Divorced Dad Wants Son To Stop Playing Sports Because It Takes Up Too Much Of His Custody Time, Says He Won't Contribute To It Anymore

"I never played sports so I don't get the fun."

Sophia

• Published in Interesting
• December 7, 2023

In the intricate dance of post-divorce co-parenting, OP, a 42-year-old father, finds himself entangled in a quandary over his 13-year-old son's involvement in sports. With custody dynamics dictating weekends spent together, OP feels the strain of his son's busy sports schedule encroaching on their limited time together.

The clash intensifies as concerns about injuries, bruises, and societal perceptions of potential abuse come into play.

Approaching his ex-wife for a solution, OP is met with a directive: if he wants his son to quit sports, he must convey it directly. This pivotal moment prompts OP to have a candid conversation with his son.

However, the adolescent's fervor for soccer and bowling becomes apparent, and he rebuffs his father's suggestion, highlighting the minimal impact of his presence at games.

As the tension escalates, OP, torn between paternal worry and the desire for undisturbed quality time, takes a drastic stance. He notifies his ex-wife that he will no longer contribute to the expenses associated with his son's sports activities.

The threat of consulting a lawyer looms, adding a legal dimension to this familial discord.

The narrative paints a poignant picture of the complexities involved in divorced co-parenting, where conflicting interests and divergent perspectives on a child's extracurricular pursuits become a battleground for understanding, compromise, and, ultimately, determining who holds the reins in shaping the son's extracurricular journey. But is OP in the right for this?

Just take a look...

OP is 42M, divorced 9 years, has one son with ex-wife, full custody to her, and he has weekends with son every other week.

OP is upset about son's Saturday sports conflicting with visitation. Ex-wife says he must ask their son directly for a break.

OP expressed concern to 13-year-old son about excessive sports, injuries, and fear of perceived abuse. Mom dismissive, citing son's active lifestyle.

Son insists on playing soccer and bowling, downplays OP's concerns.

OP then informed his ex-wife that he won't financially support son's sports due to injury concerns, mentioned possible lawyer involvement.

Scroll down to see what people had to say!

Perhaps he should trade pouting skills for soccer moves.

Perhaps he'll start attending games and upgrade his dad status from 'YTA' to 'MVP'.

Missing the games, not the wit. Maybe some bleacher bonding is the plot twist he needs!

Trading touchdowns for timeouts? Risky move. Time for a game plan reboot!

No judge would force a 13-year-old to quit sports just because dad won't attend.

Excuse game needs an upgrade—maybe a redemption arc in the dad playbook?

Time to trade Netflix for bleachers and show some MVP support.

Perhaps a shift from 'Me, Myself, and I' to 'Team Dad' could win him some playtime.

Reciprocation...

Lesson learned: No penalties for the player in the game of divorce.

In the parenting league, OP needs some serious draft picks.

Scoreboard: Needs an interest upgrade! Time to swap thumb-twiddling for touchline cheering.

"You're a poor excuse for a father."

It's not just goals on the field but life lessons too. Time for a Dad-coach pep talk.

Scored: Dad Participation Level 0! Time for a teamwork upgrade—jerseys for two, maybe?

"You only care about what you want."

As the final whistle blew, it was clear: trying to change the play might score a penalty in the playbook of shared custody. What do you think about this situation?

Comment down your thoughts, or share this article for all your family and friends to see!

Sophia