At 50, the author quit their job and decided to stop financially supporting their adult children. They told their kids they would no longer cover rent, insurance, or overdrafts.
The daughter reacted with tears and asked to keep weekly coffee meetings, while the son laughed and accused them of a “midlife crisis.” When the son demanded help, the author stood firm, choosing self-respect over being a constant provider.
Weeks later, when dropping off the son’s old belongings, he dismissed them as “useless,” but the author remained undisturbed. They now enjoy peaceful mornings on their porch, valuing silence and independence over performing endless parental duties.
