I raised 3 boys on my own as a single mother and you know what? It was fucking hard! I worked shit jobs, went back to school, etc. to give us a better life, all without child support and all with only minimal involvement from their father.

I did all that because, it was my responsibility. I I didn't bother chasing the father for support because you can't get blood from a stone. I let him see the kids and didn't speak ill of him in front of them (and let me tell you, he often made that very hard), because I'm a fucking grown up. They figured out who he was soon enough on their own.

I think women like those you describe are essentially using their children as a means of exerting power. You hurt me, now I'll make you pay. And the sympathy is wonderful because they love the attention. Problem is, the only ones that suffer in the end are the kids.

Great article. :)