Dad refuses to uproot his kids' lives and move to a different state after his wife decides to move closer to her own kids, forcing her to divorce: ‘I would rather our marriage end than move’

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Bar Mor Hazut • Senior Editor
Sep 4, 2025 6:00 AM EDT

Every parent would agree that the love and responsibility you feel for your children tramples over any other feeling you feel for anyone else. You thought you loved your husband, or your wife? Well, wait until you hold the tiny little baby you created, and then see how you truly feel about the person you, up until now, called 'the love of your life'.

There is nothing one wouldn't do for the sake of their child, even if it means having to choose between them and other loved ones. No matter what, they always come first, and sometimes, that decision truly hurts.

The parents in the story below are the perfect example of the lengths someone would go for their kids, because neither of them was willing to give up what they know is best for their children. The mom knew, since her kids were moving to a different state with their dad, her ex-husband, that she had to be there with them; they needed their mom. The dad knew that while he loved his wife, there was no way he was going to uproot his own kids' lives and move away with her.

Both great parents, but maybe not the best fit for each other anymore…

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  • 01

    AITA for being willing to end my marriage because I refuse to uproot my kids from their life to follow my stepkids?

    My wife and I have been together for 4 years, married for almost 2. We both have kids.
    via Natizzio
  • 02
    Couple carrying boxes on steps while moving out of house
    via Ketut Subiyanto

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 03
    My daughter is 11 and my son is 9. We lost their mom when they were younger.
    via Natizzio
  • 04
    My wife had been divorced for many years and shared custody of her 15 and 16 year old's with her ex until a few months ago when he was granted permission to move to another state with their kids, because their kids wanted to go with their dad.
    via Natizzio
  • 05
    My wife doesn't want to be away from her kids for long periods of time and she has told me she's moving.
    via Natizzio
  • 06
    She feels like she needs to be near her kids. I support this. But I won't move my kids away from family, friends and stability to do this.
    via Natizzio
  • 07
    My kids don't want to move either. They heard my wife mention it several weeks ago and they told me they don't want to leave.
    via Natizzio
  • 08
    They'd miss everyone too much. I already know the life my kids have here is what they need and where they thrive.
    via Natizzio
  • 09
    I explained this to my wife and she was defeated. She told me we can't make a marriage work if I'm here and she's there and I said I agree and I told her I believe the best way forward would be to divorce.
    via Natizzio
  • 10
    She was upset by this, of course, and we talked and I comforted her and she asked me if there was anything she could say or do to make me reconsider.
    via Natizzio
  • 11
    I told her I won't move my children and I would never ask her to be apart from her kids for months at a time.
    via Natizzio
  • 12
    I said we're both committed to the best interest of our individual children and that means doing what's right for them even if it's not right for us as a couple.
    via Natizzio
  • 13
    She asked for us to talk it out some more and we have. We've talked about it extensively but all the while she has been making arrangements for a place where her ex and kids now live and a new job.
    via Natizzio
  • 14
    I think she believed I would change my mind the more we discussed everything but I have not and now she's angry that I would rather our marriage end than move so we can all be together as a family.
    via Natizzio
  • 15
    But I know this is not what's best for my kids.
    via Natizzio
  • 16
    Couple with divorce contract and ring on desk. Divorce
    via Andranik Hakobyan

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • 17
    OkMix4193 NTA. You're putting your kids' stability first, and that's exactly what a parent should do. It sks for your marriage, but forcing them to move away from their entire support system would be unfair.
    via OkMix4193
  • 18
    Your wife is doing what she feels she has to for her kids, and you're doing the same for yours. It's heartbreaking, but sometimes love isn't enough when kids are involved.
    via OkMix4193
  • 19
    Various-Ocelot-2209 NTA As a parent you need to do what's best for your kids. It's sad that your marriage will have to end but it's unfair to uproot your kids.
    via Various-Ocelot-2209
  • 20
    Even more so since her kids choose to live with their dad and are older teens who will become more and more independent in the coming years.
    via Various-Ocelot-2209
  • 21
    Ok_Profile2595 Your children are so lucky to have such an amazing father.
    via Ok_Profile2595
  • 22
    ayesh00 NTA You both are putting the kids first which is what good parents do.
    via ayesh00
  • 23
    Unfortunately the kids needs are at odds so that means the marriage has to take a back seat until they are all adults. Good luck
    via ayesh00
  • 24
    Complex Visit5585 NAH but her kids are 15 and 16 which means the top range of separation is max 3 years before both are in college or doing their own thing. Why not long distance it for a short period of time before rejoining each other for the rest of your lives?
    via Complex_Visit5585

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family drama aita kids mother siblings stepmom wife reddit story parenting husband divorce family moving Reddit women parents children Father
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