That night, something shifted. We finally had a real conversation not just about chores, but about feelings, fears, and failures. Derrick admitted he’d been overwhelmed, unsure how to help, and scared of messing up as a father. I told him I was simply tired tired of carrying everything alone and being taken for granted. That tough love moment cracked the wall between us, and for the first time, he truly listened.

Since then, Derrick has changed. He wakes up for feedings, packs Amelia’s daycare bag, and spends time with her without needing prompts. He even created a weekly “Daddy-Daughter Day” to bond with her on his own terms. That to-do list, meant to teach him a lesson, turned into the wake-up call we both needed. Our home is more balanced now not because of a list, but because we finally chose to share the weight of parenting together.