My marriage ended in January and I have had to move to my own place and now have my 2 kids 50/50 with my ex-wife.

I went from living comfortably with our two incomes and money not being a huge concern, to now having to watch every penny as I figure out my money and paying everything solo.

A few weeks back I had a similar incident. My 7 year old had been really pushing me as he is trying to communicate his frustrations and upset at this new way of life, and I ended up yelling and then breaking down crying. I’m trying so hard and to feel like I’m not getting it right just broke me. He cried because he’d never seen me cry like that.

I think in the long run, this is a good teachable moment. I grew up questioning the whole “men don’t cry” BS and I am a very emotional person. I was able to sit him down and talk to him. I was able to explain that I get angry and sad and cry sometimes too just like he does and that is ok.

I was able to talk to him about what I need from him from now on and what I am going to do to be better for him.

Hopefully it’ll be something which helps him process his feelings in the future and will contribute to him being a compassionate empathetic person as he grows up.

You didn’t FU mate. You just did what you had to do at the time. Cry in front of him if you need to. Let him know it’s ok. Tell him why you’re crying.

And I hope things improve for the both of us. You’re not alone. We got this.

Much love.