My Husband Demanded a Third Child – After My Response, He Kicked Me Out, but I Turned the Tables on Him

I realized something needed to change when my husband, Eric, proposed having a third kid. He was lounging around like a king, and I had no intention of taking on additional responsibility.

He expelled me after I told him exactly what I thought, but not before I reversed his position.

Have you ever reached your breaking point at any point in your life? That’s how I felt when my husband insisted on having another child, as if I wasn’t already juggling two children by myself.

I never anticipated the confrontation that ensued.

I’ve been married to my husband, Eric, for twelve years. He is 43 and I am 32. We have two children: a five-year-old son named Brandon and a ten-year-old daughter named Lily.

I’ve been keeping this house running and raising them full-time.

I manage everything even though I work from home part-time to help pay the bills. I mean everything—cooking, cleaning, dropping off kids at school, laundry, bedtime rituals, and more.

Eric, however, feels that his sole responsibility is to “provide.” And that’s the extent of his engagement. He has never packed a lunchbox, stayed up with a sick child, or changed a diaper.

I love my children, but it’s exhausting.

While Eric sits on the couch playing video games or watching sports, I’ve come to terms with the fact that I’m essentially a single parent. However, that does not negate my frustration.

My dearest friend asked me out to coffee last month. I hadn’t had the opportunity to leave the house for anything enjoyable in weeks.

“Eric, can you watch the kids for an hour?” As I put on my shoes, I inquired.

His gaze remained fixed on the television. “I’m worn out. I spent the entire week at work. “Why don’t you simply bring them along?”

I let out a sigh. “Because I need a vacation. It’s only an hour. They will be alright.

Eric grabbed the remote control and rolled his eyes. “You’re the mother, Katie. Mothers never get a break. My mother never required pauses. My sister didn’t either.

I tightened my jaw. “So Brianna and Amber never had feelings of overwhelm? Did they never require a moment of solitude?

“Exactly,” he smirked. “They did a great job. You ought to as well.

I lost it at that point.

“Your mother and sister most likely had the same feelings as me, Eric! Since they knew no one would hear them, they just never said it aloud.

Eric dismissively waved his hand. “Anyway. Katie, it’s your job. You desired children. Now look after them.

I felt like screaming.

“They’re your kids, too!” I stated. “When will you ever look after them? How recently have you assisted Lily with her schoolwork? or engaged in play with Brandon? or inquired about their day.

“I go to work so that you have a place to live. That’s sufficient.

“No, it’s not!” I fired back. “Being a parent is not the same as giving money. Eric, you are their father. They require you.

“Well, difficult. I’m not going to change the status quo.”

I was dumbfounded as I looked at him. How did I marry such a self-centered person?

After a few days, Eric began to talk about having another child. I initially believed him to be kidding. We already had two children, and we were barely able to manage them.

But the more he discussed it, the more I understood that he was being serious.

It wasn’t only a casual remark when Eric mentioned having a third child the next time. He was serious.

It started over dinner one night. I was cutting up Brandon’s chicken nuggets when Eric, casually scrolling on his phone, said, “You know, I’ve been thinking… we should have another baby.”

“Excuse me?” I turned to face him and said that.

He looked up. “A third kid. I think it’s time.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “Eric, I hardly manage with the two we already have. And you want to add another?”

His brow furrowed like I was the one being ridiculous. “What’s the big deal? We’ve already done it twice. You know how it works.”

“That’s exactly the point,” I answered, trying to keep my voice steady. “I know how it works. I’m the one who does all the work. I’m the one up at night. I’m the one frantically trying to keep everything in order. You don’t help.”

Eric’s face darkened. “Katie, I support this family. That’s helping.”

“No, it’s not,” I yelled. “Being a parent is more than just bringing home a paycheck.”

His mother, Brianna, who had come in earlier to “visit the kids” with her daughter, entered the kitchen before Eric could reply.

“Everything okay in here?” Brianna asked, her eyes darting between us.

Eric let out a loud sigh. “Mom, she’s at it again.”

I rolled my eyes. “At what again?”

“She keeps telling me I don’t help with the kids.”

Brianna’s lips pursed as she took a seat. “Katie, love, you need to be careful. A man dislikes having his wife criticize him.

Criticized? I was fuming. “I’m not criticizing him. I am requesting that he become a father. There is a distinction.

But Brianna wasn’t hearing it. “Eric works hard to provide for this family. You ought to feel thankful.

Thank you. Correct. For a man who thought fatherhood ended with conception.

“And you’re already blessed with two beautiful children,” Brianna said. “Why wouldn’t you want another?”

She heard our chat. Good.

Flatly, “Because I’m exhausted,” I replied. I already handle everything on my own. Why would I want to complicate my life further?

That’s when Amber, Eric’s sister, jumped in, walking into the kitchen like she ruled the place. “To be honest, Katie, you seem a bit pampered. Mom raised us both without grumbling.

“Right,” I responded with a sad laugh. She never felt overburdened, I’m sure. Since no one would have cared if she had spoken, she simply remained silent.

Amber’s eyes narrowed. “Well, perhaps you should become more resilient. For generations, women have been doing this. That’s simply what we do.

I looked across at Eric. “This is precisely what I’m referring to. You’re so mired in this antiquated idea that women should take care of everything. It’s unfair.

“Life’s not fair, Katie,” acknowledged Eric with a shrug. “Deal with it.”

I felt as though I had struck a wall as I gazed at him. There would be no change from him. His sister and mother weren’t either.

Eric brought up the third child once more later that evening after Brianna and Amber had departed. His tone was more demanding this time.

He remarked, “You’re making a big deal out of nothing,” as we prepared for bed. “Our life is good. I look after you and the children. We ought to get another.

When I eventually reached my breaking point, I turned to face him. “You don’t look after me, Eric. or the children. You hardly know them at all.

His face was expressionless as he gazed at me.

“You’re not the great dad you think you are,” I went on. Additionally, I have no desire to raise three children alone. Two is challenging enough.

Eric’s jaw tensed, but he remained silent. Rather, he slammed the door behind him and ran out of the room.

Shortly after I heard his car start, he vanished. Without a doubt, off to his mother’s place.

I woke up early the following morning and silently drank my coffee. My sister’s house was where the children were. Knowing that I needed someone to rely on, I had given her a call the previous evening.

Although I wasn’t expecting Eric to return immediately, I wasn’t shocked when Brianna and Amber did.

Not even a knock was made.

Brianna said, “Katie,” as she entered the kitchen. With her lips pursed and her arms crossed, Amber trailed behind. “We need to talk.”

My face remained composed as I leaned against the counter. “I’m not sure what we should discuss. Eric and I must resolve this on our own.

Amber laughed. “That’s exactly what we’re here to help with.”

I stated, “I don’t need your help,” in a steady voice.

Brianna, though, was not about to back down. “You’ve changed, Katie, my love. The lovely woman my son married is not you.

I wasn’t prepared for how hard that comment affected me.

I had been attempting to live up to a mental image of myself for years. I was no longer that girl. They were incapable of understanding the responsibilities that came with being a grown lady.

“You’re right,” I murmured as we met eyes. “I’ve changed as a female. Eric wed a teenager. I’m a woman now who understands her value.

Brianna’s face flushed. “Excuse me?”

I folded my arms. “You heard what I said. And to be honest, Eric ought to be here speaking with me if he has an issue with the way I manage my home. He won’t have you two do it for him.”

Amber had a strong voice. “Families don’t operate that way. We help one another out.”

“Really? It’s funny how support always appears to go one way.

My sister entered at that point. She could feel the tension in the scenario after just one glance. “Everything okay here?”

Brianna betrayed her. “Who are you?”

“Her sister,” she said, grinning sweetly. “And you all need to relax. If not, I can contact the police.

I prepared for the barrage of insults as Brianna’s face contorted with anger. She began to rant about my being a bad wife, how I was “ruining” her son’s life, and how my children would hate me as they grew older.

I didn’t flinch, though.

After a few minutes, they slammed the door behind them and finally departed.

Eric returned home later that day. I sensed the tension as he entered the kitchen, and I heard his footfall before I saw him.

“So,” he said icily, “you insulted my mother and sister?”

I crossed my arms. “I didn’t offend anybody. I informed them that they were not allowed to meddle in our marriage.

Eric’s face became serious. “You’re not in love with me. The children are not loved by you. You’ve evolved.

“Eric, I haven’t changed. I’ve matured. There is a distinction.

Before he eventually lost it, our argument continued in circles.

He yelled, “Pack your things and leave,” gesturing toward the door. “I can’t live with you anymore.”

I didn’t protest, even though I was shocked. I prepared to go by packing my bags and waiting at the door. But I turned to him one last time before leaving.

I said, “The kids are staying here,” “The parent who resides in this home will be in charge of them. They won’t be leaving.”

“Wait… what?” he inquired? “That’s not happening.”

“You heard me,” I answered coolly. “All right, you wanted me gone. However, the children remain.

After that, my sister and I left without paying attention to anything else Eric had to say.

Later, he attempted to call me, but it was too late.

In the end, I filed for divorce after Eric refused to give up custody of the children.

I ended up getting full custody, keeping the house, and receiving hefty child support payments. I am happy that I defended myself before it was too late. Do you believe I made the correct decision? Or did I go too far?