Parenthood is possibly the most challenging occupation in the world, as you must work 24/7 for many years. Some people feel that being a mother or father is as simple as cooking supper, taking a walk in the park, playing games with the kids, and reading bedtime stories. However, the reality is very different, and having a child profoundly changes a family’s existence. My wife wanted a second child. I was against it.

I am the only person who works. I’d like to take my family on vacation and buy a new car. So she quietly stopped taking her medications and, one day, joyfully informed me that she was pregnant. But her words were the last straw: “When the baby is born, you’ll change your mind and become a happy dad.” I walked away and filed for a divorce. I will never set foot in a house where my opinion is disregarded.

Here’s the second story. I raise a 14-year-old child by myself. However, she does not understand how to spend money wisely. I give her pocket money, and we decide what she can buy with it. For example, a T-shirt without flashy images that she can wear to school. But now she wants to stand out: she wants a manicure, brow correction, and beautiful makeup, which everyone else in the class has. I do not have any extra money for these things.

And my daughter throws tantrums when I get manicures! But I’m almost 40 years old, a grown woman who makes money and chooses how to spend it. I left her money for groceries multiple times, and she only purchased a few items but get a manicure. I gave her money for new shoes because she had outgrown her old ones and let her choose her own. And she used it for a manicure—but not just any manicure! Crazy design, long nails, and terrible!

Naturally, I informed her that she would not be receiving new shoes because the ones she had were already on her nails. She wept and threw a tantrum. Our father gives very little financial support for the children. And while I keep track of every penny, my child does not. Talking to her doesn’t help.