I CONFRONTED MY EX AFTER OUR DAUGHTER WAS TREATED LIKE A FREE NANNY—

My 16-year-old daughter, Sari, called me crying, saying her stepmom, Renna, forced her into overnight baby care as “rent” for living part-time with her dad, Colby. Furious, I drove to their house with donuts, confronted them, and took Sari to live with me. Renna justified it as “rules,” but I called it exploitation, noting Sari’s failing grades and fear of eviction. Colby didn’t resist. Sari moved in, slept 13 hours, and seemed herself again. Colby later

admitted his fault, citing Renna’s postpartum struggles and his failure to protect Sari. He agreed she could stay with me full-time, apologized sincerely to her, and began showing up consistently. Sari learned her worth isn’t tied to others’ demands. Adults must protect kids caught in their messes, ensuring they feel loved, not used.