After the Divorce, My Dad Always Chose His New Family’s Kids –

After my parents’ divorce when I was four, my father initially maintained our bond with weekend visits. But when he remarried Jane, who had three kids, I became sidelined. His stepchildren’s events took priority—soccer games, birthday parties, and play center visits replaced our time together. He even spent my concert ticket money on Emma’s room repaint and used my graduation party funds for Tyler’s shopping spree. When I fractured my arm, he didn’t visit, preoccupied with Jane’s kid’s surgery. His dismissive “it’s not all about you” stung, while my mom remained my rock, working tirelessly and supporting me unconditionally.

By senior year, I’d earned a spot at my dream college through hard work. At graduation, Dad expected to walk me onstage, but I chose Mike, Mom’s reliable boyfriend who’d supported me consistently. When Dad protested, I confronted him publicly, listing his absences—missed concerts, hospital visits, and broken promises. Humiliated, he backed down. That day, walking with Mike, I felt valued, not like an afterthought. Dad learned actions have consequences when I called someone else “Dad” on my big day.