I have an eight-year-old son, Mike, from a previous relationship. His biological father has never been involved in his life. Two years ago, I married Steve, who has been a wonderful husband and a loving father figure to Mike. However, my mother-in-law has always had an issue with the fact that her son is raising “a stranger’s kid.” Yesterday, I overheard her telling my husband that instead of paying for Mike’s sports and extracurricular activities,

he should give her the money because she needs it more, explaining that she has joint problems and that massage therapies could help ease her pain. In a low voice, my husband replied, “Mike will never come before you, Mom; you’re my blood.” He went on to say, “It’s not my responsibility to pay for the extra activities he does, but remember that my wife earns very little, and Mike doesn’t have another dad. So, in a way, I feel obliged to take care of him.”

While I appreciate that my husband ultimately stood up for us, his words deeply hurt me. It broke my heart to realize that he isn’t supporting my son because he truly wants to, but because he feels he has no other choice. Do you have any advice for me?