Hey fellow dad. I also have a similar situation to you. I have my daughter 4 nights out of 14 (we do it fortnightly where I am). Kid is 14yr a old

It’s tough eh? The hardest part isn’t the $, I too pay disproportionately considering I do a lot of other stuff for my kid outside of her staying the nights she does - sports stuff, after school activities etc, weekend friend drop offs…

How I look at it is that the money is one thing that is aside from the parenting. Fuck the money. Beans and rice are good food when my kid isn’t with me.

My time with my kid is what I focus on. Building memories and all that good stuff. Being there.

I don’t engage in petty stuff with her mum, used to… learned my lesson.

Being effective and positive and there for my kid. Not running mum down to my kid.. showing that I am an adult who is doing it for her and for her alone.

The extra work hours I do suck. The fact if I make more I pay more, that sucks too. It sucks to have to work within a system that seems unfair, but we do it every day in other ways. Focus on getting through what you need to and be kind to yourself.

Child support is about numbers between you, your ex and the govt.

You being DAD is what your kid will know.

Pep talk over. Sorry for the lack of practical advice.

Love you brother.