but Ruby and I were the ones going hungry. So I made a decision: I called a family meeting. I explained the new rules — everyone gets a plated portion, and leftovers are split and labeled. I thought it was fair. Brian and Emily were angry. They said I was treating them like children and that I was being heartless. But I had to stand my ground. I needed to protect my daughter and restore balance in our home. Eventually,
I told them if they couldn’t respect the rules or contribute, maybe it was time to find their own space. It wasn’t easy. It hurt deeply. But sometimes, being a parent means making hard choices for the right reasons. I don’t know how things will turn out from here. I hope, in time, they’ll understand why I had to act. But I won’t apologize for standing up for myself and my daughter