Does Your Love Interest Have A Say In Child-Rearing?
I was having an interesting discussion the other day and thought it might be a great topic for discussion here. You have a child and you (and perhaps the child’s other parent) is doing all they can to raise the greatest kid that ever lived. Well, since my kids have all tied for the top spot, let’s say the second greatest kids who ever lived!
What happens when you have a love interest? Sure they are your confidante and will listen to you squawk and moan about the “other parent” and how they handle things. But does that person have a seat at the decision table on child rearing? Or are they merely there in an advisor capacity?
Of course, I would not expect a casual date to have a say, but does the level of seriousness play a role? Do they have a seat at the table when they have been around for a month, year, or longer? What if they are living with you or are engaged? Does that matter?
My thought is that if there are two parents who are active in the children’s lives, those two should be the only ones to be in on the discussion of raising the kids. Perhaps if one is re-married then the step parent might have a role. A live-in partner might eventually have a role but only if the other parent is not around.
I recall one time , not long after I divorced, my ex and I were at an annual check up for my youngest and the pediatrician asked how the divorce was going. We told her that it was going well. My ex spoke up that she was upset that the kids did not seem to respect her new husband. The doctor said “why should they?” Her position was that all of a sudden there is a stranger to the kids living in the home. This coupled with the upheaval of the divorce is stressful. She suggested that for 18 months he be treated like a babysitter and that when mom goes out, he is in charge and they are to listen to him. If there were any issues, he should report back to mom and then mom was to mete out any punishments. It was not the answer my ex was looking for, but to me, it did make sense!
What are your thoughts?
About the Author: John
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I agree with you! There are two parents who have a primary role; I think more than taking the role of a disconnected adviser opens the door to strife. I’d be afraid I’d think things like “Who do you think you are? I’m the parent, I know them;that’s my role.”
I think that way as well. We all have criticisms on how others raise their children–right, wrong or indifferent. But the fact remains that it is the parent(s) choice to raise them in whatever manner they seem fit. For the girl/boyfriend, fiance(e), or step parent, sure they should be there to support their love interest and perhaps offer opinions, but they need to be taken at face value–as opinions knowing that mom and dad have the say so.
Now, I have also heard of step mothers/fathers being the only opposite sex influence in a child’s life and that is a different ball of wax. In most cases, the one parent is an absentee one.
Agnes
Surely no one else can become a parent to a child unless adopted Step mothers /fathers should not interfere in the child rearing process. In most cases they call the child in disciplined Why should they respect you as a step Just know why you are around just look for your interest without much interference in the child rearing process