Food, shelter and clothing are necessities and while providing them is the minimum, doing so alone does not make you a great parent.

• Do you encourage a relationship between the child and the other parent?
  • Just NOT badmouthing them does not make you a great parent. You should encourage and promote a good relationship.  Oh, and it’s required when parties have joint legal custody.
• Do you withhold financial support from your child?
  • Money isn’t everything, but there is no excuse for not supporting your child.
• Do you degrade the other parent to your child?
  • “I don’t lie to my child!” 1) Yes, you do. Everyday, to protect them. 2) Telling them how big a scoundrel the other parent is hurts the child. Half of their identity is from that scoundrel!
    
• Do you prevent your child from seeing the other parent or interfere with the visitation?
  • Out of sight is NOT out of mind. Absence can make the heart grow fonder…

Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody Lawyer in Mississippi and reminds you to not be a terrible parent.

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You may also contact Matthew with your family law case, question or concern at (601) 850-8000 or Matthew@bowtielawyer.ms.