Widowed dad expects daughter to do chores to pay for period supplies

The father was roundly condemned for his stance. Photo / 123RF

A widowed dad has been slammed online after he went public with doubts over his parenting, revealing that he asks his daughter to do chores around the house while letting his son off scot-free.

The 50-year-old widower went to the popular sub-Reddit AITA (Am I The Asshole?) with his question, telling users that his stance had split the wider family.

He said that he lost his wife 10 years ago and has been raising his 17-year-old son and 15-year-old daughter since then.

"Recently it caused a big stink with some family that my daughter does chores, but my son does not," he wrote.

"I explained it's because I have to spend extra on my daughter each month not only for her extra-curriculars, but for her monthly supplies, so it's my way of having her pay me back."

Yes. In case you were wondering, when he says "monthly supplies" he does mean period products.

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He then reveals that not only does he expect his daughter to clean, he also expects her to cook for him and his son.

"My brother said I spend twice as much on my son's extra-curriculars and by my logic, he should have to do chores too. I explained he didn't because I feel his could help him get into college but hers were just a hobby in my opinion."

Yep, that's right. This gem of a father said that because his son's extra-curricular activities could get him into university, he doesn't feel like he should have to "pay back" his father for the expense.

The dad explained that his son plays baseball and gridiron while his daughter does choir and dance.

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He denied he was being sexist and supported his son because he had a "better chance at getting a scholarship".

Tragically, he revealed that his daughter had overheard the conversation with his brother and was "very upset" and began to refuse to do chores.

Then he admitted to dropping a bombshell, telling his daughter she had to complete her tasks or he would stop paying for her choir, her dance and her period products.

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He denied being genuine about the threat, but it was enough for his long-suffering daughter.

"I wouldn't actually do that, but I was mad when I said it. She packed a bag and took off," he revealed.

"She's been staying with my sister who called me an abusive asshole when I demanded she send her home. My brother and sister are coddling her and I'm furious.

"My son said I was being an asshole to her and that's why she left. I'm completely fed up with the whole thing. Am I The Asshole for expecting her to do chores?"

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If the troubled dad was left in any doubt, the online reaction should be enough proof that he is indeed the asshole.

"He's really combing with a fine-toothed comb to justify treating his daughter like an indentured servant. He's 'pink taxing' her existence," wrote one critic.

"Threatening to compromise her basic sanitary needs is beyond atrocious and dehumanising. Lack of access to sanitary products for menstruation is literally a matter of human rights - and ensuring your children have their basic needs taken care of is basic parenting."

Another was more succinct: "The 50s called, they don't want you either".

Another comment pointed out that he was also doing his son a disservice, writing that he is the asshole "not only for the atrocious way he is treating his daughter but for the way he is treating his son".

"His son will go into the world without knowing how much work it takes to maintain a house and without the skills to do so. Is he going to bring his Laundry over to his sister's house so she can wash it? Disgusting."

When the thread made it to Facebook, users there were more forthright in their criticism.

"I'd bleed on every piece of furniture in the house," wrote one outraged woman.

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