Single dad demands that girlfriend end annual neighborhood party hours earlier so his kids can go to sleep, she refuses to compromise on tradition: ‘It’s not really something I want to change for one guest’

One of the trickiest aspects of dating as a single parent is navigating family traditions. I don't just mean holiday rituals, either. When two single parents get together and try to start blending their lives and parenting styles, they might find that they handle their day-to-day very differently. From bedtime routines, to meals, and social events, there is no "neutral" setup; each parent has their own way of doing things that feels normal to them but completely alien to someone else. Sometimes, compromises can be made on some of the smaller stuff, like screen time rules. But other times, there really is no way forward if no agreement can be reached.

For one mom who's been hosting the same annual neighborhood party for years, blending parenting styles with her boyfriend hasn't been a problem up until now. Her setup has always been the same: kids are invited, but they all get tucked into bed at night while the parents unwind outside. Her boyfriend of six months felt uncomfortable with this arrangement, insisting that the event should end when the kids go to bed. Instead of, say, getting a sitter or sitting this one out, though, he saw the whole thing as a dealbreaker.

Growing up, my family operated similarly during late night events; we cousins and children of family friends would essentially have a sleepover while parents stayed up; they never let kids stop them from having fun late into the night. Still, it makes sense to me that this dad isn't too comfortable putting his kids to bed alongside strangers' kids. The solution, however, isn't to upend the whole annual tradition!

Author image for Ely Bulnes Ely Bulnes
Advertisement

Like what you see? Find more hilarious women's memes and crazy stories on our Instagram @Cheezcake_Humor and more videos on our TikTok @cheezcaked 


 

Tags

boyfriend relationship advice single relationships parenting girlfriend entitled breakup red flag raising kids healthy relationship parents dating entitled people
Scroll Down For The Next Article

Also From CheezCake

Feeling Unapproachable? Stop and Scroll These Angsty Memes for Women In Need of a Mood Reset

Feeling Unapproachable? Stop and Scroll These Angsty Memes for Women In Need of a Mood Reset

Trending Now

Young man wins "life changing" amount of money, some family pressures him to share his winnings but he refuses, tearing the family apart: 'I can't stand the entitlement'

Young man wins "life changing" amount of money, some family pressures him to share his winnings but he refuses, tearing the family apart: 'I can't stand the entitlement'

01
Memes About Aging For Anyone Who Is In Denial About Getting Older

Memes About Aging For Anyone Who Is In Denial About Getting Older

02
Parents suspect that jobless 18-year-old daughter is sabotaging interviews to stay unemployed, they promise to stop paying for her phone unless she starts helping out around the house: 'She isn't taking it serious'

Parents suspect that jobless 18-year-old daughter is sabotaging interviews to stay unemployed, they promise to stop paying for her phone unless she starts helping out around the house: 'She isn't taking it serious'

03
31-year-old boyfriend refuses to let girlfriend use bathroom after 10 PM, claiming it is one of his "boundaries," she refuses to stay at his place anymore and considers break up: "That's not normal, right?"

31-year-old boyfriend refuses to let girlfriend use bathroom after 10 PM, claiming it is one of his "boundaries," she refuses to stay at his place anymore and considers break up: "That's not normal, right?"

04
20+ Witty Mental Health Memes for Women Who Need to Go On a Hot Girl Walk Right Now

20+ Witty Mental Health Memes for Women Who Need to Go On a Hot Girl Walk Right Now

05
Childless aunt refuses to watch infant niece to help out the family, brother-in-law drops daughter off with aunt's work anyway: 'I don't want to be the primary care for her after school'

Childless aunt refuses to watch infant niece to help out the family, brother-in-law drops daughter off with aunt's work anyway: 'I don't want to be the primary care for her after school'

06
Advertisement