May 17

Over the last few months, I’ve been dealing with a virtual epidemic of irresponsible, immature, and dysfunctional parents. That may sound harsh, but please read on and see if you agree.

Recently, a family with whom I have counseled found themselves back in family court to settle a dispute over unpaid child support. After a very acrimonious divorce and custody battle, the mother was awarded physical custody of the children, and a visitation schedule was settled upon that kept the father quite involved in the children’s lives. As far as access to the children and an ongoing relationship with both parents was concerned, things were working out very well.

However, after just a few months, the father became very inconsistent in his child support payments, and just a few years into the arrangement, he was now over $10,000 behind.

During the court proceedings, it came to light that shortly after the divorce the father had purchased a very expensive, highly accessorized SUV. And although he claimed financial hardship as a reason for the non-payment of his child support, he was quite proud of the fact that not once had he ever been late with his car payment.

I wonder if it has ever occurred to him that priorities like this speak volumes to his children about love.

Now don’t think I’m just bashing the fathers here… I’ve been running into some mothers that are real doozies as well. Stay tuned for my next post.

May 15

I haven’t posted anything for awhile, but I’ve decided that I need to turn my attention back to this blog and try to help as many people as I can. You see, I’m angry. Maybe you will think that is unprofessional or immature or unproductive, but I am.

I’m angry at a court system that lets so many children fall through the cracks. I’m angry at spiteful, manipulative parents who don’t think twice about using their children as pawns in their vengeful games against their ex-spouse. And I’m even angry, but in a different way, at the innocent spouses who, through their naïve faith in the “system,” let their children end up with a custody plan that is not only less than ideal, but in many cases downright harmful.

And I’m letting my anger provoke me to action. Parents, you simply can’t allow yourself to be manipulated by your former partners and you can’t allow your children to be railroaded into custody arrangements that will negatively impact their lives. No matter how defeated your feel or how much energy it may take, you MUST act on behalf of your kids and arm yourself in this battle you are facing!

I’ve met Dr. Barry Bricklin and Dr. Gail Elliot, and they care deeply about you, your children, and your situation. Their publications present you with more information than you would find in years of research on your own, and they all come with a 100% money-back guarantee.

So please go to the Child Custody Library and take advantage of their child custody resources. Let my anger spur you to take positive action to dramatically improve your situation.