mom from the trip, NTA. Daughter is old enough.
Plan a cheaper trip from the get-go to avoid blame game
Putting children in the middle of a divorce can be harmful
Advice to handle spoiled daughter and start new tradition. NTA.
Ex is TA for putting Disney trip on OP. ESH overall.
Harsh comment calls out selfish behavior and parenting skills
User questions joint trip and suggests ending tradition for divorced parents.
User suggests separate vacations for co-parents and families.
Sensible advice on co-parenting and avoiding financial stress
Being the bigger person doesn’t always work with kids.
Co-parenting gone wrong, child is the real victim
Expensive gifts and lies? NTA, but suspicions remain.
A child’s Christmas ruined by bickering parents during pandemic. ESH.
Co-parenting gone wrong, ruining daughter’s Christmas memories
User calls out entitlement and privilege in Disney trip complaint.
A Redditor suggests counseling to address deeper family issues
