Family and money can be a tricky mix, especially when children from different marriages are involved. Harper found herself in this exact situation when her teenage son received a large inheritance from his late father. Now, her current husband wants to use some of that money for their younger son – and Harper’s refusal has sparked a painful argument.
Here’s Harper’s story in her own words:
When my ex-husband passed away, he left our 15-year-old son $300,000. Since he’s still a minor, I’ll be managing the money until he turns 18. But here’s where things got complicated. I also have a 12-year-old son with my current husband, and he thinks some of that inheritance should go toward our younger boy’s education.
I said no.
My husband was furious. “What kind of mother are you?” he snapped. “You’re protecting the rich kid while turning your back on the poor one!” I didn’t know how to respond, so I stayed quiet.
But here’s the thing—that money isn’t mine to share. It belongs to my eldest son, a gift from his father. If I took even a dollar of it for my younger child, wouldn’t that be unfair? Worse, wouldn’t it be dishonest?
I know my husband wants what’s best for both boys, but this isn’t the way. My younger son has both his parents, while my oldest has lost his dad. That inheritance is all he has left from him.
Still, the guilt lingers. Am I being a bad mother by refusing? Or am I just doing what’s right?
