Robbie is a devoted father doing his best to support his daughter, but money has always been tight for him. His ex-wife recently contacted him asking for help with their daughter’s college tuition. Robbie explained that while he wished he could contribute more, he simply couldn’t afford it. His ex-wife did not take the answer well — especially since her new husband is wealthy — and tensions quickly escalated.

Robbie feels torn. He doesn’t want to disappoint his daughter or seem uninterested in her future, but he also can’t put himself into financial ruin. He worries that his daughter may misunderstand his situation and believe he doesn’t care about her education, when the truth is that he feels ashamed that he can’t keep up with her stepfather’s resources.

To find a solution, Robbie has been encouraged to re-evaluate his finances and consider whether he can offer even a small contribution. He was also advised to reach out to his daughter directly — sincerely explaining his situation and reminding her how much he loves and supports her, even if he can’t match the financial help others can give.

At the same time, Robbie must protect his emotional well-being and financial stability. Seeking counseling, taking care of himself, and even talking to a family mediator or lawyer may help him navigate this difficult co-parenting situation. Blended families can be complicated, but open communication and boundaries may prevent the situation from worsening.