I hear this often, “I don’t lie to my kids.
This is said shortly after one party disclosed the dirty details to the child regarding the other parent. Followed by the statement, “they have the right to know.”
But what about that parent, with their righteous indignation, who says, “I do NOT lie to my child?” My response? “What about the Tooth Fairy?
I get a blank stare.
We lie to our children all the time A LiveScience.com article stated it better, “Parents Lie to Children Surprisingly Often.” This article concluded that parent’s lie to protect their child and lie to preserve some semblance of innocence and childhood for their children. These are all good things.
The Tooth Fairy question gets that indignant parent every time. There is no good reason to “tell all” about the other parent’s misdeeds. You should be telling them that the other parents loves them very much. When the kids are older they will realize the truth and appreciate you all the more for allowing them to have a childhood and to love their other parent, even if the other parent did not deserve it.
Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody Attorney in Mississippi and believes sometimes lying to your children is in their best interests.
“I’d rather have him watch classic Godzilla movies and play in the yard and pretend to be a Jedi rather than figure out basic math.”
A Boston, MA parent is tired of homeschooling his kindergartener.
“Amid the barrage of learning apps, video meet-ups and e-mailed assignments that pass as pandemic home school, some frustrated and exhausted parents are choosing to disconnect entirely for the rest of the academic year.“Id.
Respect and admiration for teachers are growing as the pandemic-forced school closures continue.
As a parent, your job is to do what is best for your child, even during a pandemic.
Matthew Thompson is a child custody lawyer and enjoys his share of Godzilla and Jedi movies, but reminds parents that rearing your child continues to be a top priority.
Essential Travel includes, “Travel required by…court order, including to transport children pursuant to a custody agreement.
We are operating in uncharted waters as far as what to do and when to do it regarding getting out of the house. However, generally speaking the Court expects you to abide by its Order unless it is unsafe to so do. The Court then expects parents to act reasonably, communicate and make reasonable accommodations.
COVID-19 is NOT an excuse to be a terrible parent.
There are a lot of ways to interact safely; in-person, ( so long as it is safe to do so), Facetime, Zoom, telephone, email, text, video and other electronic means.
Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody lawyer and encourages parents to be reasonable and not try to take advantage of these circumstances. Do what you believe is in the best interests of your child.
We are getting many questions concerning Custody and Visitation schedules and exchanges of children during this time.
The first advice to give is to use common sense and follow the recommendations of authorities.
From the CDC, The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
If the necessary precautions have been taken, no one in either home is sick or showing symptoms, and no one in the home is in the vulnerable class, visitation exchanges should take place as ordered.
If someone has been exposed to the virus or showing symptoms or is traveling from an infected area, be SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE! Try to avoid travel and exposing other individuals to the virus. While children are resilient and may be asymptomatic, they can still spread the virus to vulnerable persons.
If visitation exchanges are not possible, utilize FaceTime or video chats to maintain daily contact with your children. Parents need to work together for the safety and well being of everyone, which calls for flexibility and access, whether direct or remotely through technology.
Chad King is a Child Custody lawyer in Mississippi and reminds parents that being reasonable is not a weakness.
A Kansas man filed for Court permission from an Iowa judge to duel his ex-wife (or her attorney) via sword-fight to resolve their ongoing custody dispute.
David Ostrom, 40, of Paola, Kansas, alleged that his former wife, Bridgette Ostrom, 38, of Harlan, Iowa, and her attorney, Matthew Hudson, had “destroyed (him) legally”. Id.
Ostrom argued that the Court had the authority to “resolve our disputes on the field of battle, legally,” noting in his pleading that trial by combat “has never been explicitly banned or restricted as a right in these United States”. Id.
Ostrom requested sufficient time so he could secure Japanese samurai swords.
Ostrom explained his pleading thusly, “I think I’ve met Mr Hudson’s absurdity with my own absurdity.”
Judge Craig Dreismeier responded that a decision would take some time, citing irregularities with both sides’ motions and responses.
“Until the proper procedural steps to initiate a court proceeding are followed, this court will take no further action concerning any motion, objection or petition filed by either party at this time.”
Citing The Guardian.
Matthew Thompson (601)850-8000
Halloween is a fun excuse to dress up, eat candy and be a kid again.
However, you may only get this chance if your divorce papers allow it! Halloween is not a “real” holiday, and while admittedly it has a relatively short shelf-life on being magical, it’s still a fun experience.
Halloween is not in the Court’s standard schedule and not a Federal Holiday. So, if you want it you better address it and/or ask the Court for the day or that it be alternated between the parents.
Don’t only count on the other parent to be reasonable. Sometimes they are NOT!
Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody lawyer in Mississippi and reminds you to consult the calendar when devising a custody schedule.
Recently, I was pleasantly surprised to find a very unique new bow tie in my mailbox!
Someone sent me the above bow tie. It is by far the most unique bow tie have. Also, intentionally or not, it was sent anonymously. I could not glean who it was from. The word “KIDS” and the “Scales of Justice” certainly indicate it was intentional and someone who knew me and TLF’s passion for helping families in Mississippi. So, thank you.
BeGreat Bow Ties has a meaningful and moving backstory.
I am grateful for my BeGreat Bow Tie and will wear it proudly.
Thank you!
Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody and Adoption lawyer in Mississippi.
(601) 850-8000 - - BowTieLawyer.MS 