Budget Battles: Husband’s Fury Over Wife’s Unseen Spending on Kids’ Lessons
A Reddit user discovered his stay-at-home wife has been paying for ballet lessons for their two-year-old daughter without telling him. But he says they are in “financial difficulty” and calls the ballet lessons a “waste of money.”
Beginning To Experience Financial Difficulty
The original poster (OP) says their family is experiencing financial difficulty. Their rent went up, and his job began cutting his hours. Fortunately, OP found a second job to bring some financial relief.
They are not living paycheck-to-paycheck, but OP knows they need to be more mindful when spending money. So, he discussed this with his wife, letting her know they can’t easily afford luxuries.
They Can’t Afford Ballet Lessons
OP noticed unusual transactions in their shared bank account. So, he brought it to his wife’s attention. He learned that his wife has been taking their younger daughter to ballet lessons once a week.
OP was annoyed because he knew they couldn’t afford ballet lessons. So, he told her to stop taking their daughter to ballet and find a cheaper activity that both of their kids could enjoy.
She Accused Him Of Depriving Their Daughter
OP’s wife resisted his instruction by saying their daughter really enjoyed the ballet lessons. She also said he was “depriving [their] daughter of something that could help her future.”
She believed they could find a way to afford the lessons. But OP knew the ballet lessons weren’t cheap and called them a “waste of money.” He told her she should have discussed this with him first before spending large amounts of money.
OP’s wife was furious and began crying, saying, “something that makes your child happy isn’t a waste of money.”
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The Reddit Community Chimes In
A few Reddit users recommend that OP’s wife get a job to help with the family finances. They add that being a stay-at-home mom is a luxury nowadays, considering the rising cost of living. And, if OP’s wife is so adamant about her younger daughter taking ballet lessons, then she can find a job to pay for it.
Other Reddit users say there are plenty of inexpensive activities that can still make kids happy, such as going to the park. And, if OP’s wife wants to spend money on ballet lessons, she should have discussed it with her spouse.
Regarding ballet helping their daughter’s future, a Reddit user said they used to teach dance to toddlers. They say at that young age, and the lessons are less dancing and more spinning.
Is OP wrong for stopping his kid’s ballet lessons? Should have OP’s wife discussed spending money, especially with their current financial situation? Or should OP’s wife find a job to help with their family finances?
