92. What if my child prefers the other parent? Money, comparison & the “fun parent” after separation

What if your child prefers being at their other parent's house?

It's a fear that caught me completely off guard when my son was away with his dad. Not because I thought he might love his dad more, but because their household can afford experiences that I sometimes can't.

As a single mum parenting on a tighter budget, what happens when one house can say yes to festivals, meals out and more days out, while the other is packing snacks for the playground?

In this episode, I'm talking about co-parenting after separation, comparing yourself with the other parent's household, the financial reality of single motherhood, and the fear of becoming the "boring" parent.

The fear that your child might prefer the other parent
Comparing two households after separation
How money gives parents more options, not necessarily more love
The pressure to spend money to make childhood experiences "count"
Being the parent who has to say no more often
Why ordinary childhood memories still matter
Remembering that your household has value that isn't financial

Because after separation, it isn't only your finances that change. Your child's life splits into two versions, and suddenly there's another household you can measure your own against.

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