Bored Panda works better on our iPhone app
Continue in app Continue in browser

BoredPanda Add post form topAdd Post
Tooltip close

The Bored Panda iOS app is live! Fight boredom with iPhones and iPads here.

“Go Make Your Own Kids”: Mom Loses It On Ex’s New Girlfriend For Teaching Her Son “New Age” Phrases
437

“Go Make Your Own Kids”: Mom Loses It On Ex’s New Girlfriend For Teaching Her Son “New Age” Phrases

ADVERTISEMENT

We people tend to agree to disagree on a majority of topics, yet it seems there are a few that escape this little consensus. One of them is how one should raise their kids. It’s as if we’re born, ironically enough, with an inner wisdom or code as to how the future generations should be taught, so that they become the best version of themselves.

And yet, those theories and approaches tend to clash person to person, sometimes leading to quite heated arguments, as we’ll see in the story today. Jajdngoaneogn came to the community of r/AmIthe[Jerk] to ask the very important question—was she in the wrong for telling her boyfriend’s ex how to raise her son?

Make sure to stick around for the community’s verdict at the very end, but let’s just come out and say—this is a spicy one! There’s a big debate to be had on this very question, and so, dear readers, feel free to leave your thoughts and opinions in the comments below. Let’s dive in!

There are as many ways to parent as there are kids in the world, however, when those methods clash with one another, it may cause issues for all involved

Image credits: Dimaberlin (not the actual photo)

One woman decided to ask the internet whether she was in the wrong for telling her boyfriend’s son’s mother that she should update her parenting style

ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: drazenphoto (not the actual photo)

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Image credits: Purple-Lab1576

The situation is more complex than may meet the eye, and it’s no wonder that it’s caused such a heated debate online. On one hand, the author of the story clearly wants what’s best for the child and has good intentions at heart; however, just because she’s had some experience with nieces and nephews doesn’t mean she fully understands what it’s like to parent 24/7.

On the other hand, researchers believe that parents should avoid yelling at their children, as it’s very similar to physical punishment. It can lead to increased levels of anxiety, stress and depression along with an increase in behavioral problems. Yet, she is the main caretaker of the boy, and, as a single parent, it can’t be easy.

Many agree with a general rule for telling someone else how to parent their kids: Don’t. For those who just can’t help themselves, Heather Reese of Cafe Mom has some advice. Only give suggestions when they’re asked for. Tone is also important; there’s a fine line between giving advice and telling someone that they are failing as a parent. Lastly, if you don’t have kids, shush.

However, this situation is a bit more complicated than just a random stranger that thinks they know it all. The boy essentially has two families that are raising him, and it’s up to the adults to come to a consensus on what’s best for the child. “When parents have different opinions on raising their children, it can create tension or anxiety in the home,” says Jaclyn Gulotta, a licensed mental health counselor. “Children may also feel that tension and anxiety [especially] if parents disagree in front of them.”

ADVERTISEMENT

“Consequences of having a difference in parenting include more conflict, emotional and physical disconnect, lack of trust, and behavioral changes,” says Dr. Gulotta. That’s why it’s vital to learn how to collaborate and come to a more unified approach to parenting. Creating rules together and agreeing to consequences will make the journey a lot more pleasant for all parties involved.

Truth is—being a parent is never easy. It doesn’t come with a handbook, regardless of the advice available. Leading with love and best intentions doesn’t always work, yet it can’t hurt to try. We hope that this family can sort things out so that no one is left behind in the equation.

Leave us your thoughts on this in the comments below after reading through the discussion that happened online. Let’s see each other in the next one, and until then, have a great day!

It’s not surprising that this has divided the internet. There were those who supported the woman:

ADVERTISEMENT

On the other hand, there were those that believed she should mind her own business, especially being the outsider in the relationship. Leave your thoughts below!

ADVERTISEMENT
Share on Facebook
You May Like
Popular on Bored Panda
Start the discussion
Add photo comments
POST
hea_c avatar
StrangeOne
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The ESH comments have weak points. FrauAmarylis says "ShE's A sInGlE pArEnT". So??? I agree with the others that said the mom is being unreasonable, immature and petty, and the mom is actually overstepping on the Dad's rights to see his son. If they have a custody arrangement and the mom is not adhering to it, or if it's a casual agreement, he can take her to court. The gf is now part of the boy's life and being a contributing sort of common law, step-parent. Sounds like the mom feels threatened. That is something she needs to work on.

christine-backbay avatar
Uncommon Boston
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We don't know if any of what you said is true. We don't know the full extent of the GF's interface. The BF knows his ex, if she is abusive or overly harsh he must do something. Is there a legal document governing custody? We don't know.

Load More Replies...
emilycockroft avatar
moyamcbride avatar
MoMcB
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the mother is very lucky to have someone who is kind to their child, and takes care of them. I've been on both sides, and it's a very fine line to walk down.

Load More Comments
hea_c avatar
StrangeOne
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The ESH comments have weak points. FrauAmarylis says "ShE's A sInGlE pArEnT". So??? I agree with the others that said the mom is being unreasonable, immature and petty, and the mom is actually overstepping on the Dad's rights to see his son. If they have a custody arrangement and the mom is not adhering to it, or if it's a casual agreement, he can take her to court. The gf is now part of the boy's life and being a contributing sort of common law, step-parent. Sounds like the mom feels threatened. That is something she needs to work on.

christine-backbay avatar
Uncommon Boston
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We don't know if any of what you said is true. We don't know the full extent of the GF's interface. The BF knows his ex, if she is abusive or overly harsh he must do something. Is there a legal document governing custody? We don't know.

Load More Replies...
emilycockroft avatar
moyamcbride avatar
MoMcB
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think the mother is very lucky to have someone who is kind to their child, and takes care of them. I've been on both sides, and it's a very fine line to walk down.

Load More Comments
Popular on Bored Panda
Trending on Bored Panda
Also on Bored Panda