Your job as the parent is to do what is best for your child every time.
It can be hard to show grace to a spouse/other parent who does not deserve, but most of the time it is what is best for your child.
It does not mean that they are not held accountable, but what it does mean, is that short of placing your child in true danger, you encourage and promote a relationship between the child and the other parent.
Just not saying hateful things (like they do ) is not enough. Your child is half of them and half of you. If you convince them that the other parent is ALL bad, then you are telling your child that half of their identity is bad.
Exceptions, of course, are made for abuse and dangerous conduct, but those are the exceptions, not the rule.
Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody lawyer in Mississippi and thinks the Family Law world needs a little more love.
This advice comes from years of custody disputes, multiple counselors, being a parent and seeing a lot of what-not-to-do.
#1 Be Consistent
Be there. Show up when you are supposed to. Be there when you can in addition to when you are supposed to. Be supportive mentally, emotionally, financially. Be calm. Be steady. Be there.
#1A Be Positive.
Be a good example. Be a positive role model. Say nice things about your child. Say nice things about the other parent. Be reassuring. Be encouraging. Be loving. Be affectionate.
That’s it. Do those things. You’ll win at parenting.
Matthew Thompson is a child custody attorney in Mississippi and encourages all parents to be consistent and be positive, even you.
Below is a short clip from my most recent appearance on Law Call with Rocky Wilkins of Morgan & Morgan. The caller wanted to know about recovering unpaid child support and her facts allowed for a few more opportunities to educate the public on Mississippi Law.
Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody and Child Support Lawyer in Mississippi and reminds you that in Family Law, you can never go wrong if you do what is Right!
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