My 22-Year-Old Son Threatens to Leave the House and Go Live With My Ex-Husband Unless I Buy Him a Car
My son, Michael, just turned 22, and I thought we had moved past the turbulent teenage years. But a storm was brewing.
While I was making lunch, Michael stormed in, frustration evident on his face. “Mom, we need to talk. I need a car.”
Surprised, I asked about his part-time job savings. “It’s taking too long,” he replied. “All my friends have cars, and I need my freedom.”
I reminded him cars are expensive and he could save more, but he cut me off, saying, “Maybe I’ll just live with Dad. He’ll buy me a car.”
His words shocked me. David, my ex-husband, often tried to win Michael’s affection with material things. I said, “You can’t threaten to leave because you don’t get your way.”
Michael retorted, “Dad spoils me.” I stressed the importance of responsibility, but he rolled his eyes, frustrated by feeling left out.
Days passed with silent treatments between us. At dinner, I tried again to discuss the car. “It’s not just about the car; it’s about how you’re handling this,” I said, but he shrugged off my concerns, insisting Dad would understand.
Eventually, I found a note on the kitchen counter: “Mom, I’m going to stay with Dad. I can’t stand being here anymore.”
Panic set in as I realized I didn’t know where David lived now. I immediately called Michael, but it went straight to voicemail, leaving me worried and unsure of what to do next.
